Lost classic: 'Across the Universe' by The Beatles

Almost 40 years after their break up, The Beatles still dominate radio in a way nobody has matched since their demise. This either means they were pretty special or that rock and pop have gotten pretty lame since 1970. Actually, it is a little of both.

'Across the Universe' appeared on the album 'Let It Be,' which was the last album The Beatles released. The controversy surrounding this album is well known. Relations were strained in the band, and it showed in the songs. Eventually, the project was dumped in Phil Spector's lap (yes, nutty Phil Spector who is currently on trial for murder) in order to produce something that could be released.

Spector received a lot of criticism for what he finally delivered especially for the bloated orchestration he applied to 'The Long and Winding Road.' However, he deserves credit for his work on 'Across the Universe.' The choral and orchestral arrangements he added were exactly the effect John Lennon's dreamy lyrics needed to make this song a classic.

In most instances, rock lyrics do not hold up as poetry. They just don't. However, Lennon's words in this song hold up just as well on the written page as they do in the song.

For example: 'Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes/They call me on and on across the universe/Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letterbox/They tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe.'

As good as this song is, I do not believe I have ever heard it on the radio. Many times, even allegedly progressive stations just stick to the hits. It's too bad because this is a good one.

Too good to be discarded.