The Beatles, Let It Be | Throwback Vibez

In the 75^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Let It Be” by the legendary Fab Four, The Beatles.   

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 75^th edition of Throwback Vibez ️ (2025), we recollect and reflect on “Let It Be” performed by The Beatles.

“When I find myself in times of trouble / Mother Mary comes to me / Speaking words of wisdom / Let it be.” Those are some of the most iconic lyrics to ever be written or sung. “Let It Be” is the crème de la crème of The Beatles’ catalog. Notably, John Lennon (1940 – 1980) wasn’t a fan of the sixth track from Let It Be (1970). He also didn’t like the album and was skeptical of this Paul McCartney (1942 – ) led song, which was personal. Credited to both McCartney and Lennon, McCartney is the sole songwriter. Extraordinary but controversial music producer Phil Spector (1939 – 2021) produced it. Fun fact: Let It Be, recorded before Abbey Road, was the final album released by The Beatles, who were in the process of disbanding.

John Lennon may have had a bone to pick with “Let It Be,” but this uplifting song is a surefire classic.  The first time you hear “Let It Be,” it feels meaningful and special. It is an encouraging song, but it is NOT a Christian/gospel song despite radiating peace. Yes, Mother Mary is an important part of Catholicism, but McCartney is referencing his deceased mother, Mary, not Mother Mary. McCartney was inspired to write this song after having a dream about her.  The inspirational sentiment was intentional, something that irked Lennon. “And when the broken-hearted people / Living in the world agree,” McCartney sings in the third verse, continuing, “There will be an answer / Let it be.”  The takeaway: it will be okay.  Is there a timeline to ‘letting it be’? No.  Is there a timeline for things that we can’t control in life? No. The chorus is simple, yet reflective and thoughtful: “Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be / There will be an answer / Let it be.”  Ultimately, “Let It Be” is epic to the nth degree.  McCartney sounds fantastic, the background vocals are marvelous, the musical accompaniment is stellar, and the songwriting is pitch perfect. Beginning as a piano ballad, it becomes grander, with the addition of the full rhythm section, including ‘the fifth Beatle,’ Billy Preston (1946 – 2006), on the organ and a sweet guitar solo by George Harrison (1943 – 2001). This double-platinum, number-one hit is a song that many songwriters wished they could have written. 

The Beatles // Let It Be // Apple Corps Ltd // 1970

The Beatles, Let It Be: Throwback Vibez ️ No. 75 (2025) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Apple Corps Ltd; AcatXlo, OpenClipart-Vectors, Clker-Free-Vector-Images, Speedy McVroom from Pixabay]