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.
Writing's on the Wall
George Harrison Lyrics
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Your life is in your hands
It's up to you to see the writing's on the wall.
It looks you in the eye mister
It's time we stand up tall
Go see and understand the writing's on the wall.
Or power
While death holds on to us much more with every
Passing hour
And all the time you thought it would last
Your life, your friends would always be
'Til they're drunk away or shot away or die away
From you.
There's nothing that you need sister
The Lord is in you all
Life is designed to see the writing's on the wall.
The music's in the air mothers
You may have heard it call
To you that you may see the writing's on the wall.
Be careful going home sister
Be watchful down that road
You've got a lot of love sister
More to grow.
The writing's on the wall brothers
Your life is in your hands
It's up to you to see the writing's on the wall
I hope that you may see the writing's on the wal
In "Writing's on the Wall," George Harrison sings about the inevitability of death and the importance of recognizing the signs that life is fleeting. The first verse emphasizes personal responsibility, suggesting that the individual has the power to decide how they will spend their time and navigate the journey of life. The second verse expands on this theme, acknowledging the fragility of life and the need to be mindful of the signs that indicate its end. The final verse is more philosophical, asserting that the purpose of life is to recognize these signs and live with a deep appreciation for the present moment.
The refrain "the writing's on the wall" is a biblical reference, originally appearing in the Book of Daniel. It refers to a prophecy written on a wall, foretelling the fall of a kingdom. In the context of the song, the phrase carries a similar connotation - that the signs of mortality are all around us, and we must pay attention to them if we are to live authentic and fulfilling lives. The third and sixth verses, addressed to "sister," express a sense of support and compassion that complements the song's broader message of interconnectedness and responsibility.
Overall, "Writing's on the Wall" is a song about living in the moment and being mindful of the passage of time. It's a call to action, urging listeners to recognize and embrace the fragility of life and to seek purpose and meaning in the face of mortality.
Line by Line Meaning
The writing's on the wall brother
It's time to face the truth
Your life is in your hands
You have control over your own life
It's up to you to see the writing's on the wall.
It's your responsibility to recognize the warning signs
It looks you in the eye mister
The truth is right in front of you
It's time we stand up tall
We need to confront our problems
Go see and understand the writing's on the wall.
Take action and acknowledge the signs of trouble
Strange we hold on to things that have no grace
We often cling to things that don't deserve our attention
Or power
Or significance
While death holds on to us much more with every
We are all slowly moving towards our own mortality
Passing hour
As time goes by
And all the time you thought it would last
We often take life for granted
Your life, your friends would always be
We assume that our life and relationships will always be there
'Til they're drunk away or shot away or die away
Until we lose them to addiction, violence, or death
From you.
And we are left with the consequences
There's nothing that you need sister
You already have everything you need
The Lord is in you all
You have the spirit and strength within you
Life is designed to see the writing's on the wall.
The purpose of life is to recognize the signs and learn from them
The music's in the air mothers
There is beauty all around us
You may have heard it call
Listen to the world and embrace the joy around you
To you that you may see the writing's on the wall.
Open your eyes and acknowledge the warnings
Be careful going home sister
Be cautious in your journey
Be watchful down that road
Pay attention to the road ahead
You've got a lot of love sister
You are capable of giving and receiving love
More to grow.
And there is always the opportunity for growth
The writing's on the wall brothers
The warning signs are clear
Your life is in your hands
You are responsible for your own life
It's up to you to see the writing's on the wall
You have the power to recognize the truth
I hope that you may see the writing's on the wall
I wish for you to find clarity and guidance
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: FELTHAM, FORMAN, MCDOUGALL, WHALLEY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind