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George Harrison — What Is Life
Album: All Things Must Pass
Avg rating:
8.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2799








Released: 1970
Length: 4:15
Plays (last 30 days): 0
What I feel, I can't say
But my love is there for you anytime of day
But if it's not love that you need
Then I'll try my best to make everything succeed

Tell me, what is my life without your love?
Tell me, who am I without you by my side?

What I know, I can do
If I give my love now to everyone like you
But if it's not love that you need
Then I'll try my best to make everything succeed

Tell me, what is my life without your love?
Tell me, who am I without you by my side?

Tell me, what is my life without your love?
Tell me, who am I without you by my side?

What I feel, I can't say
But my love is there for you any time of day
But if it's not love that you need
Then I'll try my best to make everything succeed

Tell me, what is my life without your love?
Tell me, who am I without you by my side?

Oh, tell me, what is my life without your love?
Tell me, who am I without you by my side?

What is my life without your love?
Tell me, who am I without you by my side?

Oh, tell me, what is my life without your love?
Comments (333)add comment
 KPC1 wrote:

OK OK OK but damn I can't blast this I'm at work.

Thanks William!!!




I am at home, and blasting for both of us.  Also, yes indeed - Thank You, William!
OK OK OK but damn I can't blast this I'm at work.

Thanks William!!!
Life is light is love
Perfect soundtrack for riding my BSA 441 Victor  on Mulholland drive.  Them was the days and still is.  

George is on fire here. Brilliant.
Not to turn this into a Weird Al thread - but his version really does do the song justice. Very surprised. But it’s the song that’s the real star.
This song is a pure 10.

Words can't adequately convey my love and appreciation of George Harrison, his quiet strength, and ineffable talents and contributions to music. incalculable. 

"How many apples are in a seed?"
Nice Tune ! Ich liebe dieses Lied, wunderbar  
 kingart wrote:

There are many, many good, fabulous and great songs — but if I had to make a choice, this is my all time favorite. Every sound in this number gets me where it most counts. 
George, you and your f****** cigarettes deprived us of too many fine tunes.
 



What he said. 
Life is a lot like this song, this captures almost All of IT!
Reminds me of those amazing days when we had solo efforts by each of The Beatles playing regularly on the radio waves...this was among the best of them.
Not a big Beatles fan, but this is George Harrison
GODLIKE!!!
My Mum bought me the My Sweet Lord single.  This was the B-side.  Not sure I played MSL ever again. What a great song. 
 meatmike wrote:

Good God! Weird Al ROCKS this song! Such a celebratory performance of a great song!


Watch out for bad recordings, I listened to one and you could barely hear Al... so I wasn't impressed. Then I found this copy and now I understand what y'all were talking about.
There are not enough wonderful things going on in our world right now. This will always be a wonderful song! 
Wow..Just noticed that I once rated this a 6! Bumped to a 9. Next time a 10.
 Skydog wrote:

is it the thickness of it?
it sounds like vegtable soup
i love all vegtables but when you mix them all i don't like the soup
same thing with this recording
it sounds as if it were mixed in mono to be listened to on a small single speaker radio
 
It might have been, since that's the way most people would have heard it when it was made. 
George=Love
 Cynaera wrote:
I don't care what anyone says about this song - when I hear the first chords, I just turn it up and grin.  George Harrison was the understated Beatle, but he and John Lennon had some of the most introspective, beautiful, peaceful music ever. Leave me alone. I'm here with my eyes closed, smiling and basking in the warmth. Yeah, it's ten p.m., but with Harrison's music, it doesn't matter what time it is...
 
Who is saying anything bad about any of his songs? Anyone with any decent taste in music loves all things Beatles and especially George!
 pcicatar wrote:
 
Weird Al actually did a good job covering this!  thanks for the link
7th grade dance - only song worth getting out there for
 meatmike wrote:
Good God! Weird Al ROCKS this song! Such a celebratory performance of a great song!
 
