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“Something” is my favorite Beatles song that was written by George Harrison, and even Frank Sinatra is quoted as saying this is the greatest love song of all time. I’ve read a few interpretations over who the lyrics are about – one, an obvious assumption, is that they are about Harrison’s wife at the time, Pattie Boyd. Pattie wrote in her autobiography that George had told her this to be true. However, Harrison is also quoted as saying this song is about Ray Charles. I’ve read elsewhere that the song has a more spiritual meaning, sourced from George’s feelings towards Krishna – the original words to the song were “Something in the way He moves me”, but this was quickly changed to “She”. I can see this being plausible – Harrison must have built up quite a collection of songs that had not been followed up by The Beatles, and where would you draw up the inspiration to write then your own personal feelings towards the things you love the most? It’s something everyone does, when they put pen to paper.
For me, the music in this song is almost dreamlike. The subtleness of the words during the verses move me into a trance – whoever or whatever this song was about must have had a strong pull on George Harrison’s heart. I’m woken up by the rush of the chorus, with it’s simple question – will my love grow? For me, this is not a question being asked because of doubt.. it’s because the love already present feels like it is as strong as can be – how can it possibly grow more? This song is serious in it’s meaning, it isn’t a fun kiss-and-tell love song – George goes on to write one of these later in his career (”I dig Love”), no, this song is about a love that is sticking around for good.
Somewhere in her smile she knows,
That I don’t need no other lover.
….. ….. …..
You’re asking me will my love grow,
I don’t know, I don’t know.
Check out my other posts related to George Harrison, and don’t forget, Beatles Week continues all this week as I celebrate the release of The Beatles: Rock Band.
