This Song
George Harrison
A Playful Rebellion Against Legal Battles: George Harrison's 'This Song'
George Harrison's 'This Song' is a witty and playful response to the legal troubles he faced over his previous hit, 'My Sweet Lord.' The song's lyrics are a direct commentary on the lawsuit where Harrison was accused of plagiarizing The Chiffons' 'He's So Fine.' The light-hearted tone and humorous approach serve as a form of catharsis for Harrison, allowing him to address the absurdity of the situation while maintaining his artistic integrity.
The lyrics emphasize the simplicity and originality of 'This Song,' making it clear that it doesn't infringe on any copyrights. Lines like 'This song has nothing tricky about it' and 'This song ain't black or white' highlight the straightforward nature of the composition. By stating that the song is in the key of E and has no particular bright or dark qualities, Harrison underscores its neutrality and innocence, distancing it from any potential legal issues.
Moreover, the song reflects Harrison's frustration with the music industry's legal complexities. Phrases like 'This riff ain't trying to win gold medals' and 'May end up one more weight to bear' suggest a weariness with the constant scrutiny and pressure artists face. Despite this, the song ends on a positive note, acknowledging the importance of the listener with the line 'Without you there's no point to this song.' This sentiment reinforces the idea that music's true value lies in its connection with the audience, rather than in legal battles or commercial success.