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.
Not Guilty
George Harrison Lyrics
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For getting in your way
While you're trying to steal the day
Not guilty
And I'm not here for the rest
I'm not trying to steal your vest.
I am not trying to be smart
I'm really sorry for your aging head
But like you heard me said
Not guilty.
Not guilty
For being on your street
Getting underneath your feet
Not guilty
No use handing me a writ
While I'm trying to do my bit.
I don't expect to take your heart
I only want what I can get
I'm really sorry that you're underfed
But like you heard me said
Not guilty.
Not guilty
For looking like a freak
Making friends with every Sikh
Not guilty
For leading you astray
On the road to Mandalay.
I won't upset the apple cart
I only want what I can get
I'm really sorry that you've been misled
But like you heard me said
Not guilty
The song "Not Guilty," written and performed by George Harrison, is a song about innocence and rejecting false accusations. The song begins with Harrison stating that he is not guilty of getting in someone's way while they try to "steal the day." He also clarifies that he is not looking to steal anything from the accuser's vest. The song then moves onto the second verse in which Harrison explains that he is not guilty of being on someone's street and getting in their way. And, just like before, Harrison isn't looking to take anything valuable from anyone.
This song can be interpreted in two ways. Firstly, it can be seen as a statement from Harrison that he never intended to cause any harm to anyone. He didn't want anything that wasn't rightfully his and he wasn't trying to get in anyone's way. On the other hand, it can be seen as a general statement to people who have accused him of various things throughout his life. In the music industry, rumors and accusations are common, and people often try to tear others down. Harrison rejects these accusations and denies any wrongdoing.
Overall, "Not Guilty" is a song about staying true to oneself in the face of accusations and negativity. Harrison maintains his innocence and refuses to let anyone tarnish his image.
Line by Line Meaning
Not guilty
I am not responsible for what you are accusing me of.
For getting in your way
I did not intentionally obstruct you.
While you're trying to steal the day
You did not succeed in your efforts, so do not blame me for it.
And I'm not here for the rest
I am not interested in anything else but what I want.
I'm not trying to steal your vest.
I do not have any ulterior motives.
I only want what I can get
My intentions are clear, and I am not asking for more than what is due to me.
I'm really sorry for your aging head
I pity you for your inability to understand my point of view.
But like you heard me said
I have already made myself clear.
For being on your street
I have not done anything wrong by being present in your neighborhood.
Getting underneath your feet
My actions did not cause you any harm.
No use handing me a writ
There is no point in accusing me falsely.
While I'm trying to do my bit.
I am just trying to do my job, and there is no need to drag me into unnecessary disputes.
I don't expect to take your heart
I am not asking for anything over-the-top.
I only want what I can get
My motives are clear, and I am not greedy.
I'm really sorry that you're underfed
I sympathize with you for your current situation.
But like you heard me said
I have already explained my position.
For looking like a freak
I do not conform to your expectations, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Making friends with every Sikh
I am friendly with everyone, regardless of their religion or race.
For leading you astray
I did not intentionally misguide you.
On the road to Mandalay.
I am just taking my own path, and there is no harm in that.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: GEORGE HARRISON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind