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George Harrison — Isn't It A Pity
Album: All Things Must Pass
Avg rating:
8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3073









Released: 1970
Length: 6:48
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Isn't it a pity, now isn't it a shame?
How we break each other's hearts
And cause each other pain
How we take each other's love
Without thinking anymore
Forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity?

Some things take so long, but how do I explain
When not too many people
Can see we're all the same?
And because of all their tears
Their eyes can't hope to see
The beauty that surrounds them
Isn't it a pity?

Isn't it a pity, isn't it a shame?
How we break each other's hearts
And cause each other pain
How we take each other's love
Without thinking anymore
Forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity?

Forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity?

Forgetting to give back
Now, isn't it a pity?

What a pity, pity pity, pity, pity
What a pity, pity pity, pity, pity
What a pity, pity pity, pity, pity
What a pity, pity pity, pity, pity
What a pity, pity pity, pity, pity
What a pity, pity pity, pity, pity
What a pity, pity pity, pity, pity
What a pity, pity pity, pity, pity
What a pity, pity pity, pity, pity
What a pity, pity pity, pity, pity
What a pity, pity pity, pity, pity
What a pity, pity pity, pity, pity
Comments (486)add comment
Look up Bettye LaVette's excellent cover of this.

For example…

Bettye Lavette - "Isn't It A Pity" 11/12 Ferguson
Posted 6 days ago by TurtleMan    [ Reply ]
Who in God’s name could ever rate this less than at least 7?  And 1??  Seriously ?
Posted 5 months ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
I might just put this comment on every GH song played on RP.  I am coming to the conclusion that George was the best songwriter in the Beatles.
Posted 8 months ago by Alastair    [ Reply ]
Two things at play here: it’s George’s version of “Hey Jude”
and I can’t help but hear the Rutles.
Posted 1 year ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
The Concert for George has lots of great moments. Eric Clapton and Billie Preston’s performance of this song is my favourite moment. Outstanding.
Posted 1 year ago by cambuddyf    [ Reply ]
Happy 80th, George! 

Long life to your art. 

2/24/2023
Posted 1 year ago by sunny_day    [ Reply ]
the missing link between the Beatles and Supertramp?
Posted 2 years ago by French_Ferdinand    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:

And how much of this song was sent to the world at large, and-or to his former bandmates? 

I've heard it was his take on what had happened to the Beatles in the end.
Posted 2 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
And how much of this song was sent to the world at large, and-or to his former bandmates? 
Posted 2 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
EXCELLENT!!!!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
I love this song, pure beauty, and such sadness.  Maybe that's just me, but the whole album seems pretty melancholy.  But I agree with Gottschalk, that is an important quality of a truly great song.  
Posted 3 years ago by jerund    [ Reply ]
 Pantagruel wrote:

Great song! What happened to music like this?..



Amazing how this post is 15yo and never gets old. 
Posted 3 years ago by galoyola    [ Reply ]
Watched Concert for George on Sky Arts last night. He was so loved by his friends. Such a talent and they all played his songs, including this one, beautifully.
Posted 3 years ago by MysteryMan    [ Reply ]
 ojibwe wrote:

ehh... three discs was really pushing it. Should have stopped at two


Just like the White Album would have made an incredible single LP.
Posted 3 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
What a fantastic string of music - Beatles, Bowie and dear, sweet, George - what next Bill!
Posted 3 years ago by prs    [ Reply ]
wouldn't it have been wonderful, if George and John Lennon could have gotten back together for one more album. I know it was unlikely, but I wonder how wonderful it could have been. I miss them both terribly. 
Posted 3 years ago by ih8bills    [ Reply ]
I want to watch a movie but Bill keeps playing banger after banger, please stop!!!
Posted 3 years ago by StratoHari    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:

Yes, but My Sweet Lord is a Top 40 kind of song and this is less so in that it's more cerebral. 


Actually, in the U.S., it was a double-A side, My Sweet Lord/Isn't It A Pity!
Posted 3 years ago by 3Chords    [ Reply ]
 kanabeanz wrote:
A great song from a great songwriter...the version on his tribute album (Concert for George) is also worth checking out!  Thank Bill & Rebecca & team...wonderful tunes on the Mellow Mix!  So much to enjoy...
 