Here's the link from YouTube and the whole album is available on Spotify, too!
Good God! Weird Al ROCKS this song! Such a celebratory performance of a great song!
One of the very first pop songs that I heard and thought -- Wow, that's amazing! What a talent.
"make everything suck seed"


Heard this tune many times while I was in High School. Always loved it!
 meatmike wrote:
Such  a unique Beatle!
 
Agreed!  He's by far my favorite Beatle, both during and after their long run of #1s.  Long Live RP and RIP GH!! 
I think of this song as a prayer. A solid 10.
I accidentally ran across a youtube of Al Yankovic celebrating this song and George's life at the George Fest the Fonda Theatre in Las Angeles. 

So good, so damn good. 

You will find yourself jumping out of your chair and celebrating with him.  Google it today, google it now.  Don't miss this cover performance.  If you love this song by George, you won't ever forget Al's tribute!!!
Such  a unique Beatle!
Another 10. Sadly missed. pxd
   
Instant good chills {#Daisy}
Long Live                                                                                                                                      Radio Paradise
Thank you George Harrison  for  What Is Life                               9 -OUTSTANDING          to me
 primm wrote:
such a great song and great triple album / phil spektor very busy on this / the remastered digital version is like hearing it for the first time ! thanks for the pepperoni !

 
Haven't heard the digital remix other than here.  The 2017 vinyl remix (which I have) is awesome, said to be different from all other previous, but closer to the original with less compression.
https://audiophilereview.com/audiophile-music/an-all-things-must-pass-for-the-ages.html
Double 10!!!!! Hell, triple 10.
{#Bounce}{#Mrgreen}{#Mrgreen}{#Mrgreen}{#Mrgreen}{#Mrgreen}{#Mrgreen}{#Mrgreen}
Love George, great song! {#Bounce}
 calypsus_1 wrote:
Remembering George Harrison by georginaflood
Remembering George Harrison by ~georginaflood
georgina flood  ©2010-2011 ~georginaflood

My tribute to George Harrison...
He passed 9 years ago on the 29th of November...
Love and miss you always George <3


 
Nice work!
Life is Light is Love...
 2020sk wrote:

Is it just me or is this Keep on Running?

Would be the first instance of plagiarism by George Harrison (though none of it was intentional, of course!) 


The chord progression is the same for the first three chords, then it changes.
 Steely_D wrote:
Yeah, there's a LOT going on in here. Too much. But a great tune, regardless.
 
Phil Spector didn't seem to get that not every artist needed a Wall of Sound behind them; alas.
 ScottFromWyoming wrote: 
The Beatles used to mix their records in mono for radio, I just assumed that's what Harrison had done
 Skydog wrote:

is it the thickness of it?
it sounds like vegtable soup
i love all vegtables but when you mix them all i don't like the soup
same thing with this recording
it sounds as if it were mixed in mono to be listened to on a small single speaker radio

 

 
Can't tell if ironic, or well played.  
such a great song and great triple album / phil spektor very busy on this / the remastered digital version is like hearing it for the first time ! thanks for the pepperoni !
 Skydog wrote:

is it the thickness of it?
it sounds like vegtable soup
i love all vegtables but when you mix them all i don't like the soup
same thing with this recording
it sounds as if it were mixed in mono to be listened to on a small single speaker radio

 
Yeah, there's a LOT going on in here. Too much. But a great tune, regardless.
One of my favorite songs ever!  {#Bananajam}
 profoundpronoun wrote:
Man, how far recording techniques/equipment has come!

 
is it the thickness of it?
it sounds like vegtable soup
i love all vegtables but when you mix them all i don't like the soup
same thing with this recording
it sounds as if it were mixed in mono to be listened to on a small single speaker radio
This has never been one of my favorites.  MEH.{#Eh}
I feel just as close or closer to this song than most of the Beatles material in the late 60s.
Man, how far recording techniques/equipment has come!
I wouldn't even consider myself much a Beatles fan, but this song is pretty great. I think I like Harrison and Lennon much better than Paul and Ringo.
There are many, many good, fabulous and great songs — but if I had to make a choice, this is my all time favorite. Every sound in this number gets me where it most counts. 
George, you and your f****** cigarettes deprived us of too many fine tunes.
 
