Georges son was attending classes at Brown University in Providence Rhode Island. I was on my way to work and stopped to get a coffee at a shop there. As I walked in to get a coffee I noticed George sitting in a booth with another person. I wanted to go over and just thank him for the great music and memories. But I restrained myself and respected his privacy. On my way out our eyes locked George nodded and smiled. It’s a cherished memory that I will always have! George was a beautiful spirit and a fantastic musician.It’s sad that he suffered so much in his last years.Love You Mr.Harrison.
So beautiful that you handled the situation with such awareness and care. That's outstanding. George obviously picked up on it. You guys had a genuine connection...... without saying a word. I'm not surprised, because he was such a sensitive being.
I love both songs (Northern and Too much) the flavor of the "Magic Beatle" stands the test of time and it turns out to be "sublime" , all my life with me ... .. . THANKS you JOKER❤!!
And yet - one of the most heartfelt "tribute" songs ever written is George's tribute to John, "All Those Years Ago." It makes me cry every single time.
I often listen to it and I am not as positive as you about the tribute to Lennon. I think it was maybe a little of that but maybe more of a wistful song about how it could have been with them all despite what the world was allowed to see.
George was my favorite Beatle, he was quiet, after left the Beatles, going out on his own, brought his music into the limelight . He was different. Singing songs from his heart.😊
Mine too. George was a deep thinker, and IMO he was the best guitarist of the band. His skills in playing that instrument made us feel something mystical. When George's guitar gently weeps, we all do.
I really abhor these negative slant videos !! John and Paul were the hit makers and their producer basically catered to Their two main writers. George’s writing began to get much better, and he was allowed one or two songs per album. As years went on , George’s writing got really Good! George originally was the lead guitarist for the Beatles he was not yet considered a writer. Even John and Paul would write a couple songs for George to sing in the early days. But between Pepper and white album George became a better musician AND songwriter! The Beatles sold much if their rights to Northern Songs and that was a point of contention w George, as they weren’t doing enough for them.
This is absolutely brilliant !! I always thought the lyrics were caustic, but now i look at them in a new way. George Harrison was by far the most thoughtful of the songwriting Beatles!!
I can understand how George must have felt! He was so underrated! I love his songs and videos! From "Here Comes The Sun" to "Something" to "My Sweet Lord" to songs he co-wrote with Ringo! And I also love his songs with Indian influence! George needed to speak up and tell Paul how he felt! George and I were alike in many ways and that's why he was my second favorite! George was the quiet Beatle and so am I! George expressed his feelings in his songs! I surely appreciated that! Long live George in songs!
George produced some superb stuff and recognition of his songs dawned very late for many people. Additionally, his and Ringo's instrumental contributions to a hell of a lot of songs, even from the early days, were an essential part of their success. The sum of their parts was always greater than the separate - that chemistry was magical!
@@suelucey9621 George was a vastly underrated guitarist for a long time. He turned out some superb solos, the gutsy version of his solo in 'Let It Be' being a prime example. As a coda, his beautifully over-driven slide solo in 'Free As A Bird is spine-tingling'!
Right, but according to Patty Boyd at times during their marriage he treated her in a rather cruel way, cheating on her openly, being derogatory and demeaning, There are usually two sides to a coin…
I AM team George - all the way. He wrote probably the greatest three Beatles songs, Here Comes the Sun, Something and While My Guitar Gently Weeps. Brilliant doesn't even begin to say it. I loved him since I was 9 and I love him still.
Even though George should've gotten more credit with the other three,I like George talking about Paul later on in the 80's being asked about his then current relationship and feelings towards Paul being off,he clapped back"I don't care what anybody says about Paul and I being at each other.Weve been friends since grade school and no one is gonna tell me we aren't now because him and I will always be friends no matter what anyone says".So outside of the music,they normally got along fabulously enough that he came across really meaning that.They used to hitchhike together in their teens.Paul did always look out for George,in the group should have been more,obviously,but overall,likewise,they were connected forever,like brothers.I loved that he shrugged off the"battle with Paul"idea that everyone was suggesting at the time.Musically,he was not always happy with Paul,but life for George,and all four,really goes way beyond music.Im happy for George being astute enough to understand that.
Just like when Lennon was asked about “How Do You Sleep” and the conflict with Paul. He said that it only matters how he and Paul feel, and they were fine. “My friends are my friends, whatever way,” he said
George wrote some great songs, that were my favorite songs of all time. "Here comes the Sun" "All things must pass" "Wile my guitar Gently Weeps" all of his songs were so wonderful!
Yes it is! I always loved that first song on the second aside of Meet the Beatles, ever since it came out. But you know where George sings in It's Only a Northern Song, "If you think the harmony is a little dark and out of key." He is a bit out of key in the double tracked vocal, that's what I always thought he meant. Also how he might as well have sang, "cause I don't even own my song." I thought it was financial, and hearing the part of the song that says the band is not quite right, seems to distance it from strictly George. Now Savory Truffle is definitely directed at Paul, and how about Not Guilty?
Having watched several performances of George Harrison with "The Traveling Wilburys" I had the impression that George H was enjoying that time more than as a "Beatle".
I think all of the TW were considered equals which George never was during his time as a Beatle; however, the time with the Beatles made him famous and rich.
Who knows. George was also very contradictory, whiney and bitter. Think about the Wilburys naming the second album of the band "Volume 3" by Harrison's idea. Just to confuse the "bloody fans", as George stated in a kind of a cynical way. It's also said that all the Wilburys wanted to make a third album but suddenly Harrison was reluctant to it ending any project about it.
@@chipgaasche4933 It was intended as a double album (4 sides). We were told at the time that the 3rd record (Apple Jam) was just a 'throwaway-gift' for fans. It is just 'off-the-cuff recordings of the musicians present, jamming together, during occasional breaks in proceedings, during the serious recording of the main songs. That's why it had a different label than the other two discs. The album, "All Things Must Pass," is just the two main discs. "Apple Jam" is just a bonus recording, included in the box, in the same way as you might include photographs, a booklet or a poster in such a package.
I was 11 years old when the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. My Dad called me in to watch them knowing I loved their music. I always gravitated to George an Ringo's songs even tho all the songs were great. Needless to say I became a Professional Musician and made a living for over 45 years doing so. With all that said I have to say I busted up laughing when you played Northern Song with your rendition of lyrics, soo true. Thanks for your excellent assessment of an obvious (to me) tumultuous Era for the Beatles. Their loss of Epstein was more difficult emotionally than even they could admit. Carry on my Good Man, you Rock!! I always thought " Don't Bother Me" was one of the best songs on that album. Still do, great hook, great harmonies, great beat! RIP George!
George was by far my favorite Beatle. In the 60’s when The Beatles came onto the music radar George’s guitar stood out to me. As I got older, George’s songs made more sense to me. I was entering puberty by the time The Beatles broke up, I bought George’s All Things Must Pass, mainly because the song All things must pass helped me deal with my Mother passing in June 1970. When the album and the song came out in December it spoke to me. As Beatle solo careers took off it was George Harrison and John Lennon’s solo careers I followed the most. Paul’s stuff just did not appeal to me. Ringo liked being on the funny side.
Me too. George is the only former Beatle I saw in concert. I grew up in New York and had other opportunities. Paul's stuff never grabbed me either, but I loved George's writing and guitar playing.
Confidence isn't a constant, always at one level for a person throughout life. It will ebb and flow depending on circumstance and environment, even for the most self-assured among us
Really great deep dive into this number most overlook. George is a gas. I was a Beatle Nut and my father always brought home each record as they were released. Thanks!
This is info we've come to know, after the fact. And it is sad in retrospect. We feel for George, and Ringo ,too. I think the ambitious McCartney & Lennon were so dominated by the machine they helped to create, which included the pressures to prolong the group's hit machine, the PR demands, and their attention to friends, lovers, hobbies, touring...etc., we're blinding to say the least. George finally did come into his own, and in that, we can truly take some comfort.
I think McCartney felt responsible for driving the band forward and ensuring the quality of the product they were producing. He was (or felt he was) the most sophisticated composer they had and this led him to value John's musical input and turn a deaf ear to George's songs and choices. The pressure to keep turning out hit songs was immense for them. The success on a scale they never dared to dream. You climbed a cliff face, got really high. Keep climbing or fall off, success can turn so quickly into a fall and a messy outcome. The guys were so graceful they got out at the right time, bruised but intact. George was full of grace, spirituality and insight, he leapt (acted) at the perfect time.
George wasn't as prolific as Paul and John but he created some gems. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", "I Need You", and "If I Needed Someone" are among my favorites.
I listened " if I needed someone" multiple times today dancing in my car not caring who saw just trying to tell the world how great " the Beatles" are!!
Paul and John's egos grew faster and larger than George and Ringo's did. I'm sure that contributed to how George felt excluded or minimalized. In a way, "The Beatles" as a rock and roll phenomenon was probably over for them as a tight unit by the end of '65. It's a shame they never really got their cards on the table. Maybe if they'd had, The Beatles would have had a longer career together. I think your assessment of this song is spot on. Even back when it was released, I thought something was rong, but as a little kid, I couldn't suss out what it was. I think you nailed it.
An outstanding summary! I was 16 when I first heard OaNS. Didn't quite "get it", just thought it went along with the album's concept. You've made perfectly good sense of it. Americans loved George because he was so humble. We also knew he was a very talented songwriter through his earlier efforts. Loved George and Ringo too. What's great about your summary is that you took us "full circle" and it can't get better than that. Thanks a whole lot! BTW, George came down here to Southern Illinois to visit his sister in Benton 50 years ago. His first solo LP was magnificent and awe inspiring. I'll always miss him. I only could wish someone would make a movie about him - thanks to you, there's a great story to be told about him. He deserved far more praise than he ever received. Thanks again.
This is the best and most predictable insight of how the Beatles worked together that fans have been waiting for. An intelligent description of how each band member viewed themselves and others is a remarkable eye opener, especially in the case of George’s unsurpassed talents being completely ignored was a devastating loss to the Beatles and the musical world, forever.
Out of all the Beatles George Harrison was BY FAR my favorite Although he was nicknamed THE QUIET one because of his laid back demeanor there was nothing quiet about the way he sang and played guitar. His slide guitar playing was phenonemal.
@@fredclarke801 On the recording of How Do You Sleep you can see Harrison playing slide on a Stratocaster, so probably not. It's clearly something he knew how to do.
@@baberoot1998 I mean, there are a small few I think are pretty crap songs, but so as to not stir the pot too much I'll keep my opinions on those silent, lol
No, they say Yellow Submarine (album) is the worst. I always liked this song and had it on CD since 1988. 35 years ago now. It was 20 years old at the time. Time flies.
An extremely compelling analysis all the way around. I've always thought there was more to that song than it initially seems, and you did an excellent job of connecting the dots. Well done, sir!
This and Its All Too Much are by far the best songs George wrote whilst in The Beatles. Re OANS, its been widely accepted that George wrote this after finding out that his songs were published through Northern Songs by default, and that as an owner of Northern Songs to the tune of 0.5%, he was pretty much employed as a staff writer, while Lennon/McCartney and Dick James were getting rich from his songs. It was one of the things that led him to push Harrisongs, and begin writing much more than he had been. As a songwriter, a lot of people think that L/Mc were the two who pushed The Beatles into new territories, and that an album like Sgt Pepper was groundbreaking, but I'd make a case that it was George who pushed further than the others; Within You Without You broke completely new territory that had never been heard before. Who else had *ever* written a pop song specifically for Indian instruments, and then had it orchestrated with a classical arrangement? Those three worlds had never met so effectively until George put them together. John and Paul were the better songwriters, but George did things his own way.
Think for yourself (1965), Taxman (1966), I want to tell you (1966), While my Guitar Gently Weeps (1968), Savoy Truffle (1968), Something (1969), I me Mine (1970), For you Blue (1970), Old Brown Shoe are my favorite Harrissongs.
Great analysis. I’m a huge fan of George’s songs and this is no exception. For some reason people tend to only recognize George’s Abbey Road tracks but I think all of his stuff was great. He brought his own flavour into the Beatles idiom with a mildly sardonic wit that perfectly complimented Paul’s sweetness and John’s rebelliousness.
Absolutely. Very well described. Since the early days, I was mostly a Paul fan, because he was such a great songwriter and melodist (which he even applied to his memorable basslines). But in later years, I discovered George and started to related more to his songs. He was brilliant, and as you say, he had his own flavor, typical of a Pisces (which I am as well). He was off on another plane. And from there he was able to see things from a more detached perspective and identify the ridiculous, the vanity, the phonyness, the banality of it all. Everybody has their ego, but his was very subdued compared to Paul's and John's. He once said in Anthology, "there was a lot of ego in that band." It must've been very difficult for him to put up with all that toxicity. And yet, he flourished and came out on top. And the world heard about him.
I think this is something that from very beginning, was inevitable. George was an amazingly talented musician and song writer. I can't begin to imagine how difficult it must have been to have his creativity restrained in such a manner.
Very interesting analysis. While the vast majority of the song is likely directed to John and Paul, I believe some of it may be directed towards George Martin who also neglected Harrison throughout the Beatle years. I recall reading an interview where Martin specifically mentioned that he didn't like Northern Song. I also recall reading that Martin apologized to Harrison (long after the breakup) for neglecting and under-rating his talent.
I think it is more due to the small stake in Northern Songs that Harrison had. He didn't want to waste his best stuff until he could get out of that and own his own publishing. His ownership of his own songs under Harrisongs began with the White Album which is when his best stuff suddenly came out of nowhere. He literally meant it when he was saying It's Only A Northern Song. That's how he felt about it and he wasn't going to waste his best stuff on something that he got 0.8% while John and Paul each got 15%.
I think you're both right and and there is even more layers and nuance ,and irony to this .. I also think this song was very advanced and progressive, so advanced that many were unable to fully grasp what was going on, genius hiding in plane sight while saying it was hiding in plain sight..
A brilliant synopsis of Harrison's song! Its so George to get his frustrations out in this way. I always loved the ironic lyrics and dissonant sounds that are every bit a beatlesque sound! I like it even more now that you gave me a new appreciation for who it was directed at. I think I always thought it was railing against EMI. But now that I realize just how brutal the Lennon-McCartney team was on him, I see it like you do!
WONDERFUL and BEAUTIFUL:: sensitive, intelligent, informative, personal, hugely human and relatible...maybe the best Beatle review I've EVER heard. Brings together the essence of their souls and mine, I ME MINE !!!, .... just like their music did......bravo sir.... take a bow.
The best musical analysis I have ever watched. The bar is set very high here. Was George in the wrong band? From the suffering he underwent, undoubtedly yes, nobody 'deserves' such pain and torment. But as a bequest to us, to history, to music itself? Who knows if he would ever have written his greatest works without going through the nightmare of humiliation and deprecation that he endured. From a songwriting perspective, judging from what was mercilessly rejected and ignored, it doesn't look as if George's contribution could be characterised as being the stubborn piece of 'grit in the oyster' that filled the Fab Four's catalogue with most of its dazzlingly precious pearls. But turned the other way round, it definitely looks as if Paul and John were the grit in George's songwriting oyster. He has enough pent-up frustration and bitterness to write an endless succession of songs which are outpourings of resentment, misery and grief. Misery is a powerful muse. His voice and lyrics are mostly laced with tragedy and regret. But let's not forget that his writing, whilst it was most often systematically held back from making its mark on the Beatles' legacy and contributing to their success, his guitar playing was not. He was one of the most influential musicians who ever lived. Great songwriting and distinctive vocals, as crucial as they were to making the Beatles the Beatles, were still only part of the recipe: if George Martin's contribution was crucial as arranger and producer, as 'the fifth Beatle' that did so much to make the Beatles sound the way they did, then George's guitar was no less important to a sound where the uniqueness of the tunes, singing and lyrics just can't be separated from the signature inventiveness of the production and instrumentation. The trials and tribulations of George are an 'agony and ecstasy' story and perhaps we need to temper our delight at his incomparably uplifting gifts to us with more than a bit of guilt about how we are the beneficiaries of great suffering. Thanks George, as far as we are all concerned, it was definitely worth it and you deserved much better.
You've offered a superb and professional critique here; I would have said something very close. One underlying thing I might add is that George Harrison was the personal embodiment of social graciousness and a truly professional viewpoint that made him exactly who he was and capable of handling things the way he did [and I'm not saying that John Lennon was any less than who he actually was, nor is Paul McCartney anything less than who he actually is]. Hats off to all of them - definitely including Ringo Starr, Brian Epstein and George Martin. The Beatles would never have been anything close to who they were without the inclusion of any of these 6 individuals. And hats off to you as well for the accuracy of your insight. Thanks much... ✨🎩🥴👍✨
@@peterfriedman2830 Hey there, Peter! Brian Epstein may be the most overlooked of all of them [and, there's a very good chance that none of it may have ever happened without him!]. All that said, destiny is - and is what it is. Great hearing from you and thanks much for getting back to me! Keep on keepin' on...! ✨🥴👍✨
Sir, you have a gift of writing that is insightful, intelligent and interesting. Persueing the analysis of circumstances, people and events should be your vocation.
@@xxxxyz854 Thanks, I had to write this because just recently I'd felt that there's always been something missing from George's heartrending story, something that cried out to me, simply begging for a much deeper understanding than I'd seen elsewhere.
Another Harrison composition..."Long, Long, Long", from 'The Beatles', (also known as 'The White Album"), is another hidden Harrison gem. I'm not usually a fan of Beatles covers, from other bands...but there is one of this track, that is absolutely gorgeous. A father and daughter harmony duet, that is fantastic. It is listed on TH-cam as, "Long, long, long" A tribute to George Harrison, with the name Stanley Samuelson as the poster. Give it a listen...you won't be disappointed.
Yes I'd already heard that version, and I think It's the best version of the song I've heard (even better than Georges dare I say.....), but I also like the Zelda Helena cover (also here on TH-cam) titled The Beatles - Long long long (cover).
wow, this really hits home. My first listen of northern song was summertime ~1971. I liked the song and played the record over and over. I noticed it was different and something odd or dark in it, but never knew what to say about it. I guess it was just over my head. Now, 50+ yrs later, i see your video and it totally makes sense. Thank you!
I normally don't like videos with a lot of build up to the actual topic of the video, but this was really well done. Extremely interesting take on Only a Northern Song. Have never thought of it that way before. Happy to be a new subscriber!
What a great analysis! There really is much more to this song than I realised. Only A Northern Song would have been a perfect fit for Sgt Pepper as many of the songs deal with loneliness and this song is about loneliness within The Beatles.
At first I was a die hard Lennon fan on his use of lyrics and word play and makes you think about yourself and society. Then I enjoyed Paul’s songs as it was very much about love and the person you love. Then I started listening really listened to George’s song and now I’m a super fan of his.
I think you are spot on. Very well delivered and thought out monolog. While I love a lot of the Beatles music, my favorite songs of that band has ALWAYS been Harrison songs. I was alive for ALL of it and my feelings about this has not changed.
I agree. 'Here Comes the Sun', 'While my Guitar Gently Weeps' and 'Something' are my favourite Beatles Songs . But I suspect it took the influence of working with Lennon and McCartney to provoke them out of George.
@@johnrussell5245 True. How could you NOT be influenced by the other band mates? But having said that, I still preferred the song writing of George best.
Whew, this video was a real eye opener, I never realized it all like this. I read in May Pang's book that George slapped John because he was so frustrated. Maybe that's why George turned to spiritual things more intensely, to better deal with his frustration. Thanks for your effort!
I know this is bad news for Beatles fans, but I think you nailed it. George and Paul were friends as kids, but George grew to dislike Paul. Paul's personality was like a fingernail on a blackboard to George. You can clearly see this in his many snide, mocking comments about Paul in TV interviews of the 70s and 80s.
@@Sj27mBeatles fans won’t agree with my tastes even less. aged 13 in 1977 I was blown away by “we’re only in it for the money “ & “ absolutely free “ as the 1st ‘ mashup ‘ & unpredictable music I had ever heard . it wasn’t until age 17 when I 1st heard Sgt Pepper which sounds pretty tame in comparison with Zappa & Co. I cannot disrespect The Beatles cos I love lots of their music & My Sweet Lord & some Wings but for me Sgt Pepper didn’t live up to its billing but then again I was first hearing it in 1982 not 1967 😁👍
Strange you should say that, you should look up on here justice for Paul McCartney as it makes you wonder if it is true that the original Paul was killed in a car accident in 1966 and was replaced by Billy Shears. It’s interesting and certainly makes you wonder.
@@janetcarter592Complete nonsense, Paul was 24 around 1966 and 14 when he joined the band. Obviously his personality was going to change, same goes for George, especially when you factor in the fame and the drugs. Also, John died in 1961 and was replaced by a shape shifting alien.
The exact same thing happened with the Rolling Stones, where the band began to revolve around Mick Jagger and Keith Richards due to their song writing and production talents, with the other members (Jones, Watts, and Wyman) relegated to a supporting role. Bill Wyman writes about this in his book, "Stone Alone" where he said Jagger and Richard looked upon Bill's efforts at song writing as little more than a "hobby", not to be encouraged or taken seriously. Brian Jones feared he would be ridiculed if he presented a song to the group that he had written. Wyman thought that Keith Richards actively undermined Brian Jones' self confidence. Mick Taylor quit the group after five years when his contributions to some of their songs were not acknowledged, when he was promised they would be. Many rock groups had internal conflict when it became apparent that the big money was in song writing royalties. Credence Clearwater Revival is perhaps the worst example!