I'm having a mellow Sunday Evening with Bill & Rebecca, sometimes nostalgia sometimes goosebumps but mostly thanks for playing this great selection of tracks. OMG I'm a 15 year  old Beatle and Bowie fan again.
Posted 3 years ago by air199    [ Reply ]
A great song from a great songwriter...the version on his tribute album (Concert for George) is also worth checking out!  Thank Bill & Rebecca & team...wonderful tunes on the Mellow Mix!  So much to enjoy...
Posted 3 years ago by kanabeanz    [ Reply ]
 ojibwe wrote:
Still can't believe that on the 45, this was released as the B-side to "My Sweet Lord" when it is a superior song.
 
Yes, but My Sweet Lord is a Top 40 kind of song and this is less so in that it's more cerebral. 
Posted 5 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Even with the incredibly terrible bass playing, it still warrants a 10 from me.

I can't believe it's Klaus Voorman - it sounds like it was his first run-through of the song...
Posted 5 years ago by Stratocaster    [ Reply ]
Long Live                                                                                                                                      Radio Paradise
Thank you George Harrison  for Isn't It A Pity                 to me                      9 - OUTSTANDING
Posted 5 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
 ojibwe wrote:
Still can't believe that on the 45, this was released as the B-side to "My Sweet Lord" when it is a superior song.
 
In the UK it was "What is Life" .
Posted 6 years ago by trevc    [ Reply ]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fny99f8amM
Posted 6 years ago by LinThizzy    [ Reply ]
 d48m02h1918 wrote:
Supreme sound from a supreme album!! {#Cheers}
 
ehh... three discs was really pushing it. Should have stopped at two
Posted 6 years ago by ojibwe    [ Reply ]
 IndyDoug wrote:
Very long outro....
 
"Hey! JUDE!"
Posted 6 years ago by ojibwe    [ Reply ]
Still can't believe that on the 45, this was released as the B-side to "My Sweet Lord" when it is a superior song.
Posted 6 years ago by ojibwe    [ Reply ]
Nicely follows Johnny Cash's The Man Come Around. I'll take Harrison's belief system over Cash's any day, but both clearly have inspired some fantastic songs.
Posted 7 years ago by LauraLetterboxer    [ Reply ]
And it still is.
Posted 7 years ago by dflee    [ Reply ]
George Harrison was the hidden treasure within the Beatles.
His music was transcendental in so many ways...
Posted 7 years ago by RazzCat    [ Reply ]
Bultaco's logic would be well applied throughout the RP comments.  Negativity and amateur criticism seems to be the fashion for so many.  Perhaps the elitist "my opinion on music is the ONLY opinion" posters might be a bit more considerate of us peasants, but probably not.
Posted 7 years ago by JPOSBORN    [ Reply ]
 Bultaco wrote:

If you're not a fan, shut up.

Or, as my mother used to say, "If you can't say anything nice.....don't say anything at all." 

 
Unlike what you just did. I don't think George would approve your comment.
Posted 7 years ago by DeemerDave    [ Reply ]
 vanillagorilla wrote:
Love George, if you ever watch the old interviews of the four of them, he always had the best one-liners and smart ass remarks even more than John...certainly not enough credit in the early years until Abbey Road when his songs were first on the both sides of album... i always feel like crying when I hear this, sometimes joyful sometimes sad......genius 

 
Must be the Canadian sensibility. Couldn't agree with you more. Makes me cry, too....for the good old days, and for George, the sweet, extremely talented, underappreciated one.
Posted 7 years ago by Bultaco    [ Reply ]
 ciarataylor wrote:
Dirge like,  I never liked it.

 
If you're not a fan, shut up.

Or, as my mother used to say, "If you can't say anything nice.....don't say anything at all." 
Posted 7 years ago by Bultaco    [ Reply ]
Lovin it, George........and missing you, buddy!
Posted 7 years ago by Bultaco    [ Reply ]
 IndyDoug wrote:
Very long outro....

 
He's saying hi to McCartney's "Hey Jude."
Posted 7 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 IndyDoug wrote:
Very long outro....

 
Are you in a hurry?
Posted 7 years ago by allenrudd    [ Reply ]
Very long outro....
Posted 7 years ago by IndyDoug    [ Reply ]
Dirge like,  I never liked it.
Posted 7 years ago by ciarataylor    [ Reply ]
Italian for dinner tonight —
zuppa and ziti. {#Cheesygrin}

OK, REALLY poor attempt.
Well, enjoy every sandwich anyways.
 
