Paul's mother was named Mary, and she died when he was a young boy. Paul has said in interviews that when he wrote the song he was thinking about his mother.
In the song, Mary comes like an angel whispering to him these wise words: "Let it be"—meaning let go, relax, don't worry about your troubles. These are words of comfort, reminding us not to think about sad things too much, to accept the bad things that have happened that we cannot change.
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
And when the broken hearted people living in the world agree
There will be an answer, let it be
For though they may be parted, there is still a chance that they will see
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
[Instrumental Bridge]
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be, be
And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light that shines on me
Shine until tomorrow, let it be
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
There will be an answer, let it be
And let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be
