The Unused Orchestral Version Of “Across The Universe”

April 1, 2025

It was a chilly autumn morning in 1970 when I first laid eyes on the dusty reel of tape tucked away in the corner of an old recording studio. My heart raced as I picked it up, feeling the weight of what it might hold. It was an unused orchestral version of “Across the Universe,” composed by the legendary John Lennon. As I unspooled the tape and listened, I found myself swept away by the lush strings and haunting melodies, a stark contrast to the familiar version I had sung to a countless number of times. This forgotten piece seemed to float through the air like the leaves swirling outside, each note carrying a powerful emotion, echoing Lennon’s spirit of peace and love.

John Lennon had a complex relationship with music and fame. After leaving The Beatles, he struggled to define his artistic voice. He was determined to find a way to express his inner thoughts, which were often clouded by the chaos surrounding him. The orchestral version of “Across the Universe” was a part of this journey—a testament to his desire for depth and beauty in his music, yet it never saw the light of day. I could imagine him, sitting in that studio, filled with hopes and dreams, battling the weight of expectations that came with being a superstar.

Listening to it, I felt as if I had stepped inside Lennon’s world—a place where the simple act of creating music could be both exhilarating and daunting. The richness of the orchestration spoke to the very essence of his message: connection, love, and the search for meaning in a turbulent world. It illuminated the roads he traveled, revealing layers of his personality and passion that had remained hidden beneath the popular songs. It was a reminder that even the most celebrated artists face struggles, and that not every creation is embraced or celebrated in its time.

Inspired by the beauty of the music, I decided to share the orchestral version with my friends, who gathered around as I played it on my guitar. With each strum, I could see their expressions change, captivated by the unheard harmony that seemed to wrap us in a warm embrace. We talked about the dreams and fears that lingered inside us, just as I imagined Lennon had done with his own friends. It was magical to witness how music could kindle conversations and strengthen bonds, making us feel alive and connected in ways we hadn’t expected.

In sharing this forgotten masterpiece, I felt a surge of resilience. It reminded me that sometimes paths in life are filled with twists and turns, and not every effort leads to immediate recognition. Yet, it is the passion and courage to create that truly matter, even if a song remains unsung for years. John Lennon’s journey taught me that art is not just about fame but about expressing oneself authentically. As we played and sang together, the unused orchestral version of “Across the Universe” became more than just music; it became a symbol of hope and the power of creativity to unite us.

As I watched my friends smile, I realized that music is a bridge that connects us to each other and to the stories of those who came before us. Lennon’s unused version reminded me that every artist leaves behind pieces of their heart, waiting for someone to discover them. That day, under the autumn sky, I understood that while not every creation finds its audience right away, the beauty lies in the journey of creation itself and the joy it brings to the world, reminding us all to keep dreaming and creating, no matter how long it takes.