The Beatles, one of the most iconic bands in history, were a collective powerhouse of talent. While John Lennon and Paul McCartney were celebrated for their songwriting prowess, George Harrison’s contributions often went unnoticed. Despite being a remarkable lead guitarist, Harrison’s growth as a songwriter was overshadowed by the dominance of Lennon and McCartney.
Harrison’s Shyness And Undervalued Songwriting
Compared to Lennon and McCartney’s assertiveness, Harrison tended to be more reserved when presenting his songs. Engineer Glyn Johns revealed an incident where Harrison hesitated to share “Something,” one of his iconic compositions. Johns recounted the experience, stating:
“He asked me to stay behind after everyone else had gone. He was terribly nice as if he was imposing on me. And then he plays this song that just completely blows me away.”
Despite his hesitancy, Harrison’s songwriting brilliance shone through, captivating those who got to hear his compositions.
The Get Back Sessions And Strained Relations
During the Get Back sessions, tensions between Harrison and the other band members escalated. While the group focused on their rehearsals, Harrison often felt overlooked, strumming in the background while yearning for more collaborative opportunities. Amidst this strained atmosphere, Harrison was still honing his craft, creating songs that would later become solo hits like ‘My Sweet Lord.’ One such example was ‘Wah-Wah,’ which emerged during the period when he briefly quit the band, foreshadowing the greatness to come.
Lennon’s Influence And Harrison’s Gratitude
The Get Back documentary provides a glimpse of Harrison’s creative process, showcasing the early stages of ‘All Things Must Pass.’ As he struggled to find the right words for the second verse, John Lennon offered a suggestion, “a mind can blow those clouds away,” adding a psychedelic touch. Though Lennon’s contribution went uncredited, it made its way into the final version of the record. Lennon continued to offer support and advice, helping Harrison refine his songwriting skills. In later years, Harrison expressed his gratitude to Lennon through songs like ‘All Those Years Ago,’ giving tribute to their friendship and Lennon’s enriching influence on his life.
Listen to the song below:
