Songs > Let It Be

Let It Be

(Lennon/McCartney)

Song background
Paul wrote "Let It Be" in response to the constant fighting amongst band members, esp. over finances. Paul was trying to emerge as the new 'leader' of the band, since John was often absent from sessions. The other members grew tired of his poking and prodding and soon turned on him. 'Mother Mary' who gives Paul strength is actually his mother, who came to him in a dream and lifted his spirits.

Recording dates

• January 31, 1969 (basic track)
• April 30, 1969 (overdubs)
• January 4, 1970 (overdubs)

Release dates

• March 6, 1970 (UK) ("Let It Be/You Know My Name (Look Up The Number)" single)
• March 11, 1970 (US) ("Let It Be/You Know My Name (Look Up The Number)" single)
• May 18, 1970 (US & UK) (on Let It Be)
• March 8, 1988 (UK & US) (on Past Masters Vol. 2)
• November 14, 2000 (UK & US) (on Beatles 1)

Recording notes

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Chart performance

• #1, April 11 - April 18, 1970 (2 weeks), Billboard (US)

Quotes

• "Writing the song was my way of exorcising the ghosts." - Paul McCartney, on "Let It Be"

Awards

• Nominated for the 1970 Grammy for Song Of The Year
• Best Contemporary Vocal Performance By a Duo Or Group
• Best Contemporary Song

Anomolies

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Other notes

• The single version and album version are different - the main difference being the guitar solo. The two songs were mixed from the same master with both guitar tracks playing at the same time.

Notable covers

• John Denver (from Poems Prayers And Promises, 1971)
• Gladys Kight & The Pips (from If I Were Your Woman, 1971)
• Joe Cocker (from Sheffield Steel, 1981)
• Ike & Tina Turner (from Workin' Together, 1986)