• Published on 1968
• Author: Harrison
• Track 7 on “The Beatles – White Album“
• Track 16 on “The Beatles 1967-1970” (Blue Album)

GEORGE 1980: “I had a copy of the I Ching– the Book of Changes, which seemed to me to be based on the Eastern concept that everything is relative to everything else, as opposed to the Western view that things are merely coincidental. The idea was in my head when I visited my parents’ home in the North of England. I decided to write a song based on the first thing I saw upon opening any book– as it would be relative to that moment, at that time. I picked up a book at random, opened it– saw ‘gently weeps’ –than laid the book down again and started the song. Some of the words to the song were changed before I finally recorded it.”

GEORGE 1987: “I worked on that song with John, Paul, and Ringo one day, and they were not interested in it at all. And I knew inside of me that it was a nice song. The next day I was with Eric Clapton, and I was going into the session, and I said, ‘We’re going to do this song. Come and play on it.’ He said, ‘Oh no. I can’t do that. Nobody ever plays on the Beatles records.’ I said, ‘Look, it’s my song, and I want you to play on it.’ So Eric came in, and the other guys were as good as gold– because he was there. Also, it left me free to just play the rhythm and do the vocal. So Eric played that, and I thought it was really good. Then we listened to it back, and he said, ‘Ah, there’s a problem though; it’s not Beatley enough.’ So we put it through the ADT (automatic double-track) to wobble it up a bit.”

About “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is a poignant and influential song featured on White Album. Released on November 22, 1968, this composition is primarily attributed to George Harrison. Recorded at London’s EMI Studios, now known as Abbey Road Studios, during the summer of 1968, it features Harrison on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Paul McCartney on bass, John Lennon on electric guitar and Ringo Starr on drums.

Eric Clapton, a close friend of George Harrison, provided the lead guitar work for the song. His contribution is one of the most distinctive elements of this version, and it has become iconic in the realm of rock guitar. The enduring popularity and critical acclaim of this song have solidified its status as one of George Harrison’s finest compositions. Eric Clapton’s exceptional guitar work on the track is especially revered by music enthusiasts.

Over the years, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” has been covered by numerous artists, a testament to its enduring appeal and influence. Additionally, the song is significant in illustrating George Harrison’s growing assertiveness as a songwriter within the Beatles and his budding interest in Eastern spirituality, themes that would become more prominent in his later solo work.

In summary, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” stands as a powerful testament to George Harrison’s songwriting prowess and remains a cherished and influential piece within the Beatles’ extensive catalog. Its enduring popularity speaks to its lasting emotional impact on listeners around the world.

Meaning of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”

“While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is a deeply introspective song and its lyrics convey a sense of melancholy and contemplation about life’s challenges.

The opening lines express the narrator’s observation of the latent love within people around him, juxtaposed with the sorrow he feels, symbolized by his guitar. This juxtaposition highlights a poignant contrast between outward appearances and inner emotions. As the song progresses, there’s a sense of being preoccupied with mundane tasks, perhaps as a way to cope with deeper feelings. However, the underlying sadness persists, with the guitar continuing to ‘weep’.

Harrison expresses a sense of frustration or regret that the person being addressed hasn’t been given proper guidance on how to express his love. This is followed by a reflection on possible manipulation or mistreatment, which may have led to the suppression of emotions. The observation of the world’s continued movement, even in the face of personal sorrow, underscores the idea that life goes on, regardless of individual struggles. This sentiment is echoed in the refrain, emphasizing the enduring nature of the narrator’s melancholy.

The line “With every mistake, we must surely be learning” suggests a silver lining in adversity. It implies that even in moments of difficulty or hardship, there is an opportunity for growth and wisdom.

Overall, the lyrics of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” reveal a depth of emotion and introspection. They resonate with listeners due to their universal themes and the way they capture the complexities of the human experience. The enduring popularity of this song is a testament to its ability to touch hearts and provoke contemplation.

