This is a blog about George Harrison’s underrated songwriting prowess and one of my favourite Harrison ballads, “I Me Mine”, which is actually a waltz.
“I Me Mine” was the last new track the Beatles recorded before they broke up in April 1970.
“I Me Mine”, employing clever grammatical use of first-person pronouns, is a song of egoism, spiritualism and materialism. Common themes in Harrison’s song compositions.
Well, it’s not easy to shine when you’re always under the spotlight of one of the greatest song writers in the “toppermost of the poppermost” music world, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, in your band John and Paul would only allow George around two songs on each Beatles best-selling album. But to be fair, the Lennon/McCartney songs were always top-drawer stuff.
My Used Authentic Maine April 2014 License Plate (above image). Presumably formerly belonging to a George Harrison fan. Passing the baton.
But then, George’s sparse songs in the Beatles’ albums were iconic, philosophical evergreens – “Here Comes The Sun”, “Something”, “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, “Taxman”, “Within You Without You”, “If I Needed Someone”, “I Me Mine” and many others.
BUT
George Harrison did outshine the Lennon and McCartney composing stronghold eventually. David outshone the Goliaths at least for a brief spell. The Patient One waited for the right moment to release all his unreleased masterpieces in one massive triple album when the Beatles broke up. Produced by Phil Spector no less. It is arguably the greatest Beatles solo album ever, “All Thing Must Pass”.
“I Me Mine” is one of my favourite Harrison ballads. In the “Let It Be” movie, John Lennon and Yoko Ono can be seen slow dancing to the tune.
I know the “I Me Mine” song was dear to Harrison, he titled his memoir “I Me Mine”. The memoir was originally published in 1980 as an expensive hand-bound, limited-edition book by Genesis Publications, limited to 2,000 signed copies. When it was subsequently published in hardback and paperback versions by respected publishers Simon & Schuster, I immediately got myself the much cheaper hardcover version.
My 1980 Hardcover Version Of “I Me Mine” Memoir (above image). This year (2025), the memoir celebrates its 45th anniversary of publication. How time flies!
I love George’s classy use of vintage fonts and graphics throughout his album boxset and books designs. He has a delightful habit of embedding amusing details in his album and book artworks.
George’s Book Dedication To Gardeners (above image). George is an avid Gardener.
The sprawling garden at George’s Friar Park home is where he finds his solace.
Weathered Inner Pages of My 45 year-old Memoir – First Two Pages (above image). Reproduction of George’s original “All Thing Must Pass” and “Waiting On You All” chords music sheets. See the browning of the top of book’s dustcover.
Weathered Inner Pages of My 45 year-old Memoir – Last Two Pages (above image). Reproduction of George’s original “Art Of Dying” and “Bangala Desh” chords music sheets. “Bangala” – George’s typo?
Book And License Plate, United At Last (above image).
This blog is dedicated to Gardener George.
He, Him, His.
Om.
