About the Song
Released in 1970 on his landmark triple album “All Things Must Pass,” George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” became an international sensation and a cornerstone of his solo career. More than just a catchy tune, the song marked a significant moment in pop music history, reflecting Harrison’s personal exploration of spirituality and his deep devotion to Hinduism.
Harrison’s powerful vocals, brimming with a newfound sense of liberation after his departure from The Beatles, deliver a heartfelt message of devotion. The lyrics, though simple and direct, resonate with a deep yearning for spiritual connection. Lines like “I really wanna see you, Lord” and “I really wanna know you” express a sincere desire for a closer relationship with the divine.
However, the song’s release was mired in controversy. Accusations of plagiarism due to its lyrical similarities to the Ronnie Mack chanson “He’s So Fine” resulted in a long copyright battle. Despite this, “My Sweet Lord” transcended the legal wrangles and secured its place as a beloved classic.
The song’s musical arrangement is a captivating blend of pop sensibilities and spiritual influences. The driving rock beat, courtesy of Ringo Starr on drums, provides a solid foundation for Harrison’s soaring vocals. The prominent use of slide guitar, reminiscent of Indian music, adds a unique texture and reflects Harrison’s growing interest in Eastern traditions.
“My Sweet Lord” wasn’t just a personal statement for Harrison. It resonated with a generation searching for meaning beyond the materialism of the 1960s. The song’s message of spiritual yearning and its embrace of Eastern philosophies struck a chord with listeners, making it a defining anthem of the burgeoning spiritual awakening in popular culture.
The song’s enduring legacy lies in its ability to speak to both the head and the heart. It’s a catchy melody with a powerful message, a testament to Harrison’s desire to infuse pop music with a sense of spiritual depth. Whether it evokes feelings of devotion, a sense of hope, or simply a desire for something more, “My Sweet Lord” continues to be a beloved classic, a reminder of the timeless search for meaning and connection.
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Lyrics: “My Sweet Lord”
My sweet Lord
Hm, my Lord
Hm, my LordI really want to see you
Really want to be with you
Really want to see you Lord
But it takes so long, my LordMy sweet Lord
Hm, my Lord
Hm, my LordI really want to know you
Really want to go with you
Really want to show you Lord
That it won’t take long, my Lord (Hallelujah)My sweet Lord (Hallelujah)
Hm, my Lord (Hallelujah)
My sweet Lord (Hallelujah)I really want to see you
Really want to see you
Really want to see you, Lord
Really want to see you, Lord
But it takes so long, my Lord (Hallelujah)My sweet Lord (Hallelujah)
Hm, my Lord (Hallelujah)
My, my, my Lord (Hallelujah)I really want to know you (Hallelujah)
Really want to go with you (Hallelujah)
Really want to show you Lord (ahh)
That it won’t take long, my Lord (Hallelujah)Hmm (Hallelujah)
My sweet Lord (Hallelujah)
My, my, Lord (Hallelujah)Hm, my Lord (Hare Krishna)
My, my, my Lord (Hare Krishna)
Oh hm, my sweet Lord (Krishna, Krishna)
Oh-uuh-uh (Hare Hare)Now, I really want to see you (Hare Rama)
Really want to be with you (Hare Rama)
Really want to see you Lord (ahh)
But it takes so long, my Lord (Hallelujah)Hm, my Lord (Hallelujah)
My, my, my Lord (Hare Krishna)
My sweet Lord (Hare Krishna)
My sweet Lord (Krishna Krishna)
My Lord (Hare Hare)
Hm, hm (Guru Brahma)
Hm, hm (Guru Vishnu)
Hm, hm (Guru Devo)
Hm, hm (Maheśvaraḥ
My sweet Lord (Guru Sākṣāt)
My sweet Lord (Para Brahma)
My, my, my Lord (Tasmai Srī)
My, my, my, my Lord (Guru Namah)
My sweet Lord (Hare Rama)[fade:]
(Hare Krishna)
My sweet Lord (Hare Krishna)
My sweet Lord (Krishna Krishna)
My Lord (Hare Hare)