Personnel

The Beatles

• George Harrison – double-tracked vocals, backing vocal, acoustic guitar, Hammond organ
• John Lennon – electric guitar with tremolo
• Paul McCartney – harmony vocal, piano, bass guitars
• Ringo Starr – drums, tambourine, castanets

Additional musician

• Eric Clapton – lead guitar (uncredited)

Published on 1968
Author: Lennon/McCartney
Track 19 on “The Beatles – White Album“

JOHN 1980: “‘Yer Blues’ was written in India, too. Up there, trying to reach God and feeling suicidal.”

About “Yer Blues”

“Yer Blues” is a song featured on Beatles’ 1968 double album known as White Album. Although officially credited to Lennon-McCartney, it was solely written and composed by John Lennon during their stay in Rishikesh, India. This track serves as a satirical take on the blues genre, specifically parodying British interpretations of blues music.

In the song, Lennon reflects on his own struggles and emotional state during his time in India, aiming to create a blues composition despite his uncertainty in matching the authenticity of original blues artists. “Yer Blues” incorporates references to Bob Dylan’s “Ballad of a Thin Man” and Robert Johnson’s “Hellhound on My Trail,” playfully incorporating elements of blues with tongue-in-cheek guitar solos and rock-inspired swing blues segments.

The song playfully acknowledges the surge of British blues in 1968 and the debate surrounding whether white musicians could authentically perform blues. Some interpret the lyrics, particularly the line “If I ain’t dead already, girl you know the reason why,” as a humorous commentary on the ambiguity of bluesy poetics.

Musically, the song is in E major but includes accidentals such as G♮, D♮, and B♭, which are typical in blues compositions. It employs a 6/8 time signature, though, as with many of Lennon’s compositions, the time signature and tempo undergo frequent alterations.

“Yer Blues” was recorded in a small annex of EMI Studio Two, lending a live and stripped-down quality to the track. This recording environment, reminiscent of the Beatles’ early performances, contributed to the raw, bluesy feel of the song.

In a live performance, Lennon presented an extended rendition of “Yer Blues” with a supergroup called “The Dirty Mac,” featuring Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Mitch Mitchell. This performance marked a significant moment for Lennon, as it was his first live appearance since the Beatles’ last concert in 1966.

In retrospect, “Yer Blues” is celebrated for its successful blend of Lennon’s personal struggles and blues influences, showcasing Lennon’s ability to authentically engage with the genre. Jacob Stolworthy of The Independent ranks “Yer Blues” highly among the tracks on the White Album, highlighting its standing among the blues classics that inspired it.

Meaning of “Yer Blues”

“Yer Blues” by The Beatles, written by John Lennon, is a song that explores feelings of despair, isolation, and a yearning for connection. It was composed during the band’s stay in Rishikesh, India, where they were studying transcendental meditation. The song reflects Lennon’s struggles with his mental and emotional state during this period.

In “Yer Blues,” Lennon expresses a sense of hopelessness and contemplates mortality, suggesting a feeling of being on the edge. The lyrics, “If I ain’t dead already, girl you know the reason why,” convey a sentiment of deep melancholy and perhaps even a cry for help or understanding.

The song is a parody of the blues genre, specifically the British interpretations of American blues music. While Lennon admired original blues artists, he felt unsure about his ability to authentically reproduce their style. As a result, “Yer Blues” combines elements of blues with a touch of satire, incorporating tongue-in-cheek guitar solos and rock-inspired swing blues segments.

The track also playfully acknowledges the booming popularity of British blues in the late 1960s and the debate over whether white musicians could truly capture the essence of the genre.

Overall, “Yer Blues” is a complex piece that delves into the depths of Lennon’s emotional state at the time, using the blues as a medium to convey his inner turmoil and longing for connection. The song stands as a testament to Lennon’s ability to infuse personal struggles into his music while maintaining a satirical edge.

Personnel

• John Lennon – vocals, electric guitar
• Paul McCartney – backing vocal, bass
• George Harrison – electric guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums

Published on 1968
Author: Harrison
Track 27 on “The Beatles – White Album“

GEORGE 1977: “‘Savoy Truffle’ on The White Album was written for Eric (Clapton). He’s got this real sweet tooth and he’d just had his mouth worked on. His dentist said he was through with candy. So as a tribute I wrote, ‘You’ll have to have them all pulled out after the Savoy Truffle.’ The truffle was some kind of sweet, just like all the rest– cream tangerine, ginger sling– just candy, to tease Eric.”

