Every night I fell asleep to a different Beatles album. So I'm

In the days of ancient storytellers, there was a belief that the songs of the heart carried a deep and sacred meaning, and that the music of the gods could shape the very soul of a person. The ancients knew that the power of music was not simply in its melodies but in its ability to mark the passage of time and to transform the hearts of those who listened. In the words of Christina Ricci, we hear a reflection of this timeless truth: “Every night I fell asleep to a different Beatles album. So I’m very familiar with the Beatles; Ringo was my favorite Beatle until I grew up and then changed. I made the switch over to George Harrison just in time to regain my cool.”

What Ricci describes is more than just a simple preference for music. It is a journey of self-discovery, a passage from the innocence of youth into the wisdom of maturity. The Beatles, those great minstrels of the modern world, spoke to generations through their songs, weaving tales of love, loss, and reflection. And just as the songs shaped the lives of those who listened, so too did they shape Ricci's own journey, as she fell asleep each night with their melodies, as if they were a constant companion guiding her through the passage of time.

Ringo Starr was once the favorite, a symbol of youthful innocence and playfulness. For many, Ringo represented the carefree spirit of youth—the one who could bring joy through his simple beats, his easygoing nature. But as Ricci grew, she found herself drawn to George Harrison, a Beatle whose music carried a depth and spirituality that spoke to the wisdom of maturity. Harrison, with his introspective lyrics and unique sound, marked a shift in Ricci’s journey—a shift from childhood to the more complex, more nuanced world of adulthood. This was a natural transformation, one that all must go through—the movement from one phase of life to another.

The changing of allegiances from Ringo to George Harrison is a metaphor for the evolving self. Just as youth seeks simplicity and joy, maturity seeks something deeper, something more reflective and meaningful. This transition mirrors the journey that many undergo as they grow, as they expand their understanding of the world around them and their place within it. The ancients spoke of the young warrior who sought to conquer the world with strength and boldness, but the elder warriors spoke of wisdom, of understanding the deeper currents of life. It is this balance between the playful nature of youth and the reflective depth of adulthood that Ricci’s words capture.

In a way, Christina Ricci’s story is not just about music—it is about the way in which we find ourselves through the choices we make. Just as a person grows and matures, so too do their tastes and preferences evolve, revealing new aspects of who they are. In Harrison’s music, Ricci found a new version of herself, one that had matured and was ready to embrace the more serious and introspective nature of the world. But this change did not mean abandoning the past—it meant integrating it into the person she was becoming. She did not forget Ringo Starr, nor did she reject her youthful exuberance; she simply moved into a new stage of life, where she was able to find a deeper connection to the world.

The lesson here is one of growth and adaptation. Life is not static; we are not meant to remain in one phase forever. The music we listen to, the heroes we admire, the values we hold—all these change and evolve as we do. The Beatles, with their diverse array of songs and styles, represented this very truth: no one person, no one song, can define who we are for all eternity. Just as George Harrison’s introspective melodies spoke to Ricci at a certain time, so too will new songs, new ideas, and new experiences speak to the person you will become. Embrace this evolution with grace, for it is the journey of the soul to find new depths with every step.

The message is clear: we are constantly becoming, constantly shifting, growing from one phase of life to another. The music of our lives may change, the things we love may evolve, but through it all, we remain connected to the journey we are on. Find joy in the transformation, for each new phase brings with it a deeper understanding of who you are and who you are meant to be. Just as Christina Ricci’s love for Ringo evolved into an appreciation for George Harrison, so too will your journey through life bring new wisdom, new inspirations, and new songs for your heart to sing.