Why in the world are we here? Surely not to live in pain and fear And why on earth are you there When you’re everywhere, Come and get your share. And we all shine on Like the moon, and the stars, and the sun. Yes, we all shine on, Everyone.
— From the song Instant Karma by John Lennon
In February, 1970, two months before the Beatles break-up became public, John Lennon composed, recorded and released his song Instant Karma in just 10 days. Fifty years later, the song seems especially relevant with the world in the grip of a pandemic and some countries experiencing social and political upheaval.
Of course, the main astronomical reference in the song is the repeated chorus about humankind shining on “like the moon, and…