- Published on 1970
- Author: Harrison
- Track 11 on “Let It Be“
GEORGE 1980: “‘For You Blue’ is a simple twelve-bar song following all the normal twelve-bar principles, except that it’s happy-go-lucky!”
About “For You Blue”
“For You Blue” is a song written by George Harrison as a love song to his wife, Pattie Boyd. It was included in their 1970 album Let It Be. It is a bluesy, acoustic track characterized by its simple yet catchy melody and straightforward lyrics. Recorded at the group’s Apple Studio in London in late January 1969, the song features George Harrison’s distinctive slide guitar playing, which gives the song its distinctive sound.
George Harrison was known to be fond of blues music, and “For You Blue” reflects his appreciation for this genre. The song is a twelve-bar blues in the country blues style. When writing “For You Blue”, Harrison was partly influenced by his stay with Bob Dylan and the Band in Woodstock over November–December 1968. Whereas that visit had been a musically rewarding experience for Harrison, the Beatles first worked on the song amid an atmosphere of discord, during the filmed rehearsals that made up part of the Let It Be documentary film.
Among music critics, some have admired the track for its lighthearted qualities and as a good band performance. Other commentators identify it as an inconsequential song, particularly in relation to some of the Harrison compositions that his bandmates rejected over the Let It Be period.
“For You Blue” was released as the B-side to the single “The Long and Winding Road,” which was the final single released by the Beatles before their breakup. The song received positive reviews from critics, who appreciated its bluesy sound and George Harrison’s guitar work. While not as commercially successful as some of the Beatles’ other hits, it became a fan favorite. George Harrison occasionally performed “For You Blue” during his solo career concerts, showcasing his continued fondness for the song.
In 1976, Capitol Records included “For You Blue” on the compilation album The Best of George Harrison. An alternative take of the track appeared on the Beatles’ 1996 compilation Anthology 3. A live version recorded during Harrison’s 1974 North American tour received a limited release on the Songs by George Harrison EP in 1988. Paul McCartney performed the song at the Concert for George in November 2002, a year after Harrison’s death.
Meaning of “For You Blue”
“For You Blue” is a straightforward and affectionate declaration of love to a significant other. In the lyrics, Harrison expresses his deep affection for the person he loves, assuring them that he’ll do whatever he can to make them happy.
The song radiates warmth and tenderness, capturing the simplicity and sincerity of a heartfelt love message. The “blue” in the title could be a nod to the bluesy musical style of the song, a genre Harrison admired and incorporated into his own musical style.
Overall, “For You Blue” is a sweet and intimate expression of love.
Personnel
- George Harrison – lead vocal, acoustic guitar
- John Lennon – lap steel guitar
- Paul McCartney – piano, bass
- Ringo Starr – drums
