The Truth Behind John Lennon and 'Let It Be'

The Misunderstandings Surrounding John Lennon and 'Let It Be'

John Lennon is often credited as the primary singer or even the writer of certain iconic songs in The Beatles' catalog. However, when it comes to 'Let It Be', the story is a bit more nuanced. Many people believe that John sang the song just for fun, perhaps even changing the lyrics, but the reality is quite different.

John Lennon did not sing 'Let It Be'. The song is often considered a Paul McCartney composition, and according to historical evidence, Paul performed the lead vocal on the song. Several factors led to this misunderstanding and the persistent belief that John sang the song.

Why John Did Not Sing 'Let It Be'

Beatles as a Collaborative Band: One of the primary reasons for the belief that John sang 'Let It Be' is the collaborative nature of The Beatles. Each band member was known to take on lead vocals for their own compositions. This led some to mistakenly assume that John, who was often referred to as the 'leader' of The Beatles, would have taken the lead on the song.

Sources and Historical Evidence: Despite the numerous incorrect claims, there is clear historical evidence that Paul McCartney was the lead singer of 'Let It Be'. David Shumate, a journalist and author, did extensive research into the Beatles' discography and found that Paul indeed sang the song. According to Shumate, Paul wrote the song and recorded it first.

Other Claims Debunked: The idea that John withheld a reason for not contributing to the song is also unlikely. John was known for his brash and sometimes joking nature, but there are no credible accounts suggesting he refused to sing the song or changed the lyrics as a joke.

Recording History of 'Let It Be'

Recording Process: 'Let It Be' had a complicated recording process involving multiple takes and trials. The Beatles recorded the song on four occasions, and the version that made it onto the final album came from the second recording. An excerpt from this second recording was used, followed by a spoken introduction before the final version was recorded.

Paul's Original Offer: Interestingly, the song was originally offered to Aretha Franklin, who declined. Regardless, it became a signature song for The Beatles, reflecting themes of hope and solace, often interpreted as a message of comfort and resilience.

Myth Busting and Conclusion

Myths and Misunderstandings: The myth that John sang 'Let It Be' was perpetuated by a mix of misinterpretations and perhaps a desire to link John more closely with the song. The idea of John jokingly changing the lyrics to 'Let It Be' (imagined as 'Let It B. Letter B.') may seem plausible given John's personality, but there is no evidence to support this claim.

Resilience and Evolution: 'Let It Be' remains a timeless masterpiece, embodying the spirit of The Beatles and their music. Regardless of who sang it, the song's message of hope and resilience continues to resonate with listeners around the world.