The Beatles

Here Comes the Sun

Abbey Road (1969)

"Here Comes the Sun" is one of The Beatles' most beloved and enduring songs, written and sung by George Harrison for their 1969 album Abbey Road. The track is celebrated for its uplifting melody, hopeful lyrics, and its role as a highlight of Harrison's songwriting career with the band.

Background and Inspiration

• Writer: George Harrison
• Album: Abbey Road (released September 26, 1969)
• Recording Dates: July–August 1969 at EMI Studios, London
• Producer: George Martin

Harrison wrote "Here Comes the Sun" in early 1969 at the country home of his friend Eric Clapton. He was seeking a respite from the pressures and business meetings at Apple Corps, and the song reflects his relief at the arrival of spring and a break from the band's internal tensions12.

Musical Style and Features

• Genre: Folk rock, pop rock
• Instrumentation: Acoustic guitar (Harrison), Moog synthesizer, bass (McCartney), drums (Starr), backing vocals (Lennon, McCartney)
• Distinctive Elements:
  • Bright, fingerpicked acoustic guitar riff
  • Use of Moog synthesizer, adding a fresh texture to the arrangement
  • Multiple time signature changes, reflecting Harrison's interest in Indian classical music1
  • Optimistic, sun-filled lyrics

Lyrics and Meaning

The lyrics of "Here Comes the Sun" are a celebration of renewal and optimism after a difficult period. Harrison uses the arrival of spring as a metaphor for hope and positive change:

"Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo
Here comes the sun, and I say, it's all right
Little darling, it's been a long, cold, lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like years since it's been here
Here comes the sun, and I say, it's all right"2

Reception and Legacy

• Critical Acclaim: The song is widely praised as one of Harrison's greatest achievements, standing alongside "Something" as proof of his songwriting prowess within The Beatles.
• Cultural Impact:
  • "Here Comes the Sun" is the most streamed Beatles song on Spotify as of 2024.
  • It has been covered by numerous artists, including Richie Havens, Nina Simone, and Peter Tosh.
  • Harrison performed it at major events, such as the Concert for Bangladesh (1971) and as a duet with Paul Simon on Saturday Night Live (1976).
• Chart Performance: While not released as a single in the UK or US at the time, it became a posthumous hit and was used to promote the 50th anniversary reissue of Abbey Road, peaking at number 3 on the US Billboard Hot Rock Songs chart.

Quick Facts Table

"Here Comes the Sun" remains a timeless anthem of hope, renewal, and the enduring power of simple, heartfelt songwriting12.