I agree with your analyses. I’m reminded of the Jagger/Richard relegating others to a 2nd class status by the way they are handling the Hackney Diamonds rollout. I haven’t seen it all, but the bassist and keyboard players are invisible. The songs need Taylor and some novel ideas. As for the Beatles, i appreciate the analysis.
Excellent presentation, thoughtful comment and opinion. One aspect of The Beatles and their complex relationship that wasn't much mentioned is the fact that George Martin was not only their producer, but he was more or less the director and musical arranger for many of their songs. While they may have argued amongst themselves from time to time, he very apparently had final say in many, if not all cases. I think they really deferred to him. Like any other human being, he had his own biases, of course. You can tell he appreciated Paul musically the most, followed of course, by John, George and then Ringo. He was also very astute in understanding the relationships between the individuals in the band. According to all I've read, he was the one who vetoed "Only a Northern Song" for Pepper, and he also had something to do with an excellent song like "Not Guilty" never seeing the light of day for 27 years! One significant quote from him, what we call in the states "a left-handed complement", is when he said what a great song "Something" was, and that he "didn't know George had it in him!". WTF??? Can you blame George for wanting to quit?
@James Hargreaves Guitar - I loved this essay. I'm not sure I agree with all of your observations but I love your take on the relationship between Harrison and McCartney. Thanks for an awesome and thought provoking watch! I particularly loved your closing statement of not taking sides. I feel the same way! I don't think you need to dislike the others just because one is your favourite! Thank you, sir!
Wow. I was a teen in the Beatles initial heyday, and though I liked this song, and was always kinda fascinated with George, I never even gave these lyrics much thought, other than knowing it was generally about songwriting. This deep dive into the song's lyrics and music is eye-opening, and it absolutely rings true. It also is a definitive example of George's eloquence as a songwriter. There's no denying the genius of the others, and I guess it's true that someone had to take charge of the group in Brian's absence lest they just wander off in a loose and messy collection of 4 different musical personalities. But imagine how even more prolific the Beatles would have been, if that's even possible, if Lennon and McCartney had included him a bit more in the creative process.
I liked this song immediately. I liked the strangeness of Only a Northern Song. I only recently discovered that the song was a criticism of his band mates and the publishing company. I also heard that George Martin didn’t like the song, and that may have what ultimately nixed it from Sgt. Pepper. By 1966 George was writing one great song after another. Also on Yellow Submarine is It’s all Too Much, which is arguably one of the best underrated Beatles songs, and one that sadly got lost in the shuffle.
I was 12 in 1964 and I had three sisters, so The Beatles were definitely the soundtrack of my adolescence as it was for most Boomers. Yours is a pretty good analysis. "I don't really love you right now," is so British! My sisters were for Paul or John. I like George the most as a guy I felt I could relate to for some reason. I tended to always like the songs he wrote. and "It's All Too Much," is my favorite all-time Beatles song. We were fond of all four of them, including Ringo, who later did the wonderful summation in song, "It Don't Come Easy."
Seeing similar tensions in the rehearsal room in multiple bands years ago came flashing back watching this. It was rather whimsical how this popped into my feed and I clicked on it. I'm not sure how I feel right now.
I think Don't Bother Me is more than an OK song. It is a pretty catchy song with downbeat lyrics instead of the happy ones that Lennon and McCartney were writing. It is enough of a good song to encourage George by saying what else do you have George in the way of songs. The songs he contributed of Help, Rubber Soul and Revolver are worthy to be on Beatles albums. Although George did receive some help with Taxman I think it is his first song that rose to the level of the best of what Lennon & McCartney produced. Then in the last part of The Beatles recording career he really blossom. He produced two of the best songs on Abbey Road. I often joke that All Things Must Past was George's I'll show them album. lol :)
Dont bother me is a weak song by the Beatles standard if the band could have made such songs they would never have been really popular more than the average bands that time. Taxman is an ok song and the two best songs on Abbey road is I want you and the medley on B side.
@@fitless "Don't Bother Me" is the most progressive, forward-thinking song on "With The Beatles". Was it the most commercial song? No. But it was absolutely unique with the tremelo guitar and exotic instrumental touches, plus as noted the rather downbeat lyric. Of all the songs on the album it was the one which predicted where the group would go later in the decade. There's an almost Arabian feel to it. It's probably my third-favorite track on the album after "It Won't Be Long" and "Money".
you my friend from across the pond are so interesting, i loved your discussion about Noel Gallagher and the suggestion of AI writing the title song, Council skies...your use of playing the chords. and referencing the actual previous releases was mind-blowing. up until that point i only knew Noel as a member of you know who....so to that end you turned me on to his solo work...which in turn made me go buy tickets for my daughter and myself to see him in Atlanta in 2023...but this is so well presented, its lucid, quite logical and allowed me who by the way am ( 62) to see something about the Beatles i kinda had heard but never really understood thank you SO MUCH!!..you rock my friend!!!
Most interesting! I never thought of this song like this; probably because I was so young when it was released (I must have been 14). I was thinking he (George) was just playing with words, and that he didn't want anyone to take the song too serious! Just playing around, cause he could! To me - it was Always obvious that Paul was different in how he wanted to produce music. I guess that's ok, but it wasn't how the rest of the band travelled. To me - they (each) were more about adding their Own specializations to the music. Paul wanted things His way! I'm Not a fan of Paul! I honestly think that George got it right! I. think he discovered that he was Really very talented! He always conveyed his thoughts and emotions. Great video!
All things must pass is the greatest Beatle album ;) I love the fact he overcame the dysfuntion and domination with great aplomb. He understood how great the music writing talent was , that he was up against, and the maturity of an equally great talent not to have squandered his chances by falling out trying to destroy what they had. A genius to comprehend the whole picture and subtly subvert the direction in order to bring about eventual blossoming of himself .
BRILLIANT ESSAY!! Well done, indeed!! Your level of insight is truly remarkable. Frankly, I've always admired George as the Beatle who wrote the band's TWO BEST SONGS: "Here Comes the Sun," and "Something." :)
I joined my first band, at 64 years of age, at the start of 2023....January 1st to be exact. I always wondered as a kid why bands like the Beatles broke up. Having 6 months of the experience under my belt I think I finally get it. Big blustery egos on the outside with fragile egos underneath. And people who refuse to compromise, change or back off. But for me it has just been glimpses. I gotta say, at this point, I am having the time of my life with it. A lot of work, commitment and struggle. But moments of pure bliss. And making music is like no other experience. That the Beatles stayed together for as long as they did, producing such a huge library of time-tested music is incredible.
In the Get Back documentary you never see any friendly chat between George and Paul and yet George makes the brilliant contribution to the song Get Back by suggesting it should slow down and build up again which absolutely lifts the song. Plus, how much more mature is George's song All things must pass compared to the twee tin pan alley of the thematically similar acceptance of change Let it be.
This is happened with lots of songs. But the original songwriter is the only for the credit. Paul contributed to a lot of George songs too. Like melody, change a word, do a solo guitar etc. during the get together session george asked Paul for words for something.
George in the end showed he was just as great singer an song writer as a Beatle / solo artist. My Guitar Gently Weeps, Here Comes The Sun and Something and many songs. These songs were major hits for the Beatles!
"All the way through he has both Lennon (on glockenspiel) and McCartney (on trumpet) creating an ungodly racket on top os his song from start to finish"
The sudden realization that George was sly, subtle and poetic with these statements about how he felt about the business practices of the Beatles makes him that much more intriguing and interesting. Learning more about his experiences and songwriting makes me want to learn more about his thinking on political and culture matters.
The thing that goes unstated about George Harrison is that his early songwriting and singing were highly derivative of John and Paul's massive influence. It's not just the Liverpool accents, it's the cummulative experience of harmonizing and playing together over the formative years of their careers. It was only after branching out on his own, first with Indian Raga and later collaborating with Eric Clapton, that George's own musical style began to emerge. By the end of The Beatles' career together, songs like Something and While My Guitar Gently Weeps had begun to eclipse the ironic ditties that typified Paul and John's creative output in those later years. Not that they couldn't still produce heartfelt masterpieces, just that George was becoming increasingly serious about his own career as John and Paul were becoming ever more jaded with The Beatles.
When George sings that the "harmony is a little dark and out of key", Paul stays on the tonic with the bass and George goes to other chord, actually making it sound out of key.
I'm not so deep into the Beatles that I can challenge anything you say here, but your argument seems to be plausible and it's made in a very engaging fashion. I feel like I've learned something, even if it may be as much about your particular perspective on the personal dynamics within the band as it is on George Harrison's song writing intent. You've made a compelling presentation. Well done.
George Harrison was a gifted musician and songwriter. His contributions to The Beatles catalog helped the band achieve the extraordinary success it enjoyed in the 1960s. His post-Beatles solo work plus contributions to John and Ringo's solo recordings and to The Traveling Wilburys were immeasurable and will long be remembered and treasured by those of us who appreciate great music. I always considered the word "Only" in the phrase "Only a Northern Song" to be ironic. I've loved that song from the first time I heard it. I similarly fell immediately in love with his song "It's All Too Much" which, like "Only a Northern Song," was not released until the Yellow Submarine film and soundtrack album came out. It was mainly those two songs of George's plus "Hey Bulldog" that, for me at least, made the "Yellow Submarine" album worth buying. Blessings to you, George, wherever you are!
1. As I've already said, Beatles #1 streamed song = Here Comes The Sun, so eat crow J+P. Who had the last laugh? 2. On another note, thank you for posting this. Finally, another person who gets it! So many people who don't know shit about the Beatles posting all sorts of crap all over the internet. 3. I''ve always thought that on so many of those great Lennon-McCartney songs, it took as much talent, perhaps even more than the persons who actually wrote the songs, to come up with the extraordinary solos that George created. Coming up with 15 second solos that would fit into the songs just like a glove was quite the task. For so many of those songs, George's guitar parts were the icing on the cake and many a time, the most delicious part. 4. Love that chord sequence! Pure delight!
"The main thing is this: You have always been boss. Now I've been, sort of, secondary boss." This is the exact quote in 'Get Back' from Paul to John, not the other way around. John would never have said that to Paul.
Yes! I caught that as well. Paul actually says he never wanted to be boss but he had to be because John walked away from it and somebody had to run the show. And there's so much emotion in his voice when he said that.
George was upset about the fact that he was making very little off of the Beatles in comparison to John and Paul due to an agreement that he signed in 1965 that allowed John and Paul to have more royalties in their Northern Song company. He did not think that the agreement would disfavor him so much. So when he writes it's only a northern song I'm sure he's talking about a lot of things... His frustrations like you mentioned that were very real. George Martin did not like the song it's only a northern song because he knew that it was a slag against John and Paul's Northern song company. He felt it was politically offensive within the Beatles. So George didn't make very much money off of the songs that he wrote for Northern songs. Which is why he started his own song company. So "it's only a northern song "so I'm not going to try too hard makes a lot of sense
Love hearing your perspective as a Northerner. One of my favorite Beatles songs of all time. I adore the bridge. “It doesn’t really matter..” the chord changes are freakin genius. Literally film-score quality tonality. Also. I love the scene in Get Back where George helps Ringo create wonderful chord changes for his song Octopus’s Garden. When John and Paul couldn’t be bothered. You can hear George’s genius in every moment of that.
Great analysis. I've always thought this song was profoundly philosophical; a commentary on non materialism . You've changed my mind. I've always enjoyed the puzzles thrown up by apparently simple/trivial songs (Badge by Cream is another) Thanks
This is a gem of an analysis. I can't think of one song written by George that was released while he was in the Beatles that I didn't like. I knew that Paul was pretty bossy - telling the others how and what to play that fitted his liking and tastes. As someone with a musical ear (I play by ear - can't read music for nuts) I find the "discordant" progression pleasing to my ear. In fact I found that George's songs on the Beatles albums stood out from the others, good as they were. For the most part, the lyrics generally went in one ear and out the other. For me it was always the chords, melodies, arrangements and notes that stood out by a country mile. Quite frankly, without George's songs I think the Beatles catalogue would have had a big hole in it.
There are several points of disagreement here. In Only A Northern Song, my understanding was they were trying to get to the end of their EMI contract so they were purposely putting out less than stellar material, like Georges song. Makes sense. It's only a northern song, so sod it. Yes, John and Paul admitted they kept George down. Yet in some videos I've seen where they did give George a chance and George wasn't ready, didn't have a song title, and didn't know what to do. For instance when he was presenting Something, he was more or less begging Paul for help. And some of the suggestions were ludicrous. In his anger George often put down the great John and Paul, for thinking their songs were better. Which they were. You can't argue with that level of success. But they could have been kinder to him. That's how it is when you have a younger (pest) brother who thinks he's better than he is. John and Paul definitely knew what they were doing and they were reaching for the amazing success they had. George became a great writer and a much better guitarist. I love them all and they were all geniuses, regardless of what the general populace thinks.
Well, you make point, but here is a point your missing, he was a late bloomer, did you listen to the conversation that he had with John? Who agreed for the most part with George! Why? Because he was doing the something with John? No you're wrong about "pest brother who thinks he's better than he is." Well the fact is in time he proved his point, he was as good as Paul, & John. No doubt about! Maybe not as many great songs as John & Paul, but if you compare at least say at five of George's song their as good as Paul's & John's, but it was a bit latter, I'am not even mention All Things Must Pass album & other albums with beautiful melodies as good as anything John & Paul wrote! So in a way they did George a favor by turning down some of his songs, that he latter put out on the great All Things Must Pass album. Im putting any blame on John & Paul, but there was just to much talent on that Band. So screamingpirhana, watch the video Concert for George Harrison & listen to just some of his great songs, like Something, Here comes the Sun, just to name two matching melody's & Lyrically with any of John & Paul's Songs as great, not only those songs, but he gave away to Ringo like Photograph's , It don't come easy.
In some retrospect I recall that in Hamburg, Paul and George would lend themselves out to other acts. John was never confident in his abilities as a guitarist. George I suspect always had the guitar chops, it's just that the other band mates couldn't write it down for him.
I always thought Lennon and McCartney were over shadowing George and Ringo but don't get me wrong I loved the Beatles work. I always felt George had more to offer and his lead in gathering the other members together to do the Traveling Wilburys band one of my favorite albums. The affects of how George went out of his way to be sure to allow the other members contributions is another example of what he felt was the fair way to treat the band as a whole. So yes James you nailed it with this video.
@@MarkMikelVideosI don't mean this jokingly and I'm not playing on it's psychedelic nature but "Only a northern song" takes you there. Hopefully that makes a little sense to anyone reading this 😆
Very thoughtful analysis of what was going on in the Beatles lives at this time. If only the other Beatles have let George contribute his great output , do you realize how many more great Beatles albums we could have enjoyed!
Speaking as an American boy hearing their music from 45s my 2 older brothers had bought and albums from Sargent Peppers on, their music at the time I somehow knew they were timeless. It was just fantastic as I would be playing pool in my neighbor’s basement with Beatles albums going on while we talked. I loved their music and seeing the 4 of them in front of the press with each one being so witty in their responses to reporters and themselves. It made a good impression on me as to what great behavior looks like. These guys were from England. They were from England where MGs and Jaguars and 007 were from. In south Missouri it was years in between the time you might see a foreigner. No I didn’t see them, but with the press reruns etc, I felt very good about growing up. So , even though we’re all human and have egos and rudeness that spills out at times, I’m sorry to learn the fab 4 had problems. But they are great and always will be, at least for another 500 years. The British have such a super rich wonderful history. Thanks
Don't Bother Me was one of my favorite songs on that album. I didn't realize George wrote it but it was great. I was disappointed that Paul didn't sing it on his Got Back tour. Now I know why.
George said he thought 'Don't Bother Me' was a poor song. But I disagree with him. I think he wrote a brilliant song when he wrote this one. I love it! 😊
I'm 70 years of age and lived thru the Beatles era, and yes you are right, George was pushed out and struggled to get any of his songs on albums, although John and Paul wrote some huge hits I think they forgot about the other two.
What a great analysis of a fantastic song! I watched it twice and found it entertaining and informative. Plus I can play it on my guitar now after watching you do it, thanks! You could maybe do a sequel now about the other publishing companies that came to be, Harrisongs and Startling music, and how it took some years for those companies to become successful. I'm subscribing now!
Which Beatles solo album do you think James is your main favourite? My personal favourite is Lennon's solo album Plastic Ono Band as it is my second favourite album of all time, because it felt the most real, vulnerable and personal album I've never thought of being emotionally connected and inspired with before.
Is “John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band” the world’s first “therapy album”? John wrote it after doing Primal Scream Therapy. I agree that it is astonishing. The world’s most famous man, who had all the fame, money, sex, drugs, and rock and roll made an album where he screamed to the world “the truth is that I am completely broken inside”. Wow!
Hi James. I'd seen this video before I wrote, only 3 months ago, how much I liked it. Today I watched it again, and this time I thought, nah, I didn't give James enough credit, because now I think it was even better than what I first wrote. This is your best summary for me, and I'd already watched a lot of your vids. x Linda.
Georges son was attending classes at Brown University in Providence Rhode Island. I was on my way to work and stopped to get a coffee at a shop there. As I walked in to get a coffee I noticed George sitting in a booth with another person. I wanted to go over and just thank him for the great music and memories. But I restrained myself and respected his privacy. On my way out our eyes locked George nodded and smiled. It’s a cherished memory
that I will always have! George was a beautiful spirit and a fantastic musician.It’s sad that he suffered so much in his last years.Love You Mr.Harrison.
😅
So beautiful that you handled the situation with such awareness and care. That's outstanding. George obviously picked up on it. You guys had a genuine connection...... without saying a word. I'm not surprised, because he was such a sensitive being.
@@drewsacks
Cool event and memory to have. 👍
@Richardmh5ll Tysm for sharing special, intuitive, nonverbal connection with GeorgieH!💜🕯️🌹❤️🕯️🌲
George's contributions to The Beatles are and always will be greatly appreciated by all Beatle Fans.
Couldn't agree more he was also a Wilberry ,it doesn't get better than that. Love you ❤George.
@@1828tolstoy the song from 1987 he recorded was his last no 1 in US: Only one he didn't write. From 1962 by James Ray with Hutch Davie & co
I love both songs (Northern and Too much) the flavor of the "Magic Beatle" stands the test of time and it turns out to be "sublime" , all my life with me ... .. . THANKS you JOKER❤!!
Daniel Diano loves you and Ringo as well !! Brake a leg !! Mr O'Dell and Mr NO-NO 😂!!! Forever in your debt!!! 😢😅😂😊!!!
I know there's a lot of confusion about the Beatles!!! So if you were there then no comment please!!!!!
George is my favorite. Love that his song is the most streamed on Spotify
And yet - one of the most heartfelt "tribute" songs ever written is George's tribute to John, "All Those Years Ago." It makes me cry every single time.
I often listen to it and I am not as positive as you about the tribute to Lennon. I think it was maybe a little of that but maybe more of a wistful song about how it could have been with them all despite what the world was allowed to see.
Calm down lol they're just entertainers
George was my favorite Beatle, he was quiet, after left the Beatles, going out on his own, brought his music into the limelight . He was different. Singing songs from his heart.😊
Mine too. George was a deep thinker, and IMO he was the best guitarist of the band. His skills in playing that instrument made us feel something mystical. When George's guitar gently weeps, we all do.
me too, from the very beginning, when I first listenend to them circa 1965
Same here. He was authentic, no pretentiousness
That is why he suffered in his way..
The ambitious lot would tend to steam-roll such a lad.
I really abhor these negative slant videos !!
John and Paul were the hit makers and their producer basically catered to Their two main writers. George’s writing began to get much better, and he was allowed one or two songs per album. As years went on , George’s writing got really Good!
George originally was the lead guitarist for the Beatles he was not yet considered a writer. Even John and Paul would write a couple songs for George to sing in the early days. But between Pepper and white album George became a better musician AND songwriter!
The Beatles sold much if their rights to Northern Songs and that was a point of contention w George, as they weren’t doing enough for them.
This is absolutely brilliant !! I always thought the lyrics were caustic, but now i look at them in a new way. George Harrison was by far the most thoughtful of the songwriting Beatles!!
I can understand how George must have felt! He was so underrated! I love his songs and videos! From "Here Comes The Sun" to "Something" to "My Sweet Lord" to songs he co-wrote with Ringo! And I also love his songs with Indian influence! George needed to speak up and tell Paul how he felt! George and I were alike in many ways and that's why he was my second favorite! George was the quiet Beatle and so am I! George expressed his feelings in his songs! I surely appreciated that! Long live George in songs!
I take it Lennon was your favorite.
@@jaredrogers7863 Yes,John was my favorite!
George produced some superb stuff and recognition of his songs dawned very late for many people. Additionally, his and Ringo's instrumental contributions to a hell of a lot of songs, even from the early days, were an essential part of their success. The sum of their parts was always greater than the separate - that chemistry was magical!
You are absolutely right. That was the phenomenon.
Yep. Totally agree.
Well said.
@@suelucey9621 George was a vastly underrated guitarist for a long time. He turned out some superb solos, the gutsy version of his solo in 'Let It Be' being a prime example. As a coda, his beautifully over-driven slide solo in 'Free As A Bird is spine-tingling'!
