After the Beatles stopped touring in 1966, George started writing more songs than could be fitted onto the albums so that by the time of the split he had built up a collection of songs, some used on his debut solo album, All Things Must Pass. The album, released in 1970, contains the two-time number one hit, "My Sweet Lord".
Harrison is also credited for creating music benefits, notably the 1971 Concert for Bangladesh. Harrison played beside Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Billy Preston, Ringo Starr, and Leon Russell to a crowd of 40,000 in Madison Square Garden, New York. The show raised over $240,000 benefiting the George Harrison Fund for Bangladesh relief.
Harrison went on to release several successful solo albums, and in the late 1980s collaborated with Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Tom Petty, in a group called Traveling Wilburys. The group released two albums. Later, Harrison reunited with the other two surviving Beatles, after John Lennon's murder in 1980, to produce two final Beatles records, "Free As a Bird" and "Real Love" featuring the voice of Lennon, taken from home demos provided by Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono. The three Beatles also co-wrote a massive autobiography and television special, both titled "The Beatles Anthology."
Before his death, Harrison conceived of a Cirque du Soleil show, "Love," featuring remixes of Beatles music which were overseen by Beatles producer George Martin.
Harrison died on November 29, 2001 after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a wife and son, Olivia and Dhani Harrison. His last album, Brainwashed, was released posthumously and featured the single "Any Road".
A benefit concert in Harrison's memory was played on 29 November 2002 at the Royal Albert Hall. The star-studded event (featuring Eric Clapton and Monty Python, as well as former band mates Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr) was released on the DVD double-album, Concert for George.
Isn't It A Pity
George Harrison Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Now, isn't it a shame
How we break each other's hearts
And cause each other pain
How we take each other's love
Without thinking anymore
Forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity
Some things take so long
But how do I explain
When not too many people
Can see we're all the same
And because of all their tears
Their eyes can't hope to see
The beauty that surrounds them
Isn't it a pity
Isn't it a pity
Isn't is a shame
How we break each other's hearts
And cause each other pain
How we take each other's love
Without thinking anymore
Forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity
Forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity
Forgetting to give back
Now, isn't it a pity
[Repeat: x6]
What a pity
What a pity, pity, pity
What a pity
What a pity, pity, pity
The song “Isn’t It a Pity” by George Harrison is a poignant exploration of human relationships and their difficulties. The lyrics express regret and sadness about how we break each other’s hearts and cause pain without thinking, taking love from each other without giving back. The chorus repeats the refrain “Isn’t it a pity” emphasizing the futility of this cycle of hurt and neglect.
The first verse acknowledges the existence of this pattern and laments its outcome, singing “Some things take so long, but how do I explain when not too many people can see we're all the same, and because of all their tears their eyes can't hope to see the beauty that surrounds them”. Here, Harrison highlights the blinding impact of negative experiences and emotions, which can occlude the beauty of the world and the things that make it worth living in.
The second repetition of the chorus adds another layer of sorrow, emphasizing that forgetting to give back is the real source of the pity described in the song. This can be seen as a call to action, urging listeners to reflect on their relationship patterns and to be more mindful in giving to those around them. Ultimately, “Isn’t It a Pity” is a song about the consequences of taking each other for granted, and the hopelessness of a world in which compassion and reciprocity are not prioritized.
Line by Line Meaning
Isn't it a pity
George Harrison laments the sad state of affairs that exists between people.
Now, isn't it a shame
Harrison expresses his disappointment and sadness over the way people treat each other.
How we break each other's hearts
Harrison notes the hurt that people cause each other.
And cause each other pain
Harrison acknowledges the suffering that people inflict on each other through their actions.
How we take each other's love
Harrison speaks to the lack of consideration people have when it comes to relationships, taking love for granted.
Without thinking anymore
Harrison points out how people tend to become complacent and neglectful in relationships.
Forgetting to give back
Harrison highlights the importance of reciprocity in relationships and the price that is paid when it is lacking.
Isn't it a pity
Harrison reiterates his initial observation of the sad state of affairs that exists.
Some things take so long
Harrison recognizes that change can be a slow process.
But how do I explain
Harrison acknowledges the difficulty in conveying this message to others.
When not too many people
Harrison notes that not everyone is able to see the world the way he does.
Can see we're all the same
Harrison emphasizes the common humanity that all people share.
And because of all their tears
Harrison acknowledges the pain and trauma that people have experienced.
Their eyes can't hope to see
Harrison recognizes that emotional scars can cloud one's vision and hinder their ability to see the world clearly.
The beauty that surrounds them
Harrison speaks to the wonder of the world that can be missed when one is blinded by pain.
Forgetting to give back
Harrison once again points out the damage that is caused when people don't reciprocate in relationships.
Isn't it a pity
Harrison reminds the listener of the sad reality that exists.
What a pity
Harrison repeats the idea that he has been expressing throughout the song.
What a pity, pity, pity
Harrison emphasizes the sense of regret that he feels.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: George Harrison
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind