Bless You
John Lennon
Eternal Love and Blessings: John Lennon's 'Bless You'
John Lennon's song 'Bless You' is a heartfelt ode to enduring love and the complexities of relationships. The lyrics convey a sense of blessing and well-wishing towards a former lover, indicating a deep and abiding connection that transcends physical separation. The opening lines, 'Bless you wherever you are, Windswept child on a shooting star,' evoke a sense of longing and a wish for the other person's well-being, no matter where they are in the world. This imagery of a 'windswept child on a shooting star' suggests a sense of freedom and movement, yet also a fleeting, ephemeral quality to their connection.
The song also touches on the theme of change and the passage of time. Lines like 'Some people say it's over, Now that we spread our wings' acknowledge that others might see the end of the relationship as final. However, Lennon counters this with 'But we know better darling, The hollow ring is only last year's echo,' suggesting that the love they shared still resonates, even if it has changed form. This metaphor of a 'hollow ring' being an echo from the past implies that while the relationship may have ended, its impact and the emotions it stirred continue to linger.
In the final verse, Lennon extends his blessings to the new person in his former lover's life, 'Bless you whoever you are, Holding her now.' This shows a magnanimous spirit, wishing warmth and kindness to both his former lover and her new partner. The closing lines, 'And remember though love is strange, Now and forever our love will remain,' encapsulate the song's core message: love is a complex, enduring force that remains a part of us, even as circumstances change. Lennon's gentle, reflective tone throughout the song underscores the maturity and depth of his feelings, making 'Bless You' a poignant reflection on love's lasting impact.