Good man George 🎸
George was more tender hearted, more spirituality evolved. Many in today's world would say he was weak. I say he was closer to God. 🙏💖🙏
I agree with you.. he was my favorite Beatle
Smoked to much weed
Weak only because his ego was so insecure, not very Christ-like at all. A spiritual man would have prayed for his friends, not walked out.
Right, but according to Patty Boyd at times during their marriage he treated her in a rather cruel way, cheating on her openly, being derogatory and demeaning, There are usually two sides to a coin…
@@tonyreilley2842
What a prat thing to say
I AM team George - all the way. He wrote probably the greatest three Beatles songs, Here Comes the Sun, Something and While My Guitar Gently Weeps. Brilliant doesn't even begin to say it. I loved him since I was 9 and I love him still.
@@11235but that goes for all of them. Rather silly comment
You forgot to mention it’s all too much and Bluejay away great songs by GOERGE Harrison
you're entitled to your opinion.
What about the criminally underrated, It's All To Much.
Even though George should've gotten more credit with the other three,I like George talking about Paul later on in the 80's being asked about his then current relationship and feelings towards Paul being off,he clapped back"I don't care what anybody says about Paul and I being at each other.Weve been friends since grade school and no one is gonna tell me we aren't now because him and I will always be friends no matter what anyone says".So outside of the music,they normally got along fabulously enough that he came across really meaning that.They used to hitchhike together in their teens.Paul did always look out for George,in the group should have been more,obviously,but overall,likewise,they were connected forever,like brothers.I loved that he shrugged off the"battle with Paul"idea that everyone was suggesting at the time.Musically,he was not always happy with Paul,but life for George,and all four,really goes way beyond music.Im happy for George being astute enough to understand that.
Well written! Like Brothers
"Weve been friends since grade school" George never said anything of the sort. None of them were Americans you know.
@@rorykeegan1895 if he were American, he would’ve called it “elementary school”
Just like when Lennon was asked about “How Do You Sleep” and the conflict with Paul. He said that it only matters how he and Paul feel, and they were fine. “My friends are my friends, whatever way,” he said
George wrote some great songs, that were my favorite songs of all time. "Here comes the Sun" "All things must pass" "Wile my guitar Gently Weeps" all of his songs were so wonderful!
Magnificent review of George’s song AND personality!
Don't Bother Me is a very fine song! When I heard it back in 1964-65, it stood out! Harrison gave depth to The Beatles!
👍🏻 no one else comes close to them except elvis of course. 🤠
Yes it is! I always loved that first song on the second aside of Meet the Beatles, ever since it came out. But you know where George sings in It's Only a Northern Song, "If you think the harmony is a little dark and out of key." He is a bit out of key in the double tracked vocal, that's what I always thought he meant. Also how he might as well have sang, "cause I don't even own my song." I thought it was financial, and hearing the part of the song that says the band is not quite right, seems to distance it from strictly George. Now Savory Truffle is definitely directed at Paul, and how about Not Guilty?
@@johnvirgilio5323 Savoy
@@gilchasin1022 right. Though savory would be an odd truffle.
It sucks
Having watched several performances of George Harrison with "The Traveling Wilburys" I had the impression that George H was enjoying that time more than as a "Beatle".
Where did you see these performances?
I think all of the TW were considered equals which George never was during his time as a Beatle; however, the time with the Beatles made him famous and rich.
But would he have been part of this elite group without having had fame with the Beatles?
@@annoulabyrd5697 Obviously not, but he still looked like he was enjoying himself.
Who knows. George was also very contradictory, whiney and bitter. Think about the Wilburys naming the second album of the band "Volume 3" by Harrison's idea. Just to confuse the "bloody fans", as George stated in a kind of a cynical way. It's also said that all the Wilburys wanted to make a third album but suddenly Harrison was reluctant to it ending any project about it.
One of my VERY FAVORITE songs he did was the Beatles TAXMAN. His superb singing and guitar playing REALLY came to light.
It was Paul who played the lead on that one
@@gejujeErr yes
Paul McCartney played the guitars on Taxman .
@@gejuje george plays a nice bass on that one
When George put out All things must pass it was a real breath of fresh air.!! It showcased a side &talent of George we never saw with the Beatles !!
Lol..ATMP is a bloated mess. It would have made a very nice TWO sided lp. At SIX sides, it's a snooze fest.
@@chipgaasche4933 Go crawl back in your hole
@@chipgaasche4933 It was intended as a double album (4 sides). We were told at the time that the 3rd record (Apple Jam) was just a 'throwaway-gift' for fans. It is just 'off-the-cuff recordings of the musicians present, jamming together, during occasional breaks in proceedings, during the serious recording of the main songs. That's why it had a different label than the other two discs. The album, "All Things Must Pass," is just the two main discs. "Apple Jam" is just a bonus recording, included in the box, in the same way as you might include photographs, a booklet or a poster in such a package.
I really love "Wah Wah." Such a great, catchy song.
I was 11 years old when the Beatles appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. My Dad called me in to watch them knowing I loved their music. I always gravitated to George an Ringo's songs even tho all the songs were great. Needless to say I became a Professional Musician and made a living for over 45 years doing so.
With all that said I have to say I busted up laughing when you played Northern Song with your rendition of lyrics, soo true.
Thanks for your excellent assessment of an obvious (to me) tumultuous Era for the Beatles. Their loss of Epstein was more difficult emotionally than even they could admit. Carry on my Good Man, you Rock!!
I always thought " Don't Bother Me" was one of the best songs on that album. Still do, great hook, great harmonies, great beat! RIP George!
My friends nicknamed me George. I loved him so much! I looked like I could have been his little sister ❤
Brilliant analysis. I guess George is smiling up there, that you did him justice.
George was by far my favorite Beatle. In the 60’s when The Beatles came onto the music radar George’s guitar stood out to me. As I got older, George’s songs made more sense to me. I was entering puberty by the time The Beatles broke up, I bought George’s All Things Must Pass, mainly because the song All things must pass helped me deal with my Mother passing in June 1970. When the album and the song came out in December it spoke to me. As Beatle solo careers took off it was George Harrison and John Lennon’s solo careers I followed the most. Paul’s stuff just did not appeal to me. Ringo liked being on the funny side.
Yeah lets make it about you.
Just a cry baby Just like george
George's mother also passed during that exact time period. No wonder that album spoke to you.
Me too. George is the only former Beatle I saw in concert. I grew up in New York and had other opportunities. Paul's stuff never grabbed me either, but I loved George's writing and guitar playing.
I think this was an almost flawless analysis of their interactions. Great job, loved every minute of it.
Yes, this vid was a dissertation level examination of what really broke up the Beatles.
I can't believe George didn't have confidence. He wrote some amazing songs, and I think he helped start the Traveling Willburys. Very talented!!
"Very talented"!! That's definately an understatement!😅
He invented the Traveling Wilburys.
@@Rugmunchersauce3 Absolutely! What adjective would you use? How about amazing?!
Confidence isn't a constant, always at one level for a person throughout life. It will ebb and flow depending on circumstance and environment, even for the most self-assured among us
The Wilbury's was entirely George's idea. He bullied everyone else into it, and they loved him for it.
Really great deep dive into this number most overlook. George is a gas. I was a Beatle Nut and my father always brought home each record as they were released.
Thanks!
This is info we've come to know, after the fact. And it is sad in retrospect. We feel for George, and Ringo ,too. I think the ambitious McCartney & Lennon were so dominated by the machine they helped to create, which included the pressures to prolong the group's hit machine, the PR demands, and their attention to friends, lovers, hobbies, touring...etc., we're blinding to say the least. George finally did come into his own, and in that, we can truly take some comfort.
I think McCartney felt responsible for driving the band forward and ensuring the quality of the product they were producing. He was (or felt he was) the most sophisticated composer they had and this led him to value John's musical input and turn a deaf ear to George's songs and choices. The pressure to keep turning out hit songs was immense for them. The success on a scale they never dared to dream. You climbed a cliff face, got really high. Keep climbing or fall off, success can turn so quickly into a fall and a messy outcome. The guys were so graceful they got out at the right time, bruised but intact. George was full of grace, spirituality and insight, he leapt (acted) at the perfect time.
Agree about McCartney's responsibility. His dad was a band master, after all. Certainly he took some of that in from his father.
Beautifully stated.
without paul, they wouldn't have released an album after 1966, his nagging drove them forwards
Agree with this - it's interesting to see the dynamic in her back where he's the driving force but also kinda resented by George and john
@@jamesn3774 Without Paul and John there would have been no All things must pass.
George wasn't as prolific as Paul and John but he created some gems. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps", "I Need You", and "If I Needed Someone" are among my favorites.
I listened " if I needed someone" multiple times today dancing in my car not caring who saw just trying to tell the world how great " the Beatles" are!!
And "Something"
😂
Not as prolific, but Harrison songs have very high views and in many cases more than the Lennon McCartney songs.
" Something " was my Mom's all time favorite song.
Another Harrison song that's more relevant now than ever
is " I , Me , Mine ".
George's sense of humor and way of expressing things is just brilliant - he is no less a musical genius than Ringo, John and Paul ♪ ♫
Oh yes he is
@@drubbus oh no he's not.
Oh yes he is
He is an amazing artist. There are only so many pop ditties I can stand.
Paul and John's egos grew faster and larger than George and Ringo's did. I'm sure that contributed to how George felt excluded or minimalized. In a way, "The Beatles" as a rock and roll phenomenon was probably over for them as a tight unit by the end of '65. It's a shame they never really got their cards on the table. Maybe if they'd had, The Beatles would have had a longer career together. I think your assessment of this song is spot on. Even back when it was released, I thought something was rong, but as a little kid, I couldn't suss out what it was. I think you nailed it.
An outstanding summary! I was 16 when I first heard OaNS. Didn't quite "get it", just thought it went along with the album's concept. You've made perfectly good sense of it. Americans loved George because he was so humble. We also knew he was a very talented songwriter through his earlier efforts. Loved George and Ringo too. What's great about your summary is that you took us "full circle" and it can't get better than that. Thanks a whole lot! BTW, George came down here to Southern Illinois to visit his sister in Benton 50 years ago. His first solo LP was magnificent and awe inspiring. I'll always miss him. I only could wish someone would make a movie about him - thanks to you, there's a great story to be told about him. He deserved far more praise than he ever received. Thanks again.
Martin Scorsese did a film about George at Olivia Harrison's request. Living in the Material World. releaased 2012
Yep, see comment above. If you haven’t seen Living in the Material World you have a brilliant moment awaiting on you all.
This is the best and most predictable insight of how the Beatles worked together that fans have been waiting for. An intelligent description of how each band member viewed themselves and others is a remarkable eye opener, especially in the case of George’s unsurpassed talents being completely ignored was a devastating loss to the Beatles and the musical world, forever.
