What Songs Did George Harrison Write And How Profitable Were They?

What songs did George Harrison write, and how can you, as a songwriter, learn from his journey to create profitable music? George Harrison’s songwriting contributions to The Beatles represent a significant chapter in music history and a valuable case study for aspiring musicians looking to monetize their talents. Explore with payoffsong.com how Harrison’s evolution as a songwriter can inspire your own path to musical success, leveraging key insights into music licensing, royalty collection, and strategic song placement.

1. What Songs Did George Harrison Write for The Beatles?

George Harrison wrote 22 songs for The Beatles, marking a significant contribution despite being overshadowed by the Lennon-McCartney partnership. These songs showcase his growth as a songwriter and his unique musical style, blending rock with elements of Indian classical music.

1.1 Early Contributions

Harrison’s initial contributions were modest but crucial for his development.

Don’t Bother Me: Released on With The Beatles (1963), this was Harrison’s first song on a Beatles album. Harrison himself was not particularly fond of the song. In fact, according to his own words, he wrote the song “basically as an exercise to see if I could write a song.”
I Need You: Featured on Help! (1965), this love song marked an early step in Harrison’s songwriting maturity.
You Like Me Too Much: Also on Help!, this song displayed a more confident songwriting approach.

1.2 Mid-Career Strides

As The Beatles evolved, so did Harrison’s songwriting, reflecting deeper musical exploration.

Think for Yourself: Included on Rubber Soul (1965), this song showed Harrison’s developing lyrical depth and musical experimentation.
If I Needed Someone: Also from Rubber Soul, this song, influenced by The Byrds, became a favorite among fans and musicians.
Taxman: Opening Revolver (1966), this song was a biting commentary on high taxation in Britain, showcasing Harrison’s willingness to tackle social issues.
Love You To: Also on Revolver, this track incorporated Indian classical music, reflecting Harrison’s growing interest in Eastern sounds.
I Want to Tell You: Completing his contributions to Revolver, this song explored themes of communication and frustration.

1.3 Late-Era Masterpieces

Harrison’s songwriting reached its peak in the final years of The Beatles, producing some of his most iconic works.

Within You Without You: From Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967), this song was heavily influenced by Indian music and spirituality, marking a bold departure from The Beatles’ traditional sound.
Blue Jay Way: Included on Magical Mystery Tour (1967), this psychedelic track captured the hazy atmosphere of a foggy day in Los Angeles.
While My Guitar Gently Weeps: From The White Album (1968), this song featured Eric Clapton on lead guitar and is considered one of Harrison’s best.
Piggies: Also on The White Album, this satirical song critiqued societal greed and materialism.
Long, Long, Long: Another gem from The White Album, this song is a reflective ballad about finding faith and love.
Savoy Truffle: Also included on The White Album, this track, inspired by Eric Clapton’s love for chocolates, is a rock and roll tribute to sweets.
It’s All Too Much: From Yellow Submarine (1969), this psychedelic and heavily textured song celebrated love and transcendence.
Only a Northern Song: Also from Yellow Submarine, this song was a sardonic commentary on Harrison’s publishing rights within The Beatles.
Something: From Abbey Road (1969), this song is widely regarded as one of Harrison’s finest, praised by both critics and fellow musicians.
Here Comes the Sun: Another standout from Abbey Road, this optimistic and uplifting song became an instant classic.
I, Me, Mine: Included on Let It Be (1970), this waltz reflected on ego and self-centeredness.
For You Blue: Also on Let It Be, this song was a straightforward blues number dedicated to Harrison’s wife, Pattie Boyd.
- Dig It: A short song included on Let It Be.

George Harrison looking thoughtful while playing guitar

George Harrison captured in a reflective moment while playing guitar, showcasing his dedication to his craft.

2. How Did George Harrison’s Songwriting Evolve Within The Beatles?

George Harrison’s songwriting evolved significantly during his time with The Beatles, transitioning from simple compositions to complex, meaningful songs that stood alongside those of Lennon and McCartney. This progression was marked by increased confidence, experimentation with diverse musical styles, and a deeper exploration of personal and philosophical themes.

2.1 Early Influences and Initial Struggles

Initially, Harrison’s songwriting was heavily influenced by his bandmates, John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Their established partnership and prolific output created a challenging environment for Harrison, who was just beginning to find his voice. His early songs, like “Don’t Bother Me,” were simple and straightforward, reflecting his initial attempts to contribute to the band’s repertoire. According to George Martin, The Beatles producer, “George’s work was kind of tolerated…it’s kind of saying ‘well it’s not going to be as good as the others but we will let him have it on,’ which was terribly unfair.”

