About the song
“My Sweet Lord,” penned by George Harrison and released in 1970 on his seminal album *All Things Must Pass*, stands as a profound exploration of spirituality and faith, and remains one of his most iconic compositions. As Harrison’s debut solo single, it soared to the top of charts worldwide, marking a significant milestone as the first number-one single by a former Beatle both in America and Britain. The song’s popularity was underscored by its deep spiritual themes and innovative musical arrangements.
Harrison originally conceived “My Sweet Lord” as a tribute to the Hindu deity Krishna, blending elements of Christian gospel with the Hindu mantra “Hare Krishna” and the Hebrew word “hallelujah”. This fusion not only reflected his personal journey into Eastern spirituality but also conveyed a universal message of unity and transcendence across religious boundaries. The lyrics, crafted with simplicity and sincerity, express Harrison’s longing for a direct connection with the divine, resonating with listeners of various faiths and backgrounds.
The recording of “My Sweet Lord” was enriched by Phil Spector’s distinctive Wall of Sound production, creating a lush and ethereal backdrop for Harrison’s soulful vocals and signature slide guitar work. Joining him were notable musicians including Ringo Starr, Eric Clapton, and members of Badfinger, contributing to the song’s rich texture and emotional depth.
Beyond its musical achievements, “My Sweet Lord” became embroiled in a high-profile copyright infringement case in the mid-1970s, concerning its similarity to the song “He’s So Fine” by the Chiffons. Despite Harrison’s insistence that he drew inspiration from the public domain hymn “Oh Happy Day,” the court found him guilty of subconscious plagiarism, setting a precedent in the music industry.
Performing “My Sweet Lord” at the historic Concert for Bangladesh in 1971 further solidified its status as a spiritual anthem and a defining moment in Harrison’s post-Beatles career. Over the years, the song has been covered by numerous artists including Edwin Starr, Johnny Mathis, and Nina Simone, each offering their interpretation of its timeless message.
Recognized for its enduring impact, “My Sweet Lord” has been ranked among the greatest songs of all time by publications like Rolling Stone and NME. Its re-release in 2002 following Harrison’s passing reaffirmed its place in music history, once again topping charts in Britain. Through its blend of Western and Eastern spiritual influences, Harrison’s masterpiece continues to inspire and unite audiences with its message of devotion and universal love.
Video
Lyrics
My sweet Lord
Mm, my Lord
Mm, my Lord
I really want to see you
Really want to be with you
Really want to see you, Lord
But it takes so long, my Lord
My sweet Lord
Mm, my Lord
Mm, my Lord
I really want to know you
Really want to go with you
Really want to show you, Lord
That it won’t take long, my Lord
My sweet Lord
(Hallelujah)
Mm my Lord
(Hallelujah)
My sweet Lord
(Hallelujah)
Really wanna see you
Really wanna see you
Really wanna see you, Lord
Really wanna see you, Lord
But it takes so long, my Lord
My sweet Lord
(Hallelujah)
Mm, my Lord
(Hallelujah)
My, my, my Lord
(Hallelujah)
I really wanna know you
(Hallelujah)
Really wanna go with you
(Hallelujah)
Really wanna show you, Lord
That it won’t take long, my Lord
(Hallelujah)
Mmm
(Hallelujah)
My sweet Lord
(Hallelujah)
My, my Lord
(Hallelujah)
Mmm, my Lord (Hare Krishna)
My, my, my Lord (Hare Krishna)
Oh, my sweet Lord (Krishna, Krishna)
Oh (Hare Hare)
Now I really wanna see you (Hare Rama)
Really wanna be with you (Hare Rama)
Really wanna see you, Lord
But it takes so long, my Lord (Hallelujah)
Mm, my Lord (Hallelujah)
My, my, my Lord (Hare Krishna)
My sweet Lord (Hare Krishna)
My sweet Lord (Krishna, Krishna)
My Lord (Hare Hare)
Mmmm (Gurur Brahma)
Mmmm (Gurur Vishnu)
Mmmm (Gurur Devo)
Mmmm (Maheshwara)
My sweet Lord (Gurur Sakshaat)
My sweet Lord (Parabrahma)
My, my, my Lord (Tasmayi Shree)
My, my, my, my Lord (Guruve Namah)
My sweet Lord (Hare Rama, Hare Krishna)
My sweet Lord (Hare Krishna)
My sweet Lord (Krishna, Krishna)