Out of all the Beatles George Harrison was BY FAR my favorite Although he was nicknamed THE QUIET one because of his laid back demeanor there was nothing quiet about the way he sang and played guitar. His slide guitar playing was phenonemal.
Was the slide guitar played by Eric Clapton?
@@fredclarke801 On the recording of How Do You Sleep you can see Harrison playing slide on a Stratocaster, so probably not. It's clearly something he knew how to do.
This is terrific. I love James' insights into all this. They make absolute sense. Thanks for sharing.
Always liked this tune, never understood why a lot of people say its one of their worst.
Me too.
I agree. I love it. Hardly anything The Beatles worked on...was bad. Like you, I don't understand the hate for obscure Beatles tracks either.
@@baberoot1998 I mean, there are a small few I think are pretty crap songs, but so as to not stir the pot too much I'll keep my opinions on those silent, lol
No, they say Yellow Submarine (album) is the worst. I always liked this song and had it on CD since 1988. 35 years ago now. It was 20 years old at the time. Time flies.
I hate this song but it’s just a personal preference-I like a lot of George’s other songs tho.
An extremely compelling analysis all the way around. I've always thought there was more to that song than it initially seems, and you did an excellent job of connecting the dots. Well done, sir!
This and Its All Too Much are by far the best songs George wrote whilst in The Beatles. Re OANS, its been widely accepted that George wrote this after finding out that his songs were published through Northern Songs by default, and that as an owner of Northern Songs to the tune of 0.5%, he was pretty much employed as a staff writer, while Lennon/McCartney and Dick James were getting rich from his songs. It was one of the things that led him to push Harrisongs, and begin writing much more than he had been.
As a songwriter, a lot of people think that L/Mc were the two who pushed The Beatles into new territories, and that an album like Sgt Pepper was groundbreaking, but I'd make a case that it was George who pushed further than the others; Within You Without You broke completely new territory that had never been heard before. Who else had *ever* written a pop song specifically for Indian instruments, and then had it orchestrated with a classical arrangement? Those three worlds had never met so effectively until George put them together.
John and Paul were the better songwriters, but George did things his own way.
Think for yourself (1965), Taxman (1966), I want to tell you (1966), While my Guitar Gently Weeps (1968), Savoy Truffle (1968), Something (1969), I me Mine (1970), For you Blue (1970), Old Brown Shoe are my favorite Harrissongs.
Something stomps on all listed
If I Needed Someone and particularly Long, Long, Long
@@grillburn4757 In YOUR opinion.
People forget that he introduced the sitar to popular music in Norwegian Wood.
You've added so many facets that I have never taken the time to think about with this song. I think you are spot on.
Great analysis. I’m a huge fan of George’s songs and this is no exception. For some reason people tend to only recognize George’s Abbey Road tracks but I think all of his stuff was great. He brought his own flavour into the Beatles idiom with a mildly sardonic wit that perfectly complimented Paul’s sweetness and John’s rebelliousness.
completely agree! i love his really early stuff especially the first song he ever wrote for the beatles “don’t bother me”
Absolutely. Very well described. Since the early days, I was mostly a Paul fan, because he was such a great songwriter and melodist (which he even applied to his memorable basslines). But in later years, I discovered George and started to related more to his songs. He was brilliant, and as you say, he had his own flavor, typical of a Pisces (which I am as well). He was off on another plane. And from there he was able to see things from a more detached perspective and identify the ridiculous, the vanity, the phonyness, the banality of it all. Everybody has their ego, but his was very subdued compared to Paul's and John's. He once said in Anthology, "there was a lot of ego in that band." It must've been very difficult for him to put up with all that toxicity. And yet, he flourished and came out on top. And the world heard about him.
I think this is something that from very beginning, was inevitable. George was an amazingly talented musician and song writer. I can't begin to imagine how difficult it must have been to have his creativity restrained in such a manner.
Very interesting analysis. While the vast majority of the song is likely directed to John and Paul, I believe some of it may be directed towards George Martin who also neglected Harrison throughout the Beatle years. I recall reading an interview where Martin specifically mentioned that he didn't like Northern Song. I also recall reading that Martin apologized to Harrison (long after the breakup) for neglecting and under-rating his talent.
I think it is more due to the small stake in Northern Songs that Harrison had. He didn't want to waste his best stuff until he could get out of that and own his own publishing. His ownership of his own songs under Harrisongs began with the White Album which is when his best stuff suddenly came out of nowhere. He literally meant it when he was saying It's Only A Northern Song. That's how he felt about it and he wasn't going to waste his best stuff on something that he got 0.8% while John and Paul each got 15%.
@@stickman1742 That's a great point I hadn't considered. I think you're right.
I think you're both right and and there is even more layers and nuance ,and irony to this ..
I also think this song was very advanced and progressive, so advanced that many were unable to fully grasp what was going on, genius hiding in plane sight while saying it was hiding in plain sight..
A brilliant synopsis of Harrison's song! Its so George to get his frustrations out in this way. I always loved the ironic lyrics and dissonant sounds that are every bit a beatlesque sound!
I like it even more now that you gave me a new appreciation for who it was directed at. I think I always thought it was railing against EMI. But now that I realize just how brutal the Lennon-McCartney team was on him, I see it like you do!
WONDERFUL and BEAUTIFUL:: sensitive, intelligent, informative, personal, hugely human and relatible...maybe the best Beatle review I've EVER heard. Brings together the essence of their souls and mine, I ME MINE !!!, .... just like their music did......bravo sir.... take a bow.
The best musical analysis I have ever watched. The bar is set very high here. Was George in the wrong band? From the suffering he underwent, undoubtedly yes, nobody 'deserves' such pain and torment. But as a bequest to us, to history, to music itself? Who knows if he would ever have written his greatest works without going through the nightmare of humiliation and deprecation that he endured. From a songwriting perspective, judging from what was mercilessly rejected and ignored, it doesn't look as if George's contribution could be characterised as being the stubborn piece of 'grit in the oyster' that filled the Fab Four's catalogue with most of its dazzlingly precious pearls. But turned the other way round, it definitely looks as if Paul and John were the grit in George's songwriting oyster. He has enough pent-up frustration and bitterness to write an endless succession of songs which are outpourings of resentment, misery and grief. Misery is a powerful muse. His voice and lyrics are mostly laced with tragedy and regret. But let's not forget that his writing, whilst it was most often systematically held back from making its mark on the Beatles' legacy and contributing to their success, his guitar playing was not. He was one of the most influential musicians who ever lived. Great songwriting and distinctive vocals, as crucial as they were to making the Beatles the Beatles, were still only part of the recipe: if George Martin's contribution was crucial as arranger and producer, as 'the fifth Beatle' that did so much to make the Beatles sound the way they did, then George's guitar was no less important to a sound where the uniqueness of the tunes, singing and lyrics just can't be separated from the signature inventiveness of the production and instrumentation. The trials and tribulations of George are an 'agony and ecstasy' story and perhaps we need to temper our delight at his incomparably uplifting gifts to us with more than a bit of guilt about how we are the beneficiaries of great suffering. Thanks George, as far as we are all concerned, it was definitely worth it and you deserved much better.
You've offered a superb and professional critique here; I would have said something very close. One underlying thing I might add is that George Harrison was the personal embodiment of social graciousness and a truly professional viewpoint that made him exactly who he was and capable of handling things the way he did [and I'm not saying that John Lennon was any less than who he actually was, nor is Paul McCartney anything less than who he actually is]. Hats off to all of them - definitely including Ringo Starr, Brian Epstein and George Martin. The Beatles would never have been anything close to who they were without the inclusion of any of these 6 individuals. And hats off to you as well for the accuracy of your insight. Thanks much...
✨🎩🥴👍✨
@@Da_Xman Thanks! And yes, let's never forget Brian's crucial contribution.
@@peterfriedman2830
Hey there, Peter! Brian Epstein may be the most overlooked of all of them [and, there's a very good chance that none of it may have ever happened without him!].
All that said, destiny is - and is what it is.
Great hearing from you and thanks much for getting back to me!
Keep on keepin' on...!
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Sir, you have a gift of writing that is insightful, intelligent and interesting.
Persueing the analysis of circumstances, people and events
should be your vocation.
@@xxxxyz854 Thanks, I had to write this because just recently I'd felt that there's always been something missing from George's heartrending story, something that cried out to me, simply begging for a much deeper understanding than I'd seen elsewhere.
Another Harrison composition..."Long, Long, Long", from 'The Beatles', (also known as 'The White Album"), is another hidden Harrison gem. I'm not usually a fan of Beatles covers, from other bands...but there is one of this track, that is absolutely gorgeous. A father and daughter harmony duet, that is fantastic. It is listed on TH-cam as, "Long, long, long" A tribute to George Harrison, with the name Stanley Samuelson as the poster. Give it a listen...you won't be disappointed.
Thanks for sharing, that cover is fantastic! Probably my favorite Harrison song
@@cherrysunburst828 I think Long, long, long is a masterpiece. And that cover was great.
Maybe my Favorite Beatles song of all time... So Deep and haunting.
Very nice
Yes I'd already heard that version, and I think It's the best version of the song I've heard (even better than Georges dare I say.....), but I also like the Zelda Helena cover (also here on TH-cam) titled The Beatles - Long long long (cover).
wow, this really hits home. My first listen of northern song was summertime ~1971. I liked the song and played the record over and over. I noticed it was different and something odd or dark in it, but never knew what to say about it. I guess it was just over my head. Now, 50+ yrs later, i see your video and it totally makes sense. Thank you!
I normally don't like videos with a lot of build up to the actual topic of the video, but this was really well done. Extremely interesting take on Only a Northern Song. Have never thought of it that way before. Happy to be a new subscriber!
George was always my favourite Beatle for all these reasons but mainly for his songs.
What a great analysis! There really is much more to this song than I realised. Only A Northern Song would have been a perfect fit for Sgt Pepper as many of the songs deal with loneliness and this song is about loneliness within The Beatles.
At first I was a die hard Lennon fan on his use of lyrics and word play and makes you think about yourself and society. Then I enjoyed Paul’s songs as it was very much about love and the person you love. Then I started listening really listened to George’s song and now I’m a super fan of his.
I think you are spot on. Very well delivered and thought out monolog. While I love a lot of the Beatles music, my favorite songs of that band has ALWAYS been Harrison songs. I was alive for ALL of it and my feelings about this has not changed.
I agree. 'Here Comes the Sun', 'While my Guitar Gently Weeps' and 'Something' are my favourite Beatles Songs . But I suspect it took the influence of working with Lennon and McCartney to provoke them out of George.
@@johnrussell5245 True. How could you NOT be influenced by the other band mates? But having said that, I still preferred the song writing of George best.