2.2 Experimentation and Growth

As The Beatles experimented with new sounds and styles, Harrison began to incorporate his unique influences, such as Indian classical music. This experimentation marked a turning point in his songwriting, allowing him to explore deeper, more personal themes. Songs like “Taxman” and “Love You To” demonstrated his growing confidence and willingness to push the boundaries of The Beatles’ sound.

2.3 Creative Independence

In the later years of The Beatles, Harrison achieved creative independence, producing some of his most iconic songs, such as “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Here Comes the Sun,” and “Something.” These songs showcased his mature songwriting abilities and his capacity to create timeless music that resonated with audiences worldwide.

2.4 Overcoming Obstacles

Despite his growing talent, Harrison faced numerous obstacles within The Beatles, including limited opportunities to showcase his songs and a lack of recognition for his contributions. However, he persevered, honing his craft and ultimately establishing himself as a respected songwriter in his own right.

3. Which George Harrison Beatles Songs Achieved Commercial Success?

Several of George Harrison’s songs for The Beatles achieved significant commercial success, demonstrating his impact on the band’s popularity and enduring legacy. These songs not only resonated with audiences but also generated substantial revenue through sales, airplay, and licensing.

3.1 “Here Comes the Sun”

From the Abbey Road album (1969), “Here Comes the Sun” is one of Harrison’s most beloved and commercially successful songs. Its uplifting melody and optimistic lyrics made it an instant classic, and it continues to be a popular choice for films, commercials, and other media. According to Billboard, “Here Comes the Sun” has been streamed over 500 million times on Spotify.

3.2 “Something”

Also from Abbey Road, “Something” is another of Harrison’s standout compositions. Praised by critics and fellow musicians alike, the song’s heartfelt lyrics and memorable melody helped it achieve widespread popularity. Frank Sinatra famously called it “the greatest love song of the past 50 years”.

3.3 “Taxman”

Opening the Revolver album (1966), “Taxman” was a bold and innovative choice for a lead track. Its biting social commentary and distinctive guitar riff helped it become a hit, and it remains a popular choice for inclusion in film and television soundtracks.

3.4 “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”

From The White Album (1968), “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is a haunting and emotionally charged song featuring Eric Clapton on lead guitar. Its critical acclaim and enduring popularity have contributed to its commercial success over the years.

3.5 “I Need You”

Featured on the Help! album (1965), “I Need You” marked an early milestone in Harrison’s songwriting career. Its inclusion in the film of the same name helped it gain exposure and popularity, contributing to its commercial success.

4. What Are the Key Elements of George Harrison’s Songwriting Style?

George Harrison’s songwriting style is characterized by several key elements that set it apart from those of his Beatles bandmates. These elements include:

Spiritual and Philosophical Themes: Harrison’s songs often explored spiritual and philosophical themes, reflecting his deep interest in Eastern religions and philosophies. Songs like “Within You Without You” and “Long, Long, Long” exemplify this aspect of his songwriting.
Lyrical Honesty and Simplicity: Harrison’s lyrics were often direct and honest, conveying his thoughts and emotions in a straightforward manner. This simplicity allowed listeners to connect with his songs on a personal level.
Unique Melodic Sense: Harrison had a distinctive melodic sense, often incorporating unexpected chord changes and modal melodies. This gave his songs a unique and memorable quality.
Experimentation with Indian Music: Harrison’s incorporation of Indian classical music into his songs was a groundbreaking innovation. Tracks like “Love You To” and “Within You Without You” introduced Western audiences to the sounds and instruments of Indian music.
Slide Guitar Style: Harrison’s distinctive slide guitar playing added a unique texture to many of his songs, enhancing their emotional impact and creating a signature sound.

George Harrison skillfully plays guitar, a testament to his dedication and passion for music.

5. How Did George Harrison Incorporate Indian Music Into His Songs?

George Harrison’s incorporation of Indian music into his songs was a pioneering move that had a profound impact on The Beatles’ sound and popular music as a whole. His interest in Indian music began in the mid-1960s, influenced by his friendship with sitar maestro Ravi Shankar.

5.1 Early Explorations

Harrison’s first foray into Indian music came with “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)” (1965), which featured him playing the sitar, albeit in a rudimentary fashion. This marked the first time a sitar was used in a Western pop song, opening the door for further experimentation.

5.2 “Love You To”

On Revolver (1966), Harrison’s “Love You To” fully embraced Indian music, featuring authentic instrumentation and a modal melody inspired by Hindustani classical music. The song included tabla, sitar, and tamboura, creating a rich and immersive soundscape.

5.3 “Within You Without You”

Harrison’s most ambitious Indian-influenced song was “Within You Without You,” featured on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967). The song was a complete departure from The Beatles’ traditional sound, incorporating a full Indian ensemble and lyrics inspired by Hindu philosophy. According to music historian Peter Lavezzoli, “Within You Without You” was “the most successful and influential Indian-style song ever recorded by a rock group.”

5.4 Impact and Legacy

Harrison’s incorporation of Indian music into his songs not only expanded The Beatles’ musical horizons but also introduced a new generation of listeners to the sounds and culture of India. His pioneering work helped to break down cultural barriers and paved the way for other artists to explore world music influences.

6. What Financial Lessons Can Musicians Learn from George Harrison’s Songwriting Career?

George Harrison’s songwriting career offers several valuable financial lessons for musicians looking to monetize their talents. These lessons include:

6.1 Persistence and Patience

Harrison’s early struggles to gain recognition as a songwriter within The Beatles highlight the importance of persistence and patience. Despite being overshadowed by Lennon and McCartney, he continued to hone his craft, eventually producing some of the band’s most iconic songs. Aspiring songwriters should take inspiration from Harrison’s perseverance and remain committed to their craft, even in the face of rejection or limited opportunities.

6.2 Diversification of Income Streams

Harrison’s success as a songwriter opened up multiple income streams, including royalties from sales, airplay, and licensing. Musicians should explore all available avenues for monetizing their music, including:

Publishing Royalties: These royalties are generated whenever a song is reproduced, distributed, or performed publicly.
Mechanical Royalties: These royalties are paid to songwriters and publishers for each copy of a song that is sold, whether in physical or digital format.
Performance Royalties: These royalties are collected by performance rights organizations (PROs) such as ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC and distributed to songwriters and publishers when their songs are performed publicly.
Synchronization Royalties: These royalties are paid when a song is used in a film, television show, commercial, or other visual media.

6.3 Copyright Protection

Protecting your copyrights is essential for ensuring that you receive proper compensation for your work. Musicians should register their songs with the U.S. Copyright Office to establish legal ownership and protect their rights against infringement.

6.4 Strategic Licensing

Licensing your songs for use in films, television shows, commercials, and other media can be a lucrative source of income. Musicians should actively seek out licensing opportunities and be willing to negotiate favorable terms with potential licensees.

6.5 Building a Strong Brand

Building a strong brand as a songwriter can help you attract attention from publishers, labels, and other industry professionals. Musicians should focus on developing their unique style and voice and creating a consistent image across all platforms.

7. How Can Aspiring Songwriters Improve Their Craft?

Aspiring songwriters can improve their craft by following these tips:

7.1 Study the Masters

Listen to and analyze the works of successful songwriters from various genres. Pay attention to their melodies, lyrics, chord progressions, and song structures.

7.2 Practice Regularly

Set aside time each day or week to write songs. The more you practice, the better you will become at crafting memorable melodies and compelling lyrics.

7.3 Seek Feedback

Share your songs with trusted friends, fellow musicians, or songwriting mentors and ask for constructive criticism. Be open to suggestions and use feedback to improve your songs.

7.4 Collaborate with Others

Collaborating with other songwriters can help you learn new techniques and approaches. It can also expose you to different perspectives and ideas.

7.5 Take Risks

Don’t be afraid to experiment with new sounds, styles, and lyrical themes. Pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone can lead to unexpected breakthroughs.

7.6 Attend Workshops and Seminars

Participating in songwriting workshops and seminars can provide valuable insights and guidance from experienced professionals.

7.7 Read Books on Songwriting

There are many excellent books on songwriting that offer practical advice and inspiration. Some popular titles include “The Complete Rhyming Dictionary” by Clement Wood and “Songwriting: The Words, the Music, and the Money” by Molly Ann Leikin.

George Harrison’s insightful interview reveals the depth of his musical knowledge and perspective.

8. What Role Did George Martin Play in Shaping George Harrison’s Songs?

George Martin, The Beatles’ producer, played a significant role in shaping George Harrison’s songs, providing guidance, support, and creative input that helped Harrison realize his musical vision. Martin recognized Harrison’s potential as a songwriter and encouraged him to develop his craft.

8.1 Providing Feedback and Guidance

Martin offered constructive criticism on Harrison’s songs, helping him refine his melodies, lyrics, and arrangements. He also provided valuable insights into song structure and dynamics.

8.2 Facilitating Experimentation

Martin encouraged Harrison to experiment with new sounds and styles, including his incorporation of Indian music. He provided the resources and technical expertise needed to bring Harrison’s musical ideas to life.

8.3 Arranging and Orchestrating

Martin’s skills as an arranger and orchestrator were instrumental in shaping the final sound of Harrison’s songs. He added orchestral arrangements, backing vocals, and other sonic textures that enhanced their emotional impact.

8.4 Championing Harrison’s Work

Despite the dominance of Lennon and McCartney, Martin championed Harrison’s work, ensuring that his songs were given fair consideration for inclusion on The Beatles’ albums.

8.5 Recognizing Harrison’s Talent

Martin recognized Harrison’s unique talent as a songwriter and helped him gain confidence in his abilities. His support and encouragement were essential to Harrison’s growth as a musician.

