It Don't Come Easy

Ringo Starr's 'It Don't Come Easy' is a song that speaks to the universal truth that achieving anything worthwhile in life requires effort and perseverance. The repeated refrain, 'It don’t come easy,' serves as a reminder that success and fulfillment are not handed to us on a silver platter. Instead, they demand dedication and hard work. Starr emphasizes the importance of paying one's dues, especially if one wants to 'sing the blues,' a metaphor for expressing genuine emotion and experience through art or any other endeavor.

The song also touches on the themes of trust and love. Starr sings about his desire for trust, stating, 'I don’t ask for much, I only want trust.' This line underscores the idea that trust is a fundamental component of any meaningful relationship, whether personal or professional. The growing love he mentions symbolizes the positive outcomes that can arise from mutual trust and effort. The lyrics encourage listeners to open their hearts and come together, suggesting that collective effort and a bit of luck can lead to better outcomes.

Another significant aspect of the song is its message about peace and moving forward. Starr advises to 'forget about the past and all your sorrow,' highlighting the importance of letting go of past grievances to focus on a brighter future. The line 'peace is how we make it' suggests that peace is an active choice within everyone's reach, provided they are willing to work for it. This message is particularly poignant given the social and political climate of the early 1970s when the song was released, a time when calls for peace and unity were especially resonant.