George Harrison’s Swan Song: Behind the Fab Four’s Final Hit Track Written by the Quiet Beatle

George Harrison didn’t always get his flowers in the Beatles writing sessions. Part of what made him move to leave the band was his feeling that it was becoming the Paul and John show. However, he did manage to sneak in a few songs here and there–moreover, when he did, they were mega hits for the group. The final hit he scored for the band became one of their calling cards. Learn more about Harrison’s swan song with the Fab Four, below.

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The Final Hit George Harrison Wrote for the Beatles

Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun
And I say, it’s all right

Little darling
It’s been a long, cold, lonely winter
Little darling
It feels like years since it’s been here

“Here Comes The Sun” is pop perfection. Though the Beatles were purveyors of rock, Harrison leaned into easy-breezy, easily digestible melodies for this song. While winding down after a long day of fighting with his bandmates, Harrison penned this track at Eric Clapton’s house. The lyrics flowed out of him while feeling the long-awaited warmth of the sun amid a long English winter. This song has a similar effect on all its listeners. It’s impossible to not get a dose of summer-time joy after pressing play on this Beatles hit.

In the years since its release, “Here Comes The Sun,” has become one of the band’s biggest hits. It’s so pervasive that it has become almost second nature to us. Those around in 1969 might remember the first time they heard this track, but those who popped up any decade after might find they’ve known this song since birth. It’s ubiquitous.

From films to literature to playlists, this song has a strong foothold in the world of summertime anthems. Few songs will instantly prompt images of sun-soaked streets and a sea breeze quite like “Here Comes The Sun.” Needless to say, Harrison went out with a bang. Revisit this hit, below.

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Little darling
The smiles returning to their faces
Little darling
It seems like years since it’s been here

Here comes the sun
Here comes the sun
And I say, it’s all right

(Photo by David Redfern/Redferns/Getty Images)