GEORGE 1980: “‘Savoy Truffle’ is a funny one written whist hanging out with Eric Clapton in the ’60s. At that time he had alot of cavities in his teeth and needed dental work. He always had a toothache but he ate alot of chocolates– he couldn’t resist them, and once he saw a box he had to eat them all. He was over at my house, and I had a box of ‘Good News’ chocolates on the table and wrote the song from the names inside the lid. I got stuck with the two bridges for a while and Derek Taylor wrote some of the words in the middle– ‘You know that what you eat you are.’”

About “Savoy Truffle”

“Savoy Truffle” is featured on their 1968 groundbreaking album, universally recognized as “White Album“. George Harrison penned this song, drawing inspiration from his close associate Eric Clapton’s pronounced fondness for chocolate.

The song’s lyrics take a delectable journey through the various flavors found in Mackintosh’s Good News chocolates, all the while playfully cautioning Clapton about the potential dental consequences of his indulgence. This tongue-in-cheek warning forms the heart of the song, showcasing Harrison’s wit and creativity.

Noteworthy is the enduring musical association between Harrison and Clapton, marked not only by “Savoy Truffle” but also by Clapton’s guest appearance on the White Album track “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and Harrison’s reciprocal involvement in Cream’s “Badge.”

The recording of “Savoy Truffle” took place in October 1968, towards the culmination of the extensive five-month recording sessions for the album. This lively rock track, infused with elements of soul, is a reflection of Harrison’s re-embrace of the guitar as his primary instrument after a two-year immersion in the study of the Indian sitar. Notably, the recording features a horn section expertly arranged by Chris Thomas, introducing a horn-heavy motif that would later become characteristic of Harrison’s solo work.

Intriguingly, the song includes a nod to the Beatles’ own earlier work with the reference to “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da,” exemplifying their propensity for self-quotation in their later compositions.

Upon its release, “Savoy Truffle” was hailed by many as evidence of Harrison’s evolving prowess as a songwriter. In more recent appraisals, it has been noted by critics like Ian MacDonald as an instance of the album’s slightly less celebrated material. However, Daryl Easlea of BBC Music lauds it as one of the album’s “doodles that delight” and sees it as a commendable complement to “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.”

Moreover, “Savoy Truffle” has found resonance beyond the Beatles’ rendition, as artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Terry Manning, and They Might Be Giants have also paid homage to this delightful composition.

Meaning of “Savoy Truffle”

The song’s lyrics were inspired by Harrison’s friend and fellow musician Eric Clapton’s fondness for sweets, particularly chocolates.

The lyrics of “Savoy Truffle” list various flavors of chocolates found in a fictional box of Mackintosh’s Good News chocolates. Harrison uses this confectionery theme to humorously caution Clapton about the potential harm excessive indulgence in sweets could cause to his teeth.

The title “Savoy Truffle” may be a reference to a type of truffle that could have been found in the Savoy Hotel in London, known for its luxurious accommodations and dining.

Overall, “Savoy Truffle” is a lighthearted and whimsical song, showcasing Harrison’s wit and creativity in its unique subject matter and playful lyrics. The track is characterized by a lively musical arrangement with an upbeat rock and soul-influenced sound.

Personnel

The Beatles

• George Harrison – double-tracked vocal, rhythm guitar, lead guitars, Hammond organ, acoustic guitar (fill)
• Paul McCartney – harmony vocal, bass guitar
• Ringo Starr – drums
• uncredited – tambourine

Additional musicians

• Chris Thomas – electric piano, organ, horn arrangement
• Art Ellefson – tenor saxophone
• Danny Moss – tenor saxophone
• Derek Collins – tenor saxophone
• Ronnie Ross – baritone saxophone
• Harry Klein – baritone saxophone[26]
• Bernard George – baritone saxophone