This song is based on Ancient Indian philosophy as taught to John Lennon by Guru Dev Singh. The phrase heard in the chorus, “Jai guru de va om” sums up the thinking behind this philosophy.

Fiona Apple expounds upon the basis for this song with simple inflections of the voice. While the original vocals by The Beatles are full of heart and emotion, Fiona takes a more withdrawn approach. She sounds like she’s in a daze, a meditative state. Lennon was known to repeat the words “Jai guru de va om” to keep him focused while meditating.