"Something" is a celebrated song by The Beatles, written by George Harrison and released on their 1969 album Abbey Road. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest love songs in pop music and marked a turning point for Harrison as a songwriter, earning high praise from John Lennon and Paul McCartney and becoming his first Beatles composition to appear as an A-side single12.
Background and Inspiration
- Authorship: George Harrison wrote "Something" during the sessions for the White Album in 1968, though it was ultimately recorded for Abbey Road13.
- Inspiration: While the song is often associated with Harrison’s then-wife Pattie Boyd, Harrison himself gave varying accounts, at times attributing inspiration to his spiritual interests—specifically Krishna Consciousness—and even referencing Ray Charles as an influence15. The song’s opening line was inspired by James Taylor’s "Something in the Way She Moves," though Harrison evolved the rest of the lyrics independently35.
- Songwriting Process: Harrison initially considered giving the song to other artists, such as Joe Cocker, before deciding to record it with The Beatles13.
Composition and Lyrics
- Musical Structure: The song is in C major, with a bridge in A major. Its melody and harmonic progression are noted for their sophistication and emotional resonance1.
- Lyrics: The song expresses deep affection and admiration for a lover, with lines like “Something in the way she moves / Attracts me like no other lover.” The lyrics convey both certainty in love and a gentle, honest uncertainty about the future: “You’re asking me will my love grow / I don’t know, I don’t know. / You stick around now, it may show / I don’t know, I don’t know.”
This reflects the idea that love is a mysterious, evolving feeling—intense in the present, but impossible to predict with certainty16.
Reception and Legacy
- Critical Acclaim: Lennon called it the best song on Abbey Road, and McCartney praised it as Harrison’s finest work12.
- Chart Success: The single, coupled with "Come Together," topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and reached number 4 in the UK12.
- Covers: "Something" is the second most covered Beatles song after "Yesterday," with renditions by artists such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and James Brown12.
- Cultural Impact: The song’s universal theme of love, combined with its melodic beauty and emotional honesty, has made it a timeless classic12.
In summary:
"Something" is a masterful love song that captures the magic and uncertainty of deep affection, blending poetic lyrics with sophisticated music. It stands as a testament to George Harrison’s songwriting prowess and remains a highlight of The Beatles’ catalog12.
