Not Guilty
The Beatles Lyrics


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Not guilty
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 only want what I can get.
I'm really sorry for your ageing head.
But like you heard me said:
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.

Overall Meaning

The Beatles' song "Not Guilty" is a song about someone who is being accused of something, but they are confident in their innocence. The first verse talks about how the person is not guilty of getting in someone's way while they are trying to "steal the day." The second verse talks about how the person is not trying to steal anything from the accuser, they just want what they can get. The chorus repeats the phrase "not guilty" and reinforces the idea that the person is innocent.


The third verse talks about how the person is not guilty of looking like a freak or making friends with every Sikh. The final verse talks about how the person is not guilty of leading someone astray on the road to Mandalay.


Overall, the song is a statement of innocence and a refusal to be blamed for something that the person did not do.


Line by Line Meaning

Not guilty
I do not accept blame or responsibility for anything.


For getting in your way
I did not intentionally cause you any inconvenience or disturbance.


While you're trying to steal the day.
While you are trying to take advantage of the situation and make the most of it, I was not trying to disrupt it.


And I'm not here for the rest,
I am not here for anything other than what I want.


I'm not trying to steal your vest.
I am not trying to take away or influence anything that belongs to you.


I am not trying to be smart,
I am not attempting to act superior or clever.


I only want what I can get.
I am only focused on obtaining what is available to me.


I'm really sorry for your ageing head.
I express regret for any discomfort or suffering that you may be experiencing because of your age.


But like you heard me said:
As I have already mentioned,


No use handing me a writ
It is pointless to serve me with a legal order or summons.


While I'm trying to do my bit.
While I am doing what I can to contribute to the situation in my own way.


I don't expect to take your heart.
I am not hoping or intending to win your affections or emotional attachment.


I'm really sorry that you're underfed.
I apologize for any hunger or malnutrition you are experiencing.


But like you heard me said:
As I have previously stated,


Not guilty.
I am not responsible for any wrongdoing or fault in this situation.


For looking like a freak,
I am not guilty of any form of deviancy or social abnormality.


Making friends with every Sikh.
I have formed friendships with people of all religions and backgrounds, including Sikhs.


For leading you astray
I did not intentionally mislead or deceive you.


On the road to Mandalay.
On a journey or quest of some kind.


I won't upset the apple cart.
I will not do anything that could cause problems or difficulties for anyone else.


I'm really sorry that you've been misled.
I apologize for any confusion or deception you may have experienced.


But like you heard me said:
As I have already stated,


Not guilty.
I am not responsible for any wrongdoing or fault in this situation.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: GEORGE HARRISON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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