“Beware of Darkness, by George Harrison

song lyric sunday

In 2014, I bought the box set of  George Harrison: The Apple Years 68-75, which has his first 6 solo albums, as well as a video disk with short documentary, music video, etc. Being honest here, I can’t say I’ve gotten much past the “All Things Must Pass” CD. George Harrison and his solo music were new to me other than what got Top 40 airplay, so I’ve got a lot of catching up to do. When I open the box, my hand invariably reaches for it. All of the songs on it are par excellence, but this song has become my favorite. When I saw the prompt today for “soul” I immediately thought about, “Beware of Darkness”, as it is a mantra for protecting one’s soul.

From wikipedia

“Beware of Darkness” is a song written by English musician George Harrison and originally released on his 1970 solo album All Things Must Pass… Harrison and [Leon] Russell performed the song at the Concert for Bangladesh in 1971. [George Harrison passed away on 11/29/2001], and Eric Clapton performed it at the Concert for George in 2002. The song warns against permitting illusion from getting in the way of one’s true purpose, an admonition that, like the content of “My Sweet Lord“, reflects the influence of the Radha Krishna Temple.

This clip is from The Concert for Bangladesh, where Leon Russell also sings.

Watch out now, take care
Beware of falling swingers
Dropping all around you
The pain that often mingles
In your fingertips
Beware of darkness

Watch out now, take care
Beware of the thoughts that linger
Winding up inside your head
The hopelessness around you
In the dead of night

Beware of sadness
It can hit you
It will hurt you
Make you sore and what is more
That is not what you are here for

Watch out now, take care
Beware of soft shoe shufflers
Dancing down the sidewalks
As each unconscious sufferer
Wanders aimlessly
Beware of Maya

Watch out now, take care
Beware of greedy leaders
They take you where you should not go
While Weeping Atlas Cedars
They just want to grow, grow and grow
Beware of darkness (beware of darkness)

lyrics site

Song Lyric Sunday — soul

18 Comments

  1. hanspostcard's avatar hanspostcard says:

    Great song- from what I think could be the best Beatles solo album! George’s solo career underappreciated.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      It’s an album I keep going back to. I went out to GH website last night and see he has another box set for the years after. Lots to catch up on!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. hanspostcard's avatar hanspostcard says:

        Enjoy. There are gems in every album.

        Liked by 1 person

  2. It has been too many years since I last listened to this song, thanks for sharing it today. I am a bit curious about what falling swingers actually are.

    Like

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      I think I read somewhere it’s what it sounds like. Remember what you were writing about recently with the muse, EC, and the other assorted cast?

      Like

  3. I loved this lyrics. Great choice. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      You are welcome. Glad you liked it. The song really strikes a chord with me.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Mary B's avatar Mary B says:

    Great choice for today. I appreciated the lyrics.

    ~Mary
    #SongLyricSunday : Tori Amos – Body and Soul

    Liked by 1 person

  5. John Holton's avatar John Holton says:

    George was my favorite of The Beatles, and he really grew as a songwriter in his later days with them and in his early days on his own. He was always growing as a musician, something I can’t say for the rest of them. Great song!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      When I was younger, Paul was my favorite and I even listened to some of his solo albums. Never cared for John, it always seemed he was detached and going his own way. Ringo was just there. George it seemed he was being left out of the limelight too much to pay attention to him. As time went on, George’s music kept cropping up. For instance Terry Gilliam’s, “Time Bandits”. There was an other-worldly allure to George’s music that drew me in, and when the box set became available at a reasonable price, I took the plunge. I 100% agree with you when you say he was always growing as a musician. Glad you liked my selection!

      Like

  6. Badfinger (Max)'s avatar badfinger20 says:

    Awesome choice. I remember when his son Dhani was promoting the box set. He seems like such a good guy. All Things Must Pass and Plastic Ono Band are my favorite solo Beatles albums.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      About Dhani: I still remember the impact he had on me while watching Concert for George. Here he is, this geeky kid, in there, playing along with all of the greats. He didn’t let it phase him. He had grown up around them his whole life. They were his extended family.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Badfinger (Max)'s avatar badfinger20 says:

        He played like he belonged and he looks and sounds like his Dad.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

          He seemed out of place at first, but by the end, it was clear he wasn’t, my impression. Yes he does looks like his dad. Didn’t pay a lot of attention to his sound. Will have to watch it again…

          Liked by 1 person

  7. This is a lovely share.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Lisa or Li's avatar msjadeli says:

      thank you glad it strikes a chord with you. there is something so deeply spiritual about it for me

      Like

      1. Yes, it does strike a chord and it is spiritual. You are welcome.

        Liked by 1 person

Comments are closed.