Why Didn't George Harrison Write More Beatles Songs?

George Harrison, the iconic guitarist of The Beatles, is acclaimed for his instrumental prowess and his solo projects, but his contributions as a songwriter with the band are often overshadowed. This article explores the reasons behind his limited songwriting output within the context of The Beatles and discusses his notable contributions to the band’s final years.

Early Struggles and Confidence Issues

Early in The Beatles' inception, George Harrison's role as a songwriter was minimal. He did begin to write songs later on, but they were far from as prolific as those of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. According to George Harrison himself, he 'always had a couple that I was working on,' highlighting his struggles with confidence. In the book, 'Anthology,' George reflected on these thoughts, stating, 'I always had a couple that I was working on, and I never knew when I could get them finished.'

Struggles with Confidence and Competition

One significant factor impacting Harrison's songwriting was his self-doubt. He admitted, 'I always felt I had to produce something good enough to compete with some of the wondrous hits John and Paul came out with.' This intense competition was not uncommon in the 1960s, where the band members were writing songs together for years, fostering a collaborative but competitive environment that Harrison, who started writing songs later, had to navigate.

Bloom of Creativity and Compositional Strengths

Despite the challenge, Harrison's songwriting capabilities gradually flourished. After the release of The Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album, his songwriting began to mature. Songs such as 'Blue Jay Way,' 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps,' 'Piggies,' 'Long Long Long,' 'Savoy Truffle,' 'It's All Too Much,' and 'Only a Northern Song' showcase his growing confidence and creativity. Additionally, 'Something,' included in Abbey Road, and 'Here Comes the Sun,' which also appeared in Abbey Road, exemplify his compositional genius. Later works like 'I Me Mine,' 'Dig It,' 'For You Blue,' and 'The Inner-Light' were additional contributions made in the final years of The Beatles.

Instrumental Talent vs. Songwriting Skill

While Harrison was undoubtedly a talented guitarist, his role as an instrumentalist does not necessarily translate to compositional skill. This is demonstrated by the fact that some of the most renowned composers in history, such as Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven, had no affinity for the guitar but were far from being overshadowed in terms of their composition abilities. Similarly, virtuosity alone is not a guarantee of exceptional compositions. Pianist Van Cliburn, while one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century, struggled with composition and could not 'compose his way out of a paper bag.'

Post-Breakup Songwriting

Following the band's breakup, George Harrison continued to contribute songs. One significant example is 'All Those Years Ago,' which he wrote in 1980 for Ringo Starr. The song was re-imagined after the assassination of John Lennon. He also collaborated with Paul McCartney, involving him in the recording process and utilizing Paul's talents. This song, featuring the three remaining Beatles, was released in 1981 and became a major hit.

The question of why George Harrison didn't write more songs for The Beatles is rooted in the competitive nature of the band, his confidence issues, and the unique path of his songwriting career. Nonetheless, his contributions, although fewer than those of his bandmates, are still a testament to his compositional prowess and his enduring impact on the music industry.