Carl Sagan Tried to Send a Beatles Song Into Deep Space
In one of the most fascinating almost-moments in music history, scientist Carl Sagan reportedly wanted to include a song by The Beatles on the famous Voyager Golden Record — the message from Earth launched into space aboard NASA’s Voyager spacecraft in 1977. The idea was extraordinary.
Background
The Golden Record was designed as a kind of cosmic time capsule, carrying sounds and images that represented life on Earth: greetings in many languages, natural sounds, classical music, folk songs, and cultural recordings from around the world. If an intelligent civilization ever found it, the record would offer a glimpse of humanity.
And Sagan believed The Beatles belonged there. 🌍✨ According to accounts from those involved with the project, the song reportedly considered was “Here Comes the Sun,” written by George Harrison. It made perfect sense. Gentle, hopeful, and instantly human, the song carried a warmth that seemed almost ideal for a message traveling beyond our solar system.
But it never made the final record.
Introduction
The reason was not scientific. It was legal. The Beatles themselves were reportedly open to the idea, but rights issues prevented the song from being included. So instead of traveling through space aboard Voyager, “Here Comes the Sun” remained here on Earth — where it has continued to comfort millions of listeners for generations. 🎵💫
Still, the story remains powerful because it shows just how deeply The Beatles had entered the cultural imagination. Their music was not only seen as entertainment. To Carl Sagan, it represented something essential about humanity: creativity, emotion, hope, and our ability to turn feeling into sound.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
[Verse 1]
Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup
They slither wildly as they slip away across the universe
Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my opened mind
Possessing and caressing me[Chorus]
Jai Guru Deva, Om
Nothing’s gonna change my world
Nothing’s gonna change my world
Nothing’s gonna change my world
Nothing’s gonna change my world[Verse 2]
Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes
They call me on and on across the universe
Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box
They tumble blindly as they make their way across the universe[Chorus]
Jai Guru Deva, Om
Nothing’s gonna change my world
Nothing’s gonna change my world
Nothing’s gonna change my world
Nothing’s gonna change my world