Posted 7 years ago by ODAD    [ Reply ]
Hari Hari ! , George
Posted 7 years ago by seti2    [ Reply ]
Love George, if you ever watch the old interviews of the four of them, he always had the best one-liners and smart ass remarks even more than John...certainly not enough credit in the early years until Abbey Road when his songs were first on the both sides of album... i always feel like crying when I hear this, sometimes joyful sometimes sad......genius 
Posted 8 years ago by vanillagorilla    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Election 2016
 
Posted 8 years ago by Dog_Ear    [ Reply ]
 BritGirl333 wrote:
I miss George...
{#Cry}

 
I miss the four of them... {#Cry}{#Cry}{#Cry}{#Cry}
Posted 8 years ago by eveliko    [ Reply ]
Brilliant, then and now.
Posted 8 years ago by buddy    [ Reply ]
 romeotuma wrote:
George Harrison Documentary Will Premiere on HBO

A new documentary about the life of George Harrison featuring home movies, interviews and unseen footage of the late Beatle will premiere on HBO in October. George Harrison: Living in the Material World, a film produced by Martin Scorcese along with Harrison's widow Olivia, is set to air in two parts on October 5th and 6th.



 black321 wrote:
I really enjoyed this doc...found it to be the most interesting cover piece on the/a Beatle's yet. 
 
Everybody in my elevator agrees with you, black321...  the program is marvelous, and we hope to watch it in my elevator again...  this song is wonderful...  it is the type of common song from The Beatles that describes how to rescue the world...  this is an important song these days...  time flies when we're having fun...  "tomorrow never knows..."  "we were talking about the space between us all, and the people who hide themselves behind a wall of illusion..."  hope life is grand for you right this minute, black321...
Posted 8 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
 pinem wrote:
 This song carries more nostalgia for me than any song of that era; my favorite Harrison tune of all time.

 
Mine is right next to it on the line up. What Is Life. One of my very favorite tunes, period. 
Posted 8 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 d48m02h1918 wrote:
Supreme sound from a supreme album!! {#Cheers}

 
Some songs you never get tired of and this is one of them{#Smile}
Posted 8 years ago by ShaunJ    [ Reply ]
Supreme sound from a supreme album!! {#Cheers}
Posted 8 years ago by d48m02h1918    [ Reply ]
Such a great song from a great album.  
Posted 8 years ago by FatPants    [ Reply ]
 Yes, he had a heart full of soul    BritGirl333 wrote:
I miss George...
{#Cry}

 


Posted 8 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
I miss George...
{#Cry}
Posted 8 years ago by BritGirl333    [ Reply ]
Just like John Paul Jones...
the underrated Zep.  George...
the underrated Be-a-tle{#Bananajam}{#Bananajam}{#Bananajam} 
And Lennon/McCartney rejected this tune for numerous Be-a-tle albums.  Go figure.
Posted 8 years ago by below72    [ Reply ]
 kimschoice wrote:
1970 to present....if possible, even more poignant today.  What a pity.  What a shame.  

 
Indeed.  Words just fail.
Posted 8 years ago by pvg44    [ Reply ]
1970 to present....if possible, even more poignant today.  What a pity.  What a shame.  
Posted 8 years ago by kimschoice    [ Reply ]
Hey guitar players, do beware of darkness, haha...
Posted 8 years ago by LastGaspMusic    [ Reply ]
Dang! Just had this on me cd. Perfect. Only beware of darkness is better. Maya...
Posted 8 years ago by LastGaspMusic    [ Reply ]
 Kaisersosay wrote:
does this song have an ending

 
Unfortunately, it does
Posted 8 years ago by kanga311    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

They colourized the cover for the 2001 CD release; not sure why.
Apparently the most recent version (2014) has the original bw cover, like the old vinyl box.

 
It was colorized because the album was digitally remastered. The nuances it brought out are really amazing…
Posted 8 years ago by MiloD    [ Reply ]
 ppopp wrote:
Beautiful music. If only George had contributed more on The White album. Too many John and Paul stinkers on that double LP.

 
but 'Savoy Truffle' and 'Piggies' were the worst two
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
does this song have an ending
Posted 8 years ago by Kaisersosay    [ Reply ]
 RParadise wrote:
Let's all remember just how packed with wonderful songs this album was. What a revelation when it was released.  We never thought of George as a composer, but he proved everyone wrong.  I still listen to this six sides through at once and it's just a terrific experience.

 
I don't know about that.  He never proved me wrong.  I always considered him the quiet leader and talented
Posted 8 years ago by Chrisjea    [ Reply ]
Beautiful music. If only George had contributed more on The White album. Too many John and Paul stinkers on that double LP.
Posted 8 years ago by ppopp    [ Reply ]
This is often mentioned as one of the best from George's post-Beatles work but I never felt it. It just feels too long and a little dull rhythmically, musically, even the lyric. So much superior stuff of this album, IMO. How about Frankie Crisp or Apple Scruffs?
Posted 8 years ago by boontonite    [ Reply ]
 DeemerDave wrote:
The album cover photo is in color!?
Why is my album cover in black and white?
George is my favorite Beatle.
 
They colourized the cover for the 2001 CD release; not sure why.
Apparently the most recent version (2014) has the original bw cover, like the old vinyl box.
Posted 8 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 caregiver wrote:
Our sweet George

 
Yes he is
Posted 8 years ago by cinco5    [ Reply ]
isn't it a Hey Jude?
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
The album cover photo is in color!?

Why is my album cover in black and white?

George is my favorite Beatle. 
Posted 8 years ago by DeemerDave    [ Reply ]
Our sweet George
Posted 8 years ago by caregiver    [ Reply ]
 kingart wrote:

the comment infinitely more so. perhaps you should immerse yourself in world news more often

 
Huh?  Hoppin_Bob believes this song is 'pap'.  Fair enough.

But how will immersing himself in world news more often change Bob's opinion of this song?
Posted 8 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
Let's all remember just how packed with wonderful songs this album was. What a revelation when it was released.  We never thought of George as a composer, but he proved everyone wrong.  I still listen to this six sides through at once and it's just a terrific experience.
Posted 9 years ago by RParadise    [ Reply ]
George's voice is just exquisite on this song, isn't it? Sad, strong, vulnerable ... perfect.
Posted 9 years ago by Antigone    [ Reply ]
Awesome song from an awesome record! Miss George!
 
Posted 9 years ago by RSF    [ Reply ]
Makes you stop what you're doing and just listen.
Posted 9 years ago by danoodles    [ Reply ]
{#Heartkiss} R.I.P. sweet George
Posted 9 years ago by Babette55    [ Reply ]
the remastered cd is wonderfull , u can hear stuff phil specktor put in not heard on the analog version / very tasty
Posted 9 years ago by primm    [ Reply ]
How did I ever have this rated as a 9 to begin with? SOLID 10+
Posted 9 years ago by Sunman    [ Reply ]
A diamond. 
Posted 9 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
Gone too soon. 
Posted 9 years ago by WeirdNJ    [ Reply ]
Wish you were still with us, George.
Posted 9 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
Nice segue!! George never gets the cred he deserves. This song is gold!!
Posted 9 years ago by PhoenixArtDj    [ Reply ]
Everytime I hear this song, I stop to listen totally immersed in time it came out-1970 all over again.
Posted 9 years ago by pinem    [ Reply ]
this is as good as it gets (post Beatles)
Posted 9 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
{#Hearteyes}
Posted 9 years ago by Julietre    [ Reply ]
This is just the song I needed, at just this moment.
Thank you, Bill. (And Rebecca.)

 
Posted 9 years ago by colt4x5    [ Reply ]
 jkhandy wrote:
Yes indeed George, it is a pity, as is the fact we lost you.
 
Of course, we lose everyone. The great thing about George was that he stayed above all the grasping and desperation of the material world.

In fact, the name of this album was him acknowledging that we're here and then we're gone. What a great ride he had while he was here. 
Posted 9 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
I love this albom so much
Posted 9 years ago by dhalevi    [ Reply ]
Yes indeed George, it is a pity, as is the fact we lost you.
Posted 9 years ago by jkhandy    [ Reply ]
This started to play just as I started to look at the editorial cartoon about the shooting in Ottawa.
It's copyrighted, so I can't upload it here, but this is a story about the image. You can see it there.

https://thechronicleherald.ca/editorial-cartoon/2014-10-23-editorial-cartoon 
Posted 10 years ago by colt4x5    [ Reply ]
Another great one by His Hor-Hay-ness. {#Cool}
Posted 10 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
 hoppin_bob wrote:
rated this ho-hum a long time ago

now I realize that is too much praise

This man and even this album has more to offer

but this is pap

 
the comment infinitely more so. perhaps you should immerse yourself in world news more often
Posted 10 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 TerryS wrote:
This is a very good song, would be even better if it were ex-Spector-ated.

