In The Beatles' “Let It Be,” the lyric “When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary...” is completed by “comes to me.”
Paul McCartney wrote the song during a difficult period for The Beatles, when tensions surrounded the band's business affairs and recording sessions. McCartney later said that his late mother, Mary, appeared in a dream and offered reassurance; she had died when he was fourteen.
The song was released as a single in 1970 and later served as the title track of the final Beatles album released during the group's existence. Its gospel-influenced piano sound and calm refrain made it one of the band's best-known songs.
Listeners sometimes interpret “Mother Mary” as a direct religious reference to the Virgin Mary. McCartney has explained the personal connection to his mother, while the wording also allows a spiritual interpretation.