How George Harrison's Spiritual Experience Led to “My Sweet Lord”
“My Sweet Lord” was Harrison’s first single as a solo artist, and it was a chart-topping hit across the globe. But the song wasn’t your typical pop chart fodder. Rather, “My Sweet Lord” is a folk rock gospel song heavily inspired by Harrison’s spiritual awakening.
In 1967, George Harrison and the rest of The Beatles traveled to Rishikesh, India. At the time, Harrison was in a pretty relatable but unpleasant spot. He was struggling with his identity as a musician as well as his purpose in life outside of being part of the Fab Four. A bit of spiritual guidance was all he really needed to go down a new path in life, helped in part by the teachings of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
The Spiritual Experience That Inspired “My Sweet Lord” by George Harrison
Much of the music Harrison wrote during and after that famed trek to India reflects a sort of enlightenment about his life. Plenty of people, including fans and those close to Harrison, saw it as just a phase. However, the inspiration that Harrison took back with him from India influenced him until the very end of his life. “My Sweet Lord” could be seen as a defining song of that life-changing experience.
Harrison started writing “My Sweet Lord” in 1969 in Denmark with the assistance of Eric Clapton and session musician Billy Preston. The Beatles weren’t officially broken up yet, but the writing was on the wall. Harrison found solace in his growing ability as a songwriter. One could see the lyrics of “My Sweet Lord” as Harrison pleading for guidance and comfort from a higher power.
Source: americansongwriter.com/Em Casalena
