“In the summer quiet. Just be. Joshua liked the Beatles, used to listen to them in his room, you could hear the noise even through the big headphones he loved. Let it be. Silly song, really. You let it be, it returns. There's the truth. You let it be, it drags you to the ground. You let it be, it crawls up your walls.”
Explore This Quote Further
Quote Analysis:
In this quote from Colum McCann's novel, the idea of finding peace and acceptance in the midst of chaos is explored through the metaphor of the Beatles song "Let It Be." The protagonist, Joshua, finds solace in the music of the Beatles and specifically in the message of their song. However, as the quote progresses, it becomes clear that simply letting things be is not always easy or straightforward. The line "You let it be, it drags you to the ground. You let it be, it crawls up your walls" suggests that sometimes accepting reality can bring about unexpected challenges and difficulties. Overall, this quote highlights the complexities of finding peace and letting go in the midst of life's trials.
Modern Relevance
In this passage from Colum McCann's novel, the concept of "letting it be" is explored in a profound way. The notion of allowing things to unfold and accepting truths, no matter how difficult, is something that remains relevant in today's fast-paced and often chaotic world. This idea of surrendering to the flow of life and facing the consequences of our actions is a timeless lesson that can still be applied in modern times.
Example of Usage
"In the summer quiet. Just be. Joshua liked the Beatles, used to listen to them in his room, you could hear the noise even through the big headphones he loved. Let it be. Silly song, really. You let it be, it returns. There's the truth. You let it be, it drags you to the ground. You let it be, it crawls up your walls.” - colum mccann"
Reflection Questions:
As we reflect on this passage from Colum McCann, we are invited to contemplate the power and complexity of letting things simply be. The Beatles' song "Let It Be" serves as a backdrop for Joshua's thoughts and experiences, highlighting the contradictory nature of allowing things to take their natural course. Consider these questions as you think about the significance of letting things be in your own life:
How do you typically respond to challenges or obstacles in your life? Do you tend to try to control the situation, or are you able to let things be and trust in the process?
What do you think McCann is trying to convey about the concept of "letting it be" in this passage? How does this idea resonate with you personally?
Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to simply let things be. What was the outcome of your resistance or acceptance in that situation? What did you learn from the experience?
How do you interpret the line "You let it be, it crawls up your walls"? What does this imagery evoke for you, and how might it relate to the idea of surrendering to the inevitable in life?
In what ways can practicing acceptance and allowing things to unfold naturally lead to a greater sense of peace and understanding in your life? How can you cultivate a mindset of letting things be in your day-to-day experiences?
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“Let it be. Silly song, really. You let it be, it returns. There's the truth. You let it be, it drags you to the ground. You let it be, it crawls up your walls.”
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