George Harrison, the lead guitarist of The Beatles, was more than just a sideman to the prolific songwriting duo of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. While Lennon-McCartney partnership rightly takes center stage in the Beatles’ story, Harrison’s artistic journey within the band is a compelling narrative of growth and self-discovery, especially in his contributions to Beatles songs.
Initially, Harrison’s songwriting within The Beatles was considered secondary. As the band crafted their early albums and soundtracks, it became apparent to Lennon and McCartney that George’s songwriting needed nurturing. Famously, for the film A Hard Day’s Night, they penned ‘I’m Happy Just To Dance With You’ specifically for Harrison.
Paul McCartney himself described it as a “formula song,” admitting they wouldn’t have personally chosen to sing it. It was, in his words, “songwriting practice,” a way to ensure George had a piece of the action and contribute more vocally to their albums. John Lennon echoed this sentiment, stating he “would never have sung it myself,” highlighting its tailored nature for Harrison.
Despite these initial perceptions, George Harrison’s songwriting blossomed. He moved beyond these “exercises” and developed into a significant creative force within the group. His song ‘Here Comes The Sun’ stands as a testament to his mature songwriting abilities. Interestingly, this Harrison composition has surpassed many Lennon-McCartney classics to become the most-streamed Beatles song on Spotify, demonstrating its enduring popularity and appeal to modern audiences.
George Harrison of The Beatles, pictured in album artwork. Harrison's songwriting contributions grew significantly, with 'Here Comes The Sun' becoming a fan favorite and a top streamed Beatles song on Spotify.
George Harrison’s journey within The Beatles is a fascinating study in artistic development. From needing songs written for him to becoming the writer of one of their most beloved and streamed tracks, his evolution as a songwriter is a crucial and often underappreciated part of the Beatles’ legendary story. His contributions enriched the band’s discography and cemented his place as a significant songwriter in his own right, within and beyond the Beatles.