Whew, this video was a real eye opener, I never realized it all like this. I read in May Pang's book that George slapped John because he was so frustrated. Maybe that's why George turned to spiritual things more intensely, to better deal with his frustration. Thanks for your effort!
Northern song was one of my favorites on the album. A real ear pleaser.
THANK YOU, FOR EXPLAINING SOME OF THIS BACKSTORY OF THE BEATLES!.. I ALWAYS LOVED GEORGE HARRISON'S MUSIC, THE MOST!!
I know this is bad news for Beatles fans, but I think you nailed it. George and Paul were friends as kids, but George grew to dislike Paul. Paul's personality was like a fingernail on a blackboard to George. You can clearly see this in his many snide, mocking comments about Paul in TV interviews of the 70s and 80s.
I like George's music more than the Beatles.
Just a group of poor Brits that made it big and couldn't deal with it. No more or less than so many other bands all over the world.
@@Sj27mBeatles fans won’t agree with my tastes even less. aged 13 in 1977 I was blown away by “we’re only in it for the money “ & “ absolutely free “ as the 1st ‘ mashup ‘ & unpredictable music I had ever heard . it wasn’t until age 17 when I 1st heard Sgt Pepper which sounds pretty tame in comparison with Zappa & Co. I cannot disrespect The Beatles cos I love lots of their music & My Sweet Lord & some Wings but for me Sgt Pepper didn’t live up to its billing but then again I was first hearing it in 1982 not 1967 😁👍
Strange you should say that, you should look up on here justice for Paul McCartney as it makes you wonder if it is true that the original Paul was killed in a car accident in 1966 and was replaced by Billy Shears.
It’s interesting and certainly makes you wonder.
@@janetcarter592Complete nonsense, Paul was 24 around 1966 and 14 when he joined the band. Obviously his personality was going to change, same goes for George, especially when you factor in the fame and the drugs.
Also, John died in 1961 and was replaced by a shape shifting alien.
I loved Don't Bother Me the first time I heard it in 1964. Still love it. The instrumental track is quite thrilling.
The exact same thing happened with the Rolling Stones, where the band began to revolve around Mick Jagger and Keith Richards due to their song writing and production talents, with the other members (Jones, Watts, and Wyman) relegated to a supporting role. Bill Wyman writes about this in his book, "Stone Alone" where he said Jagger and Richard looked upon Bill's efforts at song writing as little more than a "hobby", not to be encouraged or taken seriously. Brian Jones feared he would be ridiculed if he presented a song to the group that he had written. Wyman thought that Keith Richards actively undermined Brian Jones' self confidence. Mick Taylor quit the group after five years when his contributions to some of their songs were not acknowledged, when he was promised they would be. Many rock groups had internal conflict when it became apparent that the big money was in song writing royalties. Credence Clearwater Revival is perhaps the worst example!
The smiths had big issues with that too
I love Mick Taylor. I thought the Stones' best music came out during the Taylor stint.
Case in point. Mick’s abysmal solo attempt. The whole is bigger than the parts.
I agree with your analyses. I’m reminded of the Jagger/Richard relegating others to a 2nd class status by the way they are handling the Hackney Diamonds rollout. I haven’t seen it all, but the bassist and keyboard players are invisible. The songs need Taylor and some novel ideas.
As for the Beatles, i appreciate the analysis.
Excellent presentation, thoughtful comment and opinion. One aspect of The Beatles and their complex relationship that wasn't much mentioned is the fact that George Martin was not only their producer, but he was more or less the director and musical arranger for many of their songs. While they may have argued amongst themselves from time to time, he very apparently had final say in many, if not all cases. I think they really deferred to him. Like any other human being, he had his own biases, of course. You can tell he appreciated Paul musically the most, followed of course, by John, George and then Ringo.
He was also very astute in understanding the relationships between the individuals in the band. According to all I've read, he was the one who vetoed "Only a Northern Song" for Pepper, and he also had something to do with an excellent song like "Not Guilty" never seeing the light of day for 27 years!
One significant quote from him, what we call in the states "a left-handed complement", is when he said what a great song "Something" was, and that he "didn't know George had it in him!". WTF??? Can you blame George for wanting to quit?
@James Hargreaves Guitar - I loved this essay. I'm not sure I agree with all of your observations but I love your take on the relationship between Harrison and McCartney. Thanks for an awesome and thought provoking watch! I particularly loved your closing statement of not taking sides. I feel the same way! I don't think you need to dislike the others just because one is your favourite! Thank you, sir!
Wow. I was a teen in the Beatles initial heyday, and though I liked this song, and was always kinda fascinated with George, I never even gave these lyrics much thought, other than knowing it was generally about songwriting. This deep dive into the song's lyrics and music is eye-opening, and it absolutely rings true. It also is a definitive example of George's eloquence as a songwriter. There's no denying the genius of the others, and I guess it's true that someone had to take charge of the group in Brian's absence lest they just wander off in a loose and messy collection of 4 different musical personalities. But imagine how even more prolific the Beatles would have been, if that's even possible, if Lennon and McCartney had included him a bit more in the creative process.
I liked this song immediately. I liked the strangeness of Only a Northern Song. I only recently discovered that the song was a criticism of his band mates and the publishing company. I also heard that George Martin didn’t like the song, and that may have what ultimately nixed it from Sgt. Pepper. By 1966 George was writing one great song after another. Also on Yellow Submarine is It’s all Too Much, which is arguably one of the best underrated Beatles songs, and one that sadly got lost in the shuffle.
All the world is birthday cake. So, take a piece, but not too much!
Peace and love.
I was 12 in 1964 and I had three sisters, so The Beatles were definitely the soundtrack of my adolescence as it was for most Boomers. Yours is a pretty good analysis. "I don't really love you right now," is so British! My sisters were for Paul or John. I like George the most as a guy I felt I could relate to for some reason. I tended to always like the songs he wrote. and "It's All Too Much," is my favorite all-time Beatles song. We were fond of all four of them, including Ringo, who later did the wonderful summation in song, "It Don't Come Easy."
Seeing similar tensions in the rehearsal room in multiple bands years ago came flashing back watching this. It was rather whimsical how this popped into my feed and I clicked on it. I'm not sure how I feel right now.
George was personally my favorite Beatle. He seemed to keep his sense of humor in the midst of the hype.
I think Don't Bother Me is more than an OK song. It is a pretty catchy song with downbeat lyrics instead of the happy ones that Lennon and McCartney were writing. It is enough of a good song to encourage George by saying what else do you have George in the way of songs. The songs he contributed of Help, Rubber Soul and Revolver are worthy to be on Beatles albums. Although George did receive some help with Taxman I think it is his first song that rose to the level of the best of what Lennon & McCartney produced. Then in the last part of The Beatles recording career he really blossom. He produced two of the best songs on Abbey Road. I often joke that All Things Must Past was George's I'll show them album. lol :)
So do I on some days I might think it's their best😁😁
Dont bother me is a weak song by the Beatles standard if the band could have made such songs they would never have been really popular more than the average bands that time. Taxman is an ok song and the two best songs on Abbey road is I want you and the medley on B side.
@@fitless "Don't Bother Me" is the most progressive, forward-thinking song on "With The Beatles". Was it the most commercial song? No. But it was absolutely unique with the tremelo guitar and exotic instrumental touches, plus as noted the rather downbeat lyric. Of all the songs on the album it was the one which predicted where the group would go later in the decade. There's an almost Arabian feel to it. It's probably my third-favorite track on the album after "It Won't Be Long" and "Money".
you my friend from across the pond are so interesting, i loved your discussion about Noel Gallagher and the suggestion of AI writing the title song, Council skies...your use of playing the chords. and referencing the actual previous releases was mind-blowing. up until that point i only knew Noel as a member of you know who....so to that end you turned me on to his solo work...which in turn made me go buy tickets for my daughter and myself to see him in Atlanta in 2023...but this is so well presented, its lucid, quite logical and allowed me who by the way am ( 62) to see something about the Beatles i kinda had heard but never really understood thank you SO MUCH!!..you rock my friend!!!
Most interesting! I never thought of this song like this; probably because I was so young when it was released (I must have been 14). I was thinking he (George) was just playing with words, and that he didn't want anyone to take the song too serious! Just playing around, cause he could! To me - it was Always obvious that Paul was different in how he wanted to produce music. I guess that's ok, but it wasn't how the rest of the band travelled. To me - they (each) were more about adding their Own specializations to the music. Paul wanted things His way! I'm Not a fan of Paul! I honestly think that George got it right! I. think he discovered that he was Really very talented! He always conveyed his thoughts and emotions.
Great video!
All things must pass is the greatest Beatle album ;) I love the fact he overcame the dysfuntion and domination with great aplomb. He understood how great the music writing talent was , that he was up against, and the maturity of an equally great talent not to have squandered his chances by falling out trying to destroy what they had. A genius to comprehend the whole picture and subtly subvert the direction in order to bring about eventual blossoming of himself .
Eye opening and brilliantly presented. I am new to your channel and now a fan.
BRILLIANT ESSAY!! Well done, indeed!! Your level of insight is truly remarkable. Frankly, I've always admired George as the Beatle who wrote the band's TWO BEST SONGS: "Here Comes the Sun," and "Something." :)
Fantastic video. You’ve done a great job!
I joined my first band, at 64 years of age, at the start of 2023....January 1st to be exact. I always wondered as a kid why bands like the Beatles broke up. Having 6 months of the experience under my belt I think I finally get it. Big blustery egos on the outside with fragile egos underneath. And people who refuse to compromise, change or back off. But for me it has just been glimpses. I gotta say, at this point, I am having the time of my life with it. A lot of work, commitment and struggle. But moments of pure bliss. And making music is like no other experience.
That the Beatles stayed together for as long as they did, producing such a huge library of time-tested music is incredible.
In the Get Back documentary you never see any friendly chat between George and Paul and yet George makes the brilliant contribution to the song Get Back by suggesting it should slow down and build up again which absolutely lifts the song. Plus, how much more mature is George's song All things must pass compared to the twee tin pan alley of the thematically similar acceptance of change Let it be.
This is happened with lots of songs. But the original songwriter is the only for the credit. Paul contributed to a lot of George songs too. Like melody, change a word, do a solo guitar etc. during the get together session george asked Paul for words for something.
George in the end showed he was just as great singer an song writer as a Beatle / solo artist. My Guitar Gently Weeps, Here Comes The Sun and Something and many songs. These songs were major hits for the Beatles!
"All the way through he has both Lennon (on glockenspiel) and McCartney (on trumpet) creating an ungodly racket on top os his song from start to finish"
The sudden realization that George was sly, subtle and poetic with these statements about how he felt about the business practices of the Beatles makes him that much more intriguing and interesting. Learning more about his experiences and songwriting makes me want to learn more about his thinking on political and culture matters.
