The song features John Lennon playing lap steel guitar.[1] Harrison makes a few spoken comments during the song, including, "Go, Johnny, go", "Them ol’ twelve-bar blues", and "Elmore James got nothin' on this baby", referring to the legendary slide guitar player.
The song's working title was "George's Blues (Because You're Sweet and Lovely)" when it was recorded on 25 January 1969.[2] It was renamed sometime between 10 March and 28 May when it was listed as "For You Blue" on the final mix for the unreleased Get Back album.[3] Lennon can be heard on the session tapes reading this title off a list of songs The Beatles had been working on, and dialog suggests that this was an error in writing and the title was actually meant to be "For You Blues".[4] When Phil Spector remixed the song for inclusion on the Let It Be album, he added an introduction by Lennon, "The Queen says no to pot-smoking FBI members." This comment was edited in from dialog recorded at Twickenham Studios in early January 1969, long before "For You Blue" was recorded.[5]
For You Blue
The Beatles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Because you're sweet and lovely, girl, it's true
I love you more than ever, girl, I do
I want you in the morning, girl, I love you
I want you at the moment I feel blue
I'm living every moment, girl, for you
(Walk, walk cat, walk)
(Go, Johnny, go)
(Same old tale of blues)
(Elmo James got nothing on this, baby)
I've loved you from the moment, I saw you
You looked at me that's all you had to do
I feel it now, I hope you feel it too
Because you're sweet and lovely, girl, I love you
Because you're sweet and lovely, girl, it's true
I love you more than ever, girl, I do
I really love you
The lyrics of The Beatles' song "For You Blue" are a straightforward expression of love and affection towards a woman. The repetition of the phrase "Because you're sweet and lovely, girl" emphasizes how much the singer values the girl's charm and character. The first verse establishes the singer's devotion to the woman, emphasizing that he loves her more than ever. In the second verse, he expresses the desire for the girl's company both in happy and sad moments of his life. The third verse revisits the theme of love once again and expresses the hope that the girl reciprocates his feelings.
The chorus of the song reinforces the central idea while adding a slight twist to it. The singer proclaims his love to the girl and her endearing qualities. But instead of merely stating his emotions, he walks the talk by living every moment of his life for her. The verse that follows features playful, non-sequitur lyrics, probably meant for improvisation during live performances. The lyrics refer to some of the iconic performers of Blues music such as Johnny Lee Hooker and Elmore James.
Overall, "For You Blue" is a simple, loving ode to a woman, and the lyrics showcase The Beatles' ability to craft a catchy melody while conveying a meaningful message.
Line by Line Meaning
Because you're sweet and lovely, girl, I love you
I love you because you possess both sweetness and beauty
Because you're sweet and lovely, girl, it's true
It's true that you have an endearing and beautiful nature
I love you more than ever, girl, I do
My love for you has grown stronger
I want you in the morning, girl, I love you
I desire your company in the morning because I love you
I want you at the moment I feel blue
When I'm feeling down, I long for you to comfort me
I'm living every moment, girl, for you
I am dedicating every moment of my existence to you
(Walk, walk cat, walk)
A nonsensical utterance, possibly meant to signify dancing or walking in a cool manner
(Go, Johnny, go)
Another nonsensical interjection, possibly meant to signify encouragement or excitement
(Same old tale of blues)
Referring to a common theme in blues music, possibly implying a sense of familiarity
(Elmo James got nothing on this, baby)
A lighthearted boast, possibly meant to suggest this song is even better than one by the famous blues musician Elmore James
I've loved you from the moment, I saw you
My love for you began the first time I laid eyes on you
You looked at me that's all you had to do
Your gaze was all it took to capture my heart
I feel it now, I hope you feel it too
I am currently experiencing my love for you, and I hope you are feeling it as well
I really love you
I love you very much
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: George Harrison
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Philip Kassabian
on Mother Nature's Son
A really great Beatles song.
Philip Kassabian
on The Night Before
A really splendid Beatles song.
Philip Kassabian
on P.S. I Love You
Now this is a really great Beatles song.
Philip Kassabian
on There's a Place
A seriously underrated Beatles song.
Philip Kassabian
on Do You Want to Know a Secret
A fantastic song by The Beatles.
Philip Kassabian
on When I'm Sixty-Four
A very tuneful Beatles song.
Philip Kassabian
on Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds
An excellent Beatles song.
Philip Kassabian
on I'm Looking Through You
A beautiful Beatles song.
Philip Kassabian
on Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown)
Honestly The Beatles can't stop producing good songs.
Philip Kassabian
on Michelle
A fantastic Beatles song and absolutely beautiful.