 
Heh! ex-Spector-ated. 
Posted 10 years ago by Freebish    [ Reply ]
rated this ho-hum a long time ago

now I realize that is too much praise

This man and even this album has more to offer

but this is pap
Posted 10 years ago by hoppin_bob    [ Reply ]
 This song carries more nostalgia for me than any song of that era; my favorite Harrison tune of all time.
Posted 10 years ago by pinem    [ Reply ]
Hey Jude in a minor key?
Posted 10 years ago by PopKombo    [ Reply ]
 loungelizard48 wrote:
How uncanny...I just listened to this entire album a moment ago. Good taste or what! ;-)

 
... very good indeed :))
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
How uncanny...I just listened to this entire album a moment ago. Good taste or what! ;-)
Posted 10 years ago by loungelizard48    [ Reply ]
 gjr wrote:
i'll bet lennon was saying in '74 "isn't it a pity i rejected this song waaay back in '66?".     kudos george...this song along with your guitar solo on "let it be" were two HUGE f-ups by lennon-mccartney.............this belonged on revolver and the guitar solo belongs in let it be......isn't it a pity mccartney had become such a despot by then that two versions had to be released?

 
I think Lennon was right. This is a pretty song, but it doesn't stand up to Harrison's other mature work for the Beatles.
Posted 10 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
i'll bet lennon was saying in '74 "isn't it a pity i rejected this song waaay back in '66?".     kudos george...this song along with your guitar solo on "let it be" were two HUGE f-ups by lennon-mccartney.............this belonged on revolver and the guitar solo belongs in let it be......isn't it a pity mccartney had become such a despot by then that two versions had to be released?
Posted 10 years ago by gjr    [ Reply ]
This Album is brilliant, as was George. I still listen to it at least once a month.......miss George! A 10 for sure!  
Posted 11 years ago by mtnman8888    [ Reply ]
Auto TEN !

 
Posted 11 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
Sounds like a chorus intoning a Gregorian chant at the end.
Who are those guys?
Posted 11 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
i should be saying isn't it a pity that jagger and richards are still prancing around and we dont have him and john anymore 
Posted 11 years ago by gjr    [ Reply ]
Bought the triple album on vinyl in 1971. Always associate this album with a romantic period in my life. This track is the longer version, which I prefer. Fantastic. God bless you George.
Posted 11 years ago by midnightoil    [ Reply ]
And remember to give Phil his propers for the lush production values in this song, which make it iconic and anthemic.

 pepeq wrote:
The best song of George!
 
 



Posted 11 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
 Red_Dragon wrote:
I. LOVE. THIS. SONG.

 
I. DO. TOO.
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
this shou;d have been a beatles song.....but, alas, we got "the inner light" and "within you without you" instead......ill give this a ten all day long...

god i miss beatle george 
Posted 11 years ago by gjr    [ Reply ]
And now George is with his sweet lord and Phil is in prison hell for the remainder of his days.
Isn't it a pity.
Posted 11 years ago by ThePoose    [ Reply ]
I. LOVE. THIS. SONG.
Posted 11 years ago by Red_Dragon    [ Reply ]
 Orodrigues wrote:
How someone can give less than 10?

 
indeed.
Posted 11 years ago by Red_Dragon    [ Reply ]
How someone can give less than 10?
Posted 11 years ago by Orodrigues    [ Reply ]
The best song of George!
 
Posted 11 years ago by pepeq    [ Reply ]
I want to play this song at the highest volume, from the tallest tree and sing at the top of my lungs!!!
Posted 11 years ago by jules44    [ Reply ]

very nice song from a great album...  love it...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
This is a very good song, would be even better if it were ex-Spector-ated.
Posted 11 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 Stratocaster wrote:
This song would be a 10, if only the bass player wasn't completely lost.  Amazing that they didn't do another take.  Still a 9 for me because of the haunting melody and wall-of-sound production.  I read somewhere that the repeating na-na-na-na for the final 3 minutes was meant as an f-u to Paul McCartney because it was made to sound like Hey Jude...and he was passive-aggressively daring Paul to sue him for it.

 
Carl Radle IIRC.  He was one strung out dude by my rememberences, but he was in some mighty big and important music back in those days.  One can listen to the total or the sum of the parts.  I'll just listen to the total.  Synergy just sounds better somestimes.
Posted 11 years ago by kurtster    [ Reply ]
{#Daisy} Turning it up. The old folks in the trailer park like it.
 
Posted 11 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
 big stud Romeo Tuma wrote:



George Harrison Documentary Will Premiere on HBO


A new documentary about the life of George Harrison featuring home movies, interviews and unseen footage of the late Beatle will premiere on HBO in October. George Harrison: Living in the Material World, a film produced by Martin Scorcese along with Harrison's widow Olivia, is set to air in two parts on October 5th and 6th.



 

Time flies when we're having fun...  love this song...
 
Posted 11 years ago by Lazarus    [ Reply ]
It's George, so I give it a pass  on its test of the Drone 0 mometer
Posted 11 years ago by max_p    [ Reply ]