It was the year 1965 when The Beatles released the song We can work it out, a hymn to diplomacy, to how to overcome disagreements and misunderstandings in any type of relationship, the importance of communication and commitment to resolve conflicts.
Composed mainly by Paul McCartney and assisted by the two-voice bridge by John Lennon, this song offers verses that would be very useful today in politics, both national and international.
“Try to see it my way, Do I have to keep on talking till I can’t go on?”, thus begins the lyrics of We can work it out, where the first thing emphasized is the intention to communicate to the other the speaker’s position, with the intention even of exhausting the time needed to, not convince, but explain their stance.
“Think of what you’re saying, You can get it wrong And still you think that it’s all right. Think of what I’m saying. We can work it out And get it straight or say goodnight.
And to emphasize the commitment to respect for the opponent and for peace and empathy, the musical bridge composed by John Lennon and performed on the harmonium states the following:
Life is very short
And there’s no time
For fussing and fighting, my friend
I have always thought
That it’s a crime
So I will ask you once again
Try to see it my way
Only time will tell if I am right or I am wrong
While I see it your way
There’s a chance that we might fall apart
Before too long
We can work it out
“Life is very short and there’s no time for fussing and fighting, my friend. (…) Only time will tell if I am right or if I am wrong. While I see things your way.” Just like what we are experiencing in this era, right?
It should be noted that this song was written in 1965, a few days marked by the escalation of the Vietnam war and great social tensions. The United States sent its first combat ground troops to South Vietnam and began massive bombings of Operation Rolling Thunder; on February 21, the prominent leader and activist for the rights of African Americans Malcolm X was assassinated in New York; an armed conflict broke out between India and Pakistan over control of the Kashmir region, which ended with a ceasefire sponsored by the UN, and among the assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy and the leader against racism, Martin Luther King.
Later came anthems for peace and love composed by these four musicians, which still resonate in the minds and consciences of many today. Not only All you need is love and Imagine (John Lennon), but also Pipes of Peace (Paul McCartney), Give me Love (George Harrison) or Here’s To The Nights (Ringo Star). Although to be fair to history, perhaps John Lennon’s figure is the most combative against war and disagreement. Many wonder what someone with John’s mind would say (or sing) about current conflicts, speeches, and strategies.