9. How Did The Beatles’ Internal Dynamics Affect George Harrison’s Songwriting?

The Beatles’ internal dynamics significantly affected George Harrison’s songwriting, both positively and negatively. The dominance of the Lennon-McCartney partnership created challenges for Harrison, who often struggled to gain recognition for his contributions.

9.1 Limited Opportunities

Harrison had fewer opportunities to showcase his songs on The Beatles’ albums compared to Lennon and McCartney. This limited exposure may have hindered his development as a songwriter and prevented some of his best songs from reaching a wider audience.

9.2 Creative Competition

The intense creative competition between Lennon and McCartney may have intimidated Harrison and made it difficult for him to assert his own musical vision. However, it may have also motivated him to work harder and develop his unique style.

9.3 Lack of Collaboration

Unlike Lennon and McCartney, Harrison rarely collaborated with his bandmates on songwriting. This lack of collaboration may have limited his exposure to different perspectives and ideas.

9.4 Support and Encouragement

Despite the challenges, Harrison also received support and encouragement from his bandmates, particularly in his later years with The Beatles. This support helped him gain confidence in his abilities and produce some of his most iconic songs.

9.5 Frustration and Resentment

The Beatles’ internal dynamics also led to frustration and resentment on Harrison’s part, as he felt his contributions were often overlooked or undervalued. These feelings contributed to the band’s eventual breakup.

10. What is George Harrison’s Legacy as a Songwriter?

George Harrison’s legacy as a songwriter is that of a pioneering and innovative musician who broke down cultural barriers and explored profound spiritual and philosophical themes in his work. Despite the challenges he faced within The Beatles, he emerged as a respected songwriter in his own right, producing a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

10.1 Breaking Cultural Barriers

Harrison’s incorporation of Indian music into his songs introduced a new generation of listeners to the sounds and culture of India. His pioneering work helped to break down cultural barriers and paved the way for other artists to explore world music influences.

10.2 Exploring Spiritual Themes

Harrison’s songs often explored spiritual and philosophical themes, reflecting his deep interest in Eastern religions and philosophies. This gave his work a unique and timeless quality.

10.3 Enduring Popularity

Harrison’s songs continue to be popular and influential, inspiring countless musicians and songwriters. His music has been covered by numerous artists and continues to be featured in films, television shows, and commercials.

10.4 Impact on Music Industry

Harrison’s success as a songwriter helped to pave the way for other musicians to explore diverse musical styles and lyrical themes. His work has had a lasting impact on the music industry.

10.5 Inspiration for Aspiring Musicians

Harrison’s story of perseverance and creative growth serves as an inspiration for aspiring musicians around the world. His legacy is that of a talented and innovative songwriter who overcame obstacles to achieve his musical vision.

FAQ: Your Questions About George Harrison’s Songs Answered

How many songs did George Harrison write for The Beatles?
George Harrison wrote 22 songs for The Beatles, showcasing his growth and unique style within the band.
What was George Harrison’s first song on a Beatles album?
His first song was “Don’t Bother Me,” featured on the album With The Beatles in 1963.
Which George Harrison song is considered one of his best?
“Something,” from the Abbey Road album, is widely regarded as one of George Harrison’s finest compositions.
How did George Harrison incorporate Indian music into his songs?
Harrison integrated Indian instruments like the sitar and tabla and explored spiritual themes in songs like “Within You Without You.”
What financial lessons can musicians learn from George Harrison’s career?
Musicians can learn the importance of persistence, copyright protection, strategic licensing, and building a strong brand to monetize their talents.
Who influenced George Harrison’s songwriting style?
Ravi Shankar influenced George Harrison a lot in terms of writting songs.
How did George Martin support George Harrison’s songwriting?
George Martin provided feedback, guidance, facilitated experimentation, and championed Harrison’s work within The Beatles.
What is the legacy of George Harrison as a songwriter?
His legacy is that of a pioneering musician who broke cultural barriers and explored profound themes, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.
What are the key characteristics of George Harrison’s songwriting?
Spiritual themes, melodic uniqueness, and Indian musical elements define George Harrison’s songwriting style.
What challenges did George Harrison face within The Beatles?
George faced challenges in terms of limited opportunities to showcase his songs and a lack of recognition compared to Lennon and McCartney.

George Harrison’s journey from the “Quiet Beatle” to a prolific songwriter offers invaluable lessons for musicians aiming to succeed in today’s music industry. At payoffsong.com, we provide comprehensive resources to help you understand music licensing, protect your copyrights, and strategically monetize your songs.

Ready to turn your musical talents into profit? Visit payoffsong.com today to explore opportunities in music licensing, learn about copyright protection, and connect with a community of music enthusiasts and industry professionals.
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