Many rock fans regard The Beach Boys and the Beatles as two of the most influential bands of all time. Both of their musical efforts helped to push the genre forward. Naturally, the two bands took notice of each other in their heyday. While there was certainly some competition at play, it was never mean-spirited. At the core of their relationship was a deep-seated respect.
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One show of respect issued from the Beach Boys’ Mike Love to George Harrison was a song titled “Pisces Brothers.” The song was passed around by fans online for several years before it became widely known. As fans have long noted, this track was penned for Harrison in the wake of his passing in 2001. Learn more about this song, below.
The Song the Beach Boys’ Mike Love Wrote in Tribute to George Harrison
There is a painting on the wall
And as I walk on down the hall
A flood of memories come to mind
Of happy birthdays back in time
“Pisces Brothers” recounts a trip to India that the Beatles took with Love. There, they furthered their education in meditation and other Eastern religious ideas. Love looks back on that time fondly with the lyrics Seekers drawn to Rishikesh / Not for fortune or for more things / But for enlightenment we came.
Pisces brothers with worldly success
Seekers drawn to Rishikesh
Not for fortune or for more things
But for enlightenment we came
He also mentions Harrison’s indelible contributions to the music world. You can tell how effected Love was by the former Beatle’s death. And though your earthly form be gone / Your songs of life go on and on, he sings, referencing Harrison’s powers of uplifting his listeners.
We have to agree with Love here. Harrison’s loss has certainly been felt in the rock world. Few artists have achieved the same enlightening yet entertaining discography.
To Maharishi and how sublime
It was an atmosphere divine
Such precious moments now in the past
Music and memories are all that last
[RELATED: The Paul McCartney Diss Track John Lennon Recruited George Harrison To Play On]
“It’s a poem that I put to music,” Love once said of this track. “And I love doing it every night. It just takes me back to those times, you know. There’s very few songs touch me as emotionally as that.”
Revisit this Love song–performed live by the Beach Boys–below.
Now on the darkest of lonely nights
The heavens shine, with one more light
And while the world below you sleeps
Some say your guitar gently weeps
And though your earthly form be gone
Your songs of life go on and on
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Stevens/ANL/Shutterstock
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