I've been wanting to put together some mix discs of various solo stuff each of the Beatles put out in the '70s.  This would definitely make the cut.  
Just great music from a great musician.

Is it just me or is this Keep on Running?

Would be the first instance of plagiarism by George Harrison (though none of it was intentional, of course!)


 ottovonb wrote:
I miss the 20th century.
 
{#Roflol} Post of the day (week, month, year, decade . . . century?).


I miss the 20th century.
 
Great song from a great album, ATMP is a treasure.  And the co-producer (in full evidence here) was a true musical genius (personal life and qualities aside).

PS's notes are worth reading:  https://www.rarebeatles.com/ghpsatmp.htm
 jmkate wrote:
Its time for the neighborhood to hear this, I feel.

 
Nice one, friend.  Pass along the good stuff, especially for these young whippersnappers.
Its time for the neighborhood to hear this, I feel.
 LongGoneDaddy wrote:
great song.  sometimes think about the scene in "Goodfellas" when they play this.  helicopters and shit, ya know.

 
Barely remember that...the song that sticks in my mind is "Layla"--the long instrumental stretch with the piano--as you see all these wiseguys dead or dying. It forces you to reconsider the song and its emotional impact every time you hear it.
Remembering George Harrison by georginaflood
Remembering George Harrison by ~georginaflood
georgina flood  ©2010-2011 ~georginaflood

My tribute to George Harrison...
He passed 9 years ago on the 29th of November...
Love and miss you always George <3



 calypsus_1 wrote:

I just got the news a lot lately. Our companion here in RP, Cynaera  left us, and I was very sad. The tight circle of commentators active in RP, is poorer. The departure of someone we like and admire is always confusing and leaves a feeling of injustice. But Cynaera is in our hearts, here and whenever we do a review, renew his memory, his dedication to music, artists, the songs, his enthusiasm, an example of correction, education, personal trait of his messages, the connection with members of the RP.  But we should be happy and thankful for having had the opportunity to contact with a human-being of election.  Despite the physical distance, and probably never would have crossed personally, we can have a sense of empathy for a person in a place apart.  And Cynaera showed me that if what we say here in the form of review, is already important, if you have obtained an echo in a single person, it is worth.

"Is always worthwhile, when the soul is not small"

Goodbye My Friend. That you be at peace. Hasta siempre. R.I.P.


 
That's a nice thing to say.... anyone read her book?

https://www.amazon.com/Life-Dance-Ann-Lucas/dp/1448990327/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387477804&sr=8-1&keywords=life+dance+ann+lucas




 treatment_bound wrote:
I've reprinted a few snippets of my IMDb review for the Geo. Harrison documentary below.  I didn't get any responses to my questions there, but I'd love to hear some input from the Radio Paradise rank and file---please chime in, one and all:

  >>what was the TV talk show (which had to be from the U.K.) and what were the circumstances surrounding George's litigation against Ringo?  

what was the song and where was the studio shown late in the movie where Paul and George were singing on a track?  

what was the final resolution of his film company, which produced a few gems among several films up through 1990?<<

This is from a forum on beatlesbible.com, so who knows if there's any truth in it ....

Ringo recorded a George song called I'll Still Love (aka When Every Song Is Sung) on his 1976 album Ringo's Rotogravure with George's blessing, who couldn't make the sessions because he was recovering from hepatitis. On hearing Ringo's version, George was "not pleased" (either with the quality of the recording, arrangement or mix – it's not entirely certain) and threatened to sue. There was an exchange of letters between their lawyers, and the dispute settled before court papers were filed (explaining why it's not entirely clear what George's problem was).


Great album.  A talent sorely missed!


This was on the B-side of the My Sweet Lord single which I bought for my Mum when I was a kid.  I loved this side so much it got played continually with the arm off on the gramophone.  Probably drove her mad but I feel the tears every time it comes on.  Thanks RP xx
 LongGoneDaddy wrote:
great song.  sometimes think about the scene in "Goodfellas" when they play this.  helicopters and shit, ya know.

 

Damn. how'd I miss that? of course, I still hear Nilson's "Jump in the Fire" from near that scene.


 (former member) wrote:


The first episode of the George Harrison documentary is on HBO right now...  love this song...

 


 
I've reprinted a few snippets of my IMDb review for the Geo. Harrison documentary below.  I didn't get any responses to my questions there, but I'd love to hear some input from the Radio Paradise rank and file---please chime in, one and all:


  >>what was the TV talk show (which had to be from the U.K.) and what were the circumstances surrounding George's litigation against Ringo?  

what was the song and where was the studio shown late in the movie where Paul and George were singing on a track?  

what was the final resolution of his film company, which produced a few gems among several films up through 1990?<<
Poor Phil...what a waste of the rest of his life--and Lana's too!
I wonder whether they would let him produce from inside prison walls.

This is so heartfelt and wonderful. 


how could lennon/mccartney reject this (and "isnt it a pity" and "my sweet lord")  and allow "love to you"  and "within you without you"???


huh?   anyone?  anyone?  bueller?  bueller??
One of my personal 'gospel' songs {#Wink}
big stud Romeo Tuma wrote:
The first episode of the George Harrison documentary is on HBO right now...  love this song...
 

I be the holy ghost of big stud Romeo Tuma...  time flies when we're having fun...  love this song...
 
10! Cranking it UP! Thank God for headphones! I'd sing out loud if I weren't at work!
I do like George, but this is the third song of the same Album within 1 hour! THAT is a bit much.
It's strangely fitting that Lazarus has multiple churches. What was I gonna say... oh yeah.

I have this album, original issue. Believe that I bought it used somewheres, early 80s, though I really can't remember. A great album, and a wonderful song.

Hallelujah.


Everybody in my churches loves this song...
 
On top of everything else this song brings: an unmistakable guitar riff.

It's a sad song, though, isn't it?
I bet I've heard this song at least 500 times since the early 70's, and I still like it.
A holy song for me
I've loved this great song forever.  I also love listening to the instrumental only version on the expanded CD.
{#Group-hug} {#Daisy}   I say extraordinary. 


 calypsus_1 wrote:


  What?!! I don't understand what you mean. Has something happened to dear Cynaera? Can anyone please tell me? I cherish that woman's spirit.

Ok, I'm sorry, folks. Been just popping in and out lately, not really reading comments very much.  I did suspect, from certain cryptic references here & there. Just found the Forum page. Oh, dear. I'm just blubbering uncontrollably now. Didn't even know the lady, but, over the past few years I've been listening I'd come to respect & admire her for just about everything she pulled out of her hat, comment-wise. My sympathy and condolences go to her family and those close to her. May she be forever more in radio paradise.

Thanks to calypsus_1 for the tribute comment.
John

George Harrison's What Is Life


 RichW wrote:
Coming right after Jimmy Cliff. Awesome!
 
Cliff then Harrison repeated after two months. Still awesome.{#Bananapiano}
 LongGoneDaddy wrote:
great song.  sometimes think about the scene in "Goodfellas" when they play this.  helicopters and shit, ya know.
 
{#Biggrin}
Coming right after Jimmy Cliff. Awesome!
great song.  sometimes think about the scene in "Goodfellas" when they play this.  helicopters and shit, ya know.
THIS SONG MAKES IT HARD TO APPRECIATE ANYTHING ELSE EVEN
WHEN YOUR HIGH.

Words escape me —  but if I had to pick 10 of the greatest, most delightful, most indispensable rock songs ever — this would be on it. George was genius — but let's not forget that this album was produced by Phil Spector. 

Transcendent!


 

I just got the news a lot lately. Our companion here in RP, Cynaera  left us, and I was very sad. The tight circle of commentators active in RP, is poorer. The departure of someone we like and admire is always confusing and leaves a feeling of injustice. But Cynaera is in our hearts, here and whenever we do a review, renew his memory, his dedication to music, artists, the songs, his enthusiasm, an example of correction, education, personal trait of his messages, the connection with members of the RP.  But we should be happy and thankful for having had the opportunity to contact with a human-being of election.  Despite the physical distance, and probably never would have crossed personally, we can have a sense of empathy for a person in a place apart.  And Cynaera showed me that if what we say here in the form of review, is already important, if you have obtained an echo in a single person, it is worth.

