George Harrison's Solo Songwriting Journey: A Tale of Collaboration and Isolation

Throughout his career with The Beatles, George Harrison attempted to forge his own path as a songwriter. Despite the incredible talent and success of the band, there were certain moments when he felt the need to write and perform on his own. In this article, we delve into why George pursued his solo songwriting journey, exploring the collaborations and unique challenges he faced.

Why Didn't George Join in the Collaboration?

The simple answer to why George didn't join in the early collaborative efforts with John Lennon and Paul McCartney is as the famous quote goes, 'One does not simply walk into Mordor'. This phrase symbolizes the complex and intricate nature of the relationships and dynamics within The Beatles. Early on, John and Paul decided to write together, creating a partnership dynamic that was difficult for George to break into.

George's Instrumental Contributions

George made his mark in the Beatles catalogue with his instrumental contributions, such as "Cry For A Shadow". While in the early years, there were instances of George collaborating with John Lennon, Paul McCartney often left him to write by himself. For example, George wrote "In Spite of All the Danger" which was not explicitly a Lennon-McCartney collaboration but still showcased his versatility as a songwriter.

George's journey to get his songs taken seriously included bringing in notable musicians. For instance, he brought Eric Clapton and Billy Preston onto the track for "Something", validating his abilities as a songwriter. Additionally, during the filming of the 'Get Back/Let It Be' movie, George sought John's input on his songs, demonstrating his dedication to progression and quality.

Collaboration Dynamics within The Beatles

The dynamics within The Beatles were complex, with Lennon and McCartney establishing an intimate bond through shared songwriting. It's estimated that roughly a tenth of the songs credited to Lennon-McCartney were genuine collaborations by Lennon and McCartney. This partnership shared the pressures of constant songwriting demands, allowing Lennon and McCartney to split the workload. However, it also created a significant barrier for George in terms of becoming a fully-fledged collaborator.

Credit and Recognition

The decision to credit all songs to Lennon and McCartney, despite George’s significant contributions, had both advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it diffused the pressure and allowed the individual songwriters to take a break. On the other hand, George's input was often overlooked, as evident in minor changes to lyrics, such as the alteration of "I don't care too much” to “I don’t need to know anything” in "Something".

The dynamics of credit attribution also impacted other bands and musicians. Queen's decision to credit all members for their songs starting in 1989 provided insight into the long-term benefits of shared recognition. Similarly, George's experiences with The Beatles highlighted the complexities and challenges of maintaining a cohesive yet individually dynamic group.

Conclusion

While George Harrison’s journey as a solo songwriter was marked by both collaboration and isolation, his efforts to break into the Beatles’ collaborative songwriting process were both challenging and enlightening. George's contributions to the band were significant, often underplayed by the focus on Lennon and McCartney's collaborations. Understanding these dynamics provides a deeper appreciation for the individual efforts of each Beatle and the unique path George pursued as a songwriter.