As a Cancer Survivor, I Appreciate the Song, 'Here Comes the Sun'

I have been more morose and depressed than usual about my cancer. I know I am lucky to be alive but the restrictions on going out socially, the medical bills and constant worrying about money, and the never-ending doctor appointments are overwhelming lately.

Then I remember the Beatle's song "Here Comes the Sun.” As I read about the song’s background, I became intrigued. It is one of the most streamed top 10 songs by this famous group. I think that’s because it is about hope. George Harrison along with his friend Eric Clapton wrote it after a long winter in England. Harrison told BBC it was a nice sunny day, and it relieved his tensions of a crazy schedule and a winter in England he thought lasted forever.

Since the Beatles stopped touring in 1967, they never played it live. However, a song with this kind of hope just does not fade; and it was played for different benefits, recorded on radio and television shows, and performed by other artists, allof which contributed to the familiarity of this popular song.

Having cancer is like living in a winter of darkness. What keep us going are the times of sunlight including days we feel better, periods of remission, ringing the bell when finished with chemo, and an ultimate peace when the journey is over. The premise is so simple it is powerful. Just focus on the words.

Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo

Here comes the sun, and I say

It’s alright

Little darlin’, it’s been a long, cold, lonely winter

Little darlin’, it feels like years since it’s been here

Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo

Here comes the sun and I say

It’s alright

Little darlin, the smiles returning to their faces

Little darlin’, it seems like years since it’s been here

Here comes the sun

Here comes the sun, and I say

It’s alright

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes (x5)

Little darlin’,I feel that ice is slowly melting

Little darlin’, it seems like years since it’s been clear

Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo

Here comes the sun, and I say

It’s alright

Here comes the sun doo-doo-doo-doo,

Here comes the sun and I say

It’s alright 

Here comes the sum doo-doo-doo-doo

Here comes the sun

It’s alright

It’s alright

Even without the music, reading the lyrics brings a sense of hope. The sun is peaking through all those bad times and we are reassured that “little darlin,” it is going to be alright.

If you look carefully there are actually very few words in this entire song. The Beatles were not a group that used hyperbole. They wanted to get the message across easily and they did! I think this was part of their appeal. What reassuring words to listen to and sing and dance! Just remember that the sun is out there and little darlin’, it is going to be alright!

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