Song resonates

Thank you, Geoff Boucher, for highlighting Nick Lowe and his powerful song, “What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love, and Understanding?” (“Who’s Laughing Now?” Oct. 24). His song is forever etched in my soul.

Two songs were juxtaposed on the radio the afternoon following the shooting death of John Lennon -- an act I still cannot comprehend: “Oh Yoko,” John’s carefree ditty expressing his love for his wife, and Elvis Costello’s angry, searing rendition of “What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love, and Understanding?” It was overwhelming.

Lowe’s song amplified the senselessness of the assassin’s attack. One can only hope that the song’s message continues resonating throughout the world until peace, love and understanding are common traits and, as Lowe says, “that someday the song will be so redundant that no one sings it.” Imagine....

Larry Woods

Manhattan Beach