December 1, 2001

GEORGE HARRISON:  A MAN WHO SEARCHED FOR GOD

By Christopher L. Pick
Special to ASSIST News Service

WILLIAMSPORT, PA (ANS) -- The recent death of George Harrison came as a shock to Beatles' fans worldwide.  Harrison was known as "the quiet Beatle," who brought a taste of India to the music world.  Of the four Beatles, Harrison really loved God and devoted his life to trying to find God -- yet he never found Jesus.

George Harrison got a taste for Indian music during the filming of HELP! in 1965.  He eventually learned to play the sitar, and this Indian instrument made its debut on "Norwegian Wood" - a John Lennon song from "Rubber Soul."  In 1967, The Beatles traveled to India where they studied transcendental meditation (a religion that is Hindu in its teachings) with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.  George Harrison studied music while in India and also began a spiritual quest while there.  Harrison began to search for God and the meaning of life.  He soon became involved with the Hare Krishna movement (Hare meaning "LORD" and Krishna meaning "GOD"), and he became one of its most famous supporters.  Harrison even gave the movement its headquarters near London.  

In 1970, shortly after the breakup of The Beatles, Harrison released a double-album called "All Things Must Pass."  The album was filled with songs about his newfound love for God and the Hare Krishna movement.  One of the songs from the album that reflected this new love was "My Sweet Lord."  Although Harrison was said to have subconsciously plagiarized "He's So Fine" by the Chiffons when he wrote "My Sweet Lord," the song became a #1 hit for Harrison.  Last year, Harrison re-recorded "My Sweet Lord."

Some Christians found Harrison's music distasteful and felt Harrison was trying to deceive people through music. A friend once pointed out how Harrison changes the "hallelujahs" to "Hare Krishna" in the song "My Sweet Lord." One would think it was a song about Jesus until hearing "Hare Krishna" thrown in.  Harrison even secretly has the choir sing "Hare Krishna" during the guitar solo in "It Don't Come Easy" (a song Harrison co-wrote and produced for ex-Beatle Ringo Starr in 1971).

George Harrison may have never found Jesus, but he was a man who loved God...and his music reflected this. Harrison, like many, was looking for God but walking on the wrong path.  Most importantly though, Harrison taught the world through his music just how much we need God.  

I have been a Beatle fan most of my life.  I used to think Harrison was a Christian and deeply respected his love for God.  When I finally got saved a few years ago and found Christ, I saw a different side of Harrison.  I saw Harrison as a man who loved God but just couldn't find Him!  But Harrison's love for God and his boldness to sing about God was an inspiration for me later in life.  When I found God, I couldn't help but sing about Him too!  As a musician though, I more great respect for Harrison.  The Beatles were what motivated me to study music at a very early age. They also changed music forever.  Even though John Lennon and George Harrison are gone, The Beatles' music will always live on.  

I'll miss you George.
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Christopher L. Pick is a freelance music journalist and a singer/songwriter and can be contacted by e-mail at lord4ever@email.com.   His website is www.cdbaby.com/chrismusic. 

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