The thing that goes unstated about George Harrison is that his early songwriting and singing were highly derivative of John and Paul's massive influence. It's not just the Liverpool accents, it's the cummulative experience of harmonizing and playing together over the formative years of their careers. It was only after branching out on his own, first with Indian Raga and later collaborating with Eric Clapton, that George's own musical style began to emerge. By the end of The Beatles' career together, songs like Something and While My Guitar Gently Weeps had begun to eclipse the ironic ditties that typified Paul and John's creative output in those later years. Not that they couldn't still produce heartfelt masterpieces, just that George was becoming increasingly serious about his own career as John and Paul were becoming ever more jaded with The Beatles.
When George sings that the "harmony is a little dark and out of key", Paul stays on the tonic with the bass and George goes to other chord, actually making it sound out of key.
I'm not so deep into the Beatles that I can challenge anything you say here, but your argument seems to be plausible and it's made in a very engaging fashion. I feel like I've learned something, even if it may be as much about your particular perspective on the personal dynamics within the band as it is on George Harrison's song writing intent. You've made a compelling presentation. Well done.
The rarest of gems is the rock group where all the players get along.
George Harrison was a gifted musician and songwriter. His contributions to The Beatles catalog helped the band achieve the extraordinary success it enjoyed in the 1960s. His post-Beatles solo work plus contributions to John and Ringo's solo recordings and to The Traveling Wilburys were immeasurable and will long be remembered and treasured by those of us who appreciate great music. I always considered the word "Only" in the phrase "Only a Northern Song" to be ironic. I've loved that song from the first time I heard it. I similarly fell immediately in love with his song "It's All Too Much" which, like "Only a Northern Song," was not released until the Yellow Submarine film and soundtrack album came out. It was mainly those two songs of George's plus "Hey Bulldog" that, for me at least, made the "Yellow Submarine" album worth buying. Blessings to you, George, wherever you are!
1. As I've already said, Beatles #1 streamed song = Here Comes The Sun, so eat crow J+P. Who had the last laugh? 2. On another note, thank you for posting this. Finally, another person who gets it! So many people who don't know shit about the Beatles posting all sorts of crap all over the internet. 3. I''ve always thought that on so many of those great Lennon-McCartney songs, it took as much talent, perhaps even more than the persons who actually wrote the songs, to come up with the extraordinary solos that George created. Coming up with 15 second solos that would fit into the songs just like a glove was quite the task. For so many of those songs, George's guitar parts were the icing on the cake and many a time, the most delicious part. 4. Love that chord sequence! Pure delight!
What an excellent breakdown of this song. Well done!
"The main thing is this: You have always been boss. Now I've been, sort of, secondary boss." This is the exact quote in 'Get Back' from Paul to John, not the other way around. John would never have said that to Paul.
Yes! I caught that as well. Paul actually says he never wanted to be boss but he had to be because John walked away from it and somebody had to run the show. And there's so much emotion in his voice when he said that.
George was upset about the fact that he was making very little off of the Beatles in comparison to John and Paul due to an agreement that he signed in 1965 that allowed John and Paul to have more royalties in their Northern Song company. He did not think that the agreement would disfavor him so much. So when he writes it's only a northern song I'm sure he's talking about a lot of things... His frustrations like you mentioned that were very real. George Martin did not like the song it's only a northern song because he knew that it was a slag against John and Paul's Northern song company. He felt it was politically offensive within the Beatles. So George didn't make very much money off of the songs that he wrote for Northern songs. Which is why he started his own song company. So "it's only a northern song "so I'm not going to try too hard makes a lot of sense
This was an excellent outline. Yes, George did graduate as a great writer. He dominates Abbey Road with the two best songs.
Very intelligently spoken. Well done mate! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Love hearing your perspective as a Northerner. One of my favorite Beatles songs of all time. I adore the bridge. “It doesn’t really matter..” the chord changes are freakin genius. Literally film-score quality tonality. Also. I love the scene in Get Back where George helps Ringo create wonderful chord changes for his song Octopus’s Garden. When John and Paul couldn’t be bothered. You can hear George’s genius in every moment of that.
Great analysis.
I've always thought this song was profoundly philosophical; a commentary on non materialism . You've changed my mind.
I've always enjoyed the puzzles thrown up by apparently simple/trivial songs (Badge by Cream is another)
Thanks
This is a gem of an analysis. I can't think of one song written by George that was released while he was in the Beatles that I didn't like. I knew that Paul was pretty bossy - telling the others how and what to play that fitted his liking and tastes. As someone with a musical ear (I play by ear - can't read music for nuts) I find the "discordant" progression pleasing to my ear. In fact I found that George's songs on the Beatles albums stood out from the others, good as they were. For the most part, the lyrics generally went in one ear and out the other. For me it was always the chords, melodies, arrangements and notes that stood out by a country mile. Quite frankly, without George's songs I think the Beatles catalogue would have had a big hole in it.
The one George song I never liked was Love You Too. That opening with that Indian instrument is annoying.
I’ve always loved George his songs were some of my favorites when he was with the Beatles
There are several points of disagreement here. In Only A Northern Song, my understanding was they were trying to get to the end of their EMI contract so they were purposely putting out less than stellar material, like Georges song. Makes sense. It's only a northern song, so sod it. Yes, John and Paul admitted they kept George down. Yet in some videos I've seen where they did give George a chance and George wasn't ready, didn't have a song title, and didn't know what to do. For instance when he was presenting Something, he was more or less begging Paul for help. And some of the suggestions were ludicrous. In his anger George often put down the great John and Paul, for thinking their songs were better. Which they were. You can't argue with that level of success. But they could have been kinder to him. That's how it is when you have a younger (pest) brother who thinks he's better than he is. John and Paul definitely knew what they were doing and they were reaching for the amazing success they had. George became a great writer and a much better guitarist. I love them all and they were all geniuses, regardless of what the general populace thinks.
Well, you make point, but here is a point your missing, he was a late bloomer, did you listen to the conversation that he had with John? Who agreed for the most part with George! Why? Because he was doing the something with John? No you're wrong about "pest brother who thinks he's better than he is." Well the fact is in time he proved his point, he was as good as Paul, & John. No doubt about! Maybe not as many great songs as John & Paul, but if you compare at least say at five of George's
song their as good as Paul's & John's, but it was a bit latter, I'am not even mention All Things Must Pass album & other albums with beautiful melodies as good as anything John & Paul wrote! So in a way they did George a favor by turning down some of his songs, that he latter put out on the great All Things Must Pass album. Im putting any blame on John & Paul, but there was just to much talent on that Band. So screamingpirhana, watch the video Concert for George Harrison & listen to just some of his great songs, like Something, Here comes the Sun, just to name two matching melody's & Lyrically with any of John & Paul's Songs as great, not only those songs, but he gave away to Ringo like Photograph's , It don't come easy.
In some retrospect I recall that in Hamburg, Paul and George would lend themselves out to other acts. John was never confident in his abilities as a guitarist. George I suspect always had the guitar chops, it's just that the other band mates couldn't write it down for him.
Yes, he was a legend. And held the intellect to lampoon them - but it went right over their heads.
I always thought Lennon and McCartney were over shadowing George and Ringo but don't get me wrong I loved the Beatles work. I always felt George had more to offer and his lead in gathering the other members together to do the Traveling Wilburys band one of my favorite albums. The affects of how George went out of his way to be sure to allow the other members contributions is another example of what he felt was the fair way to treat the band as a whole.
So yes James you nailed it with this video.
I think that musically, "Only A Northern Song" belongs along side "Penny Lane" and "Strawberry Fields". It's a great psychadelic song!
I completely agree. It's one of my favorite songs/recordings of all time.
@@MarkMikelVideosI don't mean this jokingly and I'm not playing on it's psychedelic nature but "Only a northern song" takes you there. Hopefully that makes a little sense to anyone reading this 😆
Im sorry 'bout that. It's kinda hopeless!!
Very thoughtful analysis of what was going on in the Beatles lives at this time. If only the other Beatles have let George contribute his great output , do you realize how many more great Beatles albums we could have enjoyed!
George is my favorite BEATLE. I never looked at the lyrics this way but, it makes sense. Damn!
Speaking as an American boy hearing their music from 45s my 2 older brothers had bought and albums from Sargent Peppers on, their music at the time I somehow knew they were timeless. It was just fantastic as I would be playing pool in my neighbor’s basement with Beatles albums going on while we talked. I loved their music and seeing the 4 of them in front of the press with each one being so witty in their responses to reporters and themselves. It made a good impression on me as to what great behavior looks like. These guys were from England. They were from England where MGs and Jaguars and 007 were from. In south Missouri it was years in between the time you might see a foreigner. No I didn’t see them, but with the press reruns etc, I felt very good about growing up. So , even though we’re all human and have egos and rudeness that spills out at times, I’m sorry to learn the fab 4 had problems. But they are great and always will be, at least for another 500 years. The British have such a super rich wonderful history. Thanks
Don't Bother Me was one of my favorite songs on that album. I didn't realize George wrote it but it was great. I was disappointed that Paul didn't sing it on his Got Back tour. Now I know why.
George said he thought 'Don't Bother Me' was a poor song.
But I disagree with him. I think he wrote a brilliant song when he wrote this one. I love it! 😊
I'm 70 years of age and lived thru the Beatles era, and yes you are right, George was pushed out and struggled to get any of his songs on albums, although John and Paul wrote some huge hits I think they forgot about the other two.
Spot on. I was a Beatles fan "back in the day" but the only stuff I still listen to now is George Harrisons. Quality that is lasting.
What a great analysis of a fantastic song! I watched it twice and found it entertaining and informative. Plus I can play it on my guitar now after watching you do it, thanks! You could maybe do a sequel now about the other publishing companies that came to be, Harrisongs and Startling music, and how it took some years for those companies to become successful. I'm subscribing now!
Which Beatles solo album do you think James is your main favourite? My personal favourite is Lennon's solo album Plastic Ono Band as it is my second favourite album of all time, because it felt the most real, vulnerable and personal album I've never thought of being emotionally connected and inspired with before.
I believe Plastic Ono Band is the greatest album of all time; its depth is even beyond any Beatle album.
Love it. :)
Is “John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band” the world’s first “therapy album”? John wrote it after doing Primal Scream Therapy. I agree that it is astonishing. The world’s most famous man, who had all the fame, money, sex, drugs, and rock and roll made an album where he screamed to the world “the truth is that I am completely broken inside”. Wow!
Surprising I hope I get it!! Never was aware people dug it so much!!
Plastic Ono band for me too every song is amazing.
Hi James. I'd seen this video before I wrote, only 3 months ago, how much I liked it. Today I watched it again, and this time I thought, nah, I didn't give James enough credit, because now I think it was even better than what I first wrote. This is your best summary for me, and I'd already watched a lot of your vids.
x
Linda.