All Things Must Pass
George Harrison
Embracing Impermanence with George Harrison
George Harrison's song "All Things Must Pass" is a poignant reflection on the transient nature of life and the inevitability of change. The lyrics convey a message of acceptance and hope, acknowledging that while difficult times may seem to linger, they, like all things, will eventually come to an end. The song's recurring phrase, 'All things must pass away,' serves as a comforting reminder that both good and bad experiences are temporary.
The song opens with natural imagery, using the sunrise and cloudburst as metaphors for life's fleeting moments. Harrison juxtaposes the temporary nature of these daily phenomena with the emotional state of a person whose love has seemingly ended abruptly. The use of weather as a metaphor for emotional states is a common literary device, and here it emphasizes the idea that just as the weather changes, so too do our personal circumstances. The mention of the sunset and the clouds further reinforces the theme of impermanence and the power of the mind to affect one's outlook on life.
The latter part of the song shifts towards a more optimistic tone, suggesting that darkness is confined to the night and will be dispelled by the morning light. This transition from darkness to light symbolizes hope and the possibility of renewal. Harrison's message is ultimately one of resilience and the importance of moving forward, embracing the constant ebb and flow of life's experiences.