"Is always worthwhile, when the soul is not small"

Goodbye My Friend. That you be at peace. Hasta siempre. R.I.P.


.

    Cynaera wrote: Posted: Jun 03, 2010 - 22:01
Thank you, Calypsus_1 - beautiful....{#Sunny}
 


Scorsese's documentary, George Harrison: Living in the Material World, is very, very good, a loving and overdue tribute.
 randyblew wrote:
Everybody in my office is dancing to this song...
 

I'm dancing to this song and quite frankly I don't really care what everyone else in my office is doing!
Oh, I've already rated this a 9.

If you want a treat, listen to My Sweet Lord from the reissued CD:  he re-recorded it with his son Dhani and it is a joy to listen to
Easy to give this a "10".   {#Sunny}
Genius!! 10+ from my favorite Beatle.

Takes me back to the pizza place I went to with friends back in high school. We play the hell out of this song on their jukebox! 
Everybody in my office is dancing to this song...
 romeotuma wrote:

Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...

 
everybody in my HOUSE is lovin' this song !
 misterbearbaby wrote:
An essential album- if you don't have this, get it! Its lovely and brims with wit and good cheer from start to finisf. It feels to me like part of a set along with Layla, Cream Goodbye, and maybe McCartney, somehow the capstones of the 60's.
   Well said sir!

An essential album- if you don't have this, get it! Its lovely and brims with wit and good cheer from start to finisf. It feels to me like part of a set along with Layla, Cream Goodbye, and maybe McCartney, somehow the capstones of the 60's.

Poor George (dead) and Phil (will be dead in prison). At least their legacy lives on.
A class by itself. 
Hard not to love this song. :)
one of my FAVORITE solo Beatle songs!!!  {#Bananajam}
I only get the very basic cable, so the best I can do is crank this song up LOUD and enjoy the sun...{#Sunny}{#Cheers}

Anything Beatles or Solo = Outstanding!!!


 TerryS wrote:
A friend of my brother-in -law is a plumber and was called to a huge house to fix a drainage problem. Up to his ankles in mud and shite, when a voice from above says: "I've put the kettle on - do you fancy a cup of tea?"
The voice above was G H, of course and that story tells me that he was the only one of the four who never lost his roots. 
The point? Not sure, but I do love his music and am willing to rate it the higher for his humanity. 

 
What a great story! George has always been my favorite Beatle (oh, I went through a childish phase with that cute McCartney-face, but for resonance, Harrison's got a piece of my soul and my smile.)  This little snippet of history is very much appreciated, TerryS - thanks for sharing it! {#Daisy}
 TerryS wrote:
A friend of my brother-in -law is a plumber and was called to a huge house to fix a drainage problem. Up to his ankles in mud and shite, when a voice from above says: "I've put the kettle on - do you fancy a cup of tea?"
The voice above was G H, of course and that story tells me that he was the only one of the four who never lost his roots. 
The point? Not sure, but I do love his music and am willing to rate it the higher for his humanity. 

 

Living until recently on Long Island, NY (South Shore), where Sir Paul has been living of late (the more exclusive North Shore), he is also reputed by the locals to be quite the down-to-earth sort, quite decent to shopkeeps and others he bumps into when he goes around town.

When you rise to that rarified level, one of the rarest and hardest things to find is ordinary human interaction with people who don't treat you like anything special.
TEN!! maybe ya had ta be there. CLASSIC
 Foot wrote:
As this song opened I almost thought it was Badfinger.
 

If I am not mistaken, I believe George produced them. I love Badfinger and this song too!
As this song opened I almost thought it was Badfinger.
 On_The_Beach wrote:
My fave solo album by any Beatle, but not my favourite song.
Too much Phil Spector maybe.


 



Nonesense! Phil Specter is like cowbell; gotta have more of it.