Born in Brooklyn, Nilsson moved to Los Angeles as a teenager to escape his family's poor financial situation. While working as a computer programmer at a bank, he grew interested in musical composition and close-harmony singing and was successful in having some of his songs recorded by various artists, such as the Monkees. In 1967, he debuted on RCA Victor with the LP Pandemonium Shadow Show, followed by a variety of releases that included a collaboration with Randy Newman (Nilsson Sings Newman, 1970) and the original children's story The Point! (1971).
He created the first remix album, Aerial Pandemonium Ballet, in 1971, and recorded the first mashup song ("You Can't Do That") in 1967. His most commercially successful album, Nilsson Schmilsson (1971), produced the international top 10 singles "Without You" and "Coconut". His other top 10 hit, "Everybody's Talkin'" (1968), was featured prominently in the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy. A version of Nilsson's "One," released by Three Dog Night in 1969, also reached the U.S. top 10.
During a 1968 press conference, The Beatles were asked what their favorite American group was and answered "Nilsson." Sometimes called "the American Beatle," he soon formed close friendships with John Lennon and Ringo Starr, joining them in the Hollywood Vampires drinking club. He and Lennon produced one collaborative album, Pussy Cats (1974). After 1977, Nilsson left RCA, and his record output diminished. In response to Lennon's 1980 murder, he took a hiatus from the music industry to campaign for gun control. For the rest of his life, he recorded only sporadically. In 1994, Nilsson died of a heart attack while in the midst of recording what became his last album, Losst and Founnd (2019).
The craft of Nilsson's songs and the defiant attitude he projected remain touchstones for later generations of indie rock musicians. Nilsson was voted No. 62 in Rolling Stone's 2015 list of the "100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time," where he was described as "a pioneer of the Los Angeles studio sound" and "a crucial bridge" between 1960s psychedelia and the 1970s singer-songwriter era. The RIAA certified Nilsson Schmilsson and Son of Schmilsson (1972) as gold records, indicating over 500,000 units sold each. He earned two Grammy Awards (for "Everybody's Talkin'" and "Without You").
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Nilsson
Discography
Spotlight on Nilsson (1966)
Pandemonium Shadow Show (1967)
Aerial Ballet (1968)
Skidoo (1968) (soundtrack)
Harry (1969)
Nilsson Sings Newman (1970)
The Point! (1970) (studio album and soundtrack)
Nilsson Schmilsson (1971)
Son of Schmilsson (1972)
A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night (1973)
Son of Dracula (1974) (soundtrack)
Pussy Cats (1974)
Duit on Mon Dei (1975)
Sandman (1976)
...That's the Way It Is (1976)
Knnillssonn (1977)
Flash Harry (1980)
Popeye (1980) (soundtrack)
Losst and Founnd (2019)
How About
Harry Nilsson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Life can be a joy
But the note they end on
Will depend on
Little pleasures they will share
So let us compare
I like New York in June, how about you?
I love a fireside when a storm is due.
I like potato chips, moonlight and motor trips,
How about you?
I'm mad about good books, can't get my fill,
And Franklin Roosevelt's looks give me a thrill.
Holding hands at the movie show,
When all the lights are low
May not be new, but I like it,
How about you?
I like Jack Benny's jokes.
To a degree.
I love the common folks.
That includes me.
I like to window shop on 5th Avenue.
I like banana splits, late supper at the Ritz,
How about you?
I love to dream of fame, maybe I'll shine.
I'd love to see your name right beside mine.
I can see we're in harmony,
Looks like we both agree
On what to do,
And I like it, how about you?
The lyrics of Harry Nilsson's song "How About You" explore the joys and pleasures of life experienced by a couple as they navigate their relationship. The opening lines set the stage for the song by highlighting how the outcome of their relationship depends on the little pleasures they share together.
The first verse presents the singer's fondness for New York in June, a month associated with warm weather and beauty. This signifies their appreciation for the simple joys of life. The mention of a Gershwin tune reflects their taste in music and their ability to find happiness in the melodies they enjoy. The reference to a fireside during a storm suggests a cozy and intimate setting that they find comforting. The mention of potato chips, moonlight, and motor trips signifies their enjoyment of small, everyday pleasures.
The second verse continues to expand on the singer's preferences and interests. They profess their love for good books and the thrill they experience from Franklin Roosevelt's looks, suggesting an appreciation for intelligence and charismatic personalities. Holding hands at a movie show when the lights are dim implies a desire for affection and romantic connection. It emphasizes their appreciation for simple acts of togetherness.
The third verse highlights a broader range of preferences. The singer expresses admiration for Jack Benny's jokes, implying a sense of humor and a penchant for lightheartedness. They also mention their fondness for the common folks, emphasizing their relatability and down-to-earth nature. The desire to window shop on 5th Avenue represents an enjoyment of the finer things in life, even just by observing and admiring them. Lastly, the mention of banana splits and supper at the Ritz conveys a taste for indulgence and luxury.
The final lines of the song focus on the shared aspirations and harmonious agreement between the singer and their partner. The desire to dream of fame, have their names shine together, and the acknowledgment of their mutual agreement on what to do suggests a strong bond and shared ambitions. The repeated appreciation for the joys of life throughout the song ultimately conveys the singer's contentment and satisfaction in their relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
When a girl meets boy
When two people come together romantically
Life can be a joy
Their lives can be filled with happiness
But the note they end on
However, how their relationship concludes
Will depend on
Will be influenced by
Little pleasures they will share
The small joys they experience together
So let us compare
Let us examine and discuss our common interests
I like New York in June, how about you?
I enjoy being in New York City during the month of June, what about you?
I like a Gershwin tune, how about you?
I find Gershwin's music enjoyable, do you feel the same way?
I love a fireside when a storm is due.
I adore sitting by the fireplace when a storm is about to arrive
I like potato chips, moonlight and motor trips,
I take pleasure in eating potato chips, experiencing moonlit nights, and going on road trips
How about you?
Do you also have similar preferences?
I'm mad about good books, can't get my fill,
I am extremely passionate about reading excellent books, I can never have enough
And Franklin Roosevelt's looks give me a thrill.
I get excited by the appearance of Franklin Roosevelt
Holding hands at the movie show,
Engaging in the simple act of holding hands while watching a film
When all the lights are low
When the cinema is dimly lit
May not be new, but I like it,
It may not be unique or groundbreaking, but I enjoy it
How about you?
Do you feel the same way?
I like Jack Benny's jokes.
I find Jack Benny's jokes amusing
To a degree.
To a certain extent
I love the common folks.
I have a deep affection for ordinary people
That includes me.
I consider myself part of that group
I like to window shop on 5th Avenue.
I enjoy looking at store displays without making any purchases on 5th Avenue
I like banana splits, late supper at the Ritz,
I take pleasure in eating banana splits and having a late dinner at the Ritz
How about you?
Are you also fond of these things?
I love to dream of fame, maybe I'll shine.
I have a passion for envisioning myself achieving fame, perhaps I will stand out
I'd love to see your name right beside mine.
I desire to see your name next to mine, indicating our connection
I can see we're in harmony,
I can perceive that we are in agreement
Looks like we both agree
It seems as though we share the same opinions
On what to do,
Regarding our actions or decisions
And I like it, how about you?
And I find it pleasing, do you feel the same way?
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CAROLINE KAWA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@catherinebrimant8581
" Everybody's talking at me
I don't hear a word they're saying
Only the echoes of my mind
People stopping, staring
I can't see their faces
Only the shadows of their eyes
I'm going where the sun keeps shining
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes
Banking off of the northeast winds
Sailing on a summer breeze
And skipping over the ocean like a stone
I'm going where the sun keeps shining
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes
Banking off of the northeast winds
Sailing on a summer breeze
And skipping over the ocean like a stone
Everybody's talking at me
Can't hear a word they're saying
Only the echoes of my mind
I won't let you leave my love behind
No, I won't let you leave
I won't let you leave my love behind ".
@Laritalia26
Everybody's talking at me
I don't hear a word they're saying
Only the echoes of my mind
People stopping, staring
I can't see their faces
Only the shadows of their eyes
I'm going where the sun keeps shining
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes
Banking off of the northeast winds
Sailing on a summer breeze
And skipping over the ocean like a stone
I'm going where the sun keeps shining
Through the pouring rain
Going where the weather suits my clothes
Banking off of the northeast winds
Sailing on a summer breeze
And skipping over the ocean like a stone
Everybody's talking at me
Can't hear a word they're saying
Only the echoes of my mind
I won't let you leave my love behind
No, I won't let you leave
I won't let you leave my love behind
@michaeltowle2607
I walked endlessly with this song echoing in my head. I was content. No one could deter my path.
I sought the shining sun and the pounding surf. I found them.
They were bright, clear and pure.
I bathed in their glory.
They enveloped me and we became one.
I am with you, always, just above.
Lift your eyes.
I gaze down and reach to you with love.
Don't falter, I am here for you.
@ABritInThePhilippines
One of my all time favourite songs, and i loved the film too, but this also reminds me of a clip from my favourite comedy show "Only Fools and Horses" and the episode "The Jolly Boys Outing"...
@thewalkingman777
Watching it right now !
@maxter4685
Best episode of only fools and horses !!!
@hwoodward884
Maxter 46 Couldn’t agree more
@joeritchie7286
I lost my dolphin
@carrroad13
Joe Ritchie 😂😂😂😂
@sarahallen3733
Iv just sat holding my nans hand in hospital watching her pass away. And this song was playing on smooth radio, for sure everyone was talking at her and she couldn’t hear a word , it chuckled me as tears rolled down my face. Love and miss her millions but this song definitely hits differently now 😍
@philipnorris6542
Love you, Sarah, although we've never met; keep on keeping on, and there is always something to live for.
@lizstraub6621
She won’t let you leave your love behind… she’s taking it with her and wrapping it around you until you meet again. Believe it. ❤️
@donnademko6352
Actually...
That's quite Beautiful.
Sorry about Your Nan.
❤️