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We all know that the Lennon-McCartney songwriting partnership absolutely dominated The Beatles’ discography, but you might be surprised by just how many Beatles songs written by George Harrison there are.
You may also be surprised to learn that some of the Beatles songs written by George are a few of the bands’ biggest hits!
I mean, Taxman is an absolute classic (and one I often sing to myself when preparing my tax return😆), Something is downright gorgeous, and While My Guitar Gently Weeps is iconic, to say the least.
As a Beatles superfan, I was perplexed to find that there was no comprehensive list of all of the Beatles songs written or sung by George Harrison in one place.
So, in true fan spirit, I’ve rolled up my sleeves and done just that.
In this post, I’ve listed each Beatles song sung by George, split out by Beatles album, and listed in chronological order.
Then, at the end of the post, I’ve made things easy for you – I’ve created a list of George Harrison Beatles songs he sang on, and a separate list of all the Beatles songs written by George.
I hope you find this helpful!
Table of Contents
Beatles Songs By George Harrison (In Order)
Please Please Me (1963)
1. Chains
“Chains” is a song originally by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, first made popular by The Cookies in 1962.
When The Beatles decided to cover it for their “Please Please Me” album, George Harrison took the lead vocals, supported by John and Paul on backup vocals.
The Beatles recorded four versions of the song on the marathon recording day of 11 February 1963, where they recorded most of the album. After considering all four takes, the band agreed that the first was the best, and that’s the one they used on the album.
Although this didn’t feature on the Beatles’ live setlist for much longer, this catchy tune was a popular choice for many bands playing in Liverpool during the early 60s.
2. Do You Want to Know A Secret
Lending his vocals to this song written by John Lennon, this was the second time we got to witness George Harrison taking lead vocals on The Beatles’ debut album.
Interestingly, this song was also handed to Billy J Kramer and the Dakotas, another band managed by Brian Epstein.
Their rendition, recorded during their first session at Abbey Road in March 1963, even climbed to the top of the singles charts that year.
The final version of the song we hear on the Please Please Me album was take six, but George wasn’t thrilled with how it turned out.
“‘Do You Want To Know A Secret’ was ‘my song’ on the album. I didn’t like my vocal on it. I didn’t know how to sing; nobody told me how to.” – George Harrison, Beatles Anthology
With The Beatles (1963)
3. Don’t Bother Me
“Don’t Bother Me” holds a special place in Beatles history as it was the first of the numerous Beatles George Harrison songs. This was his first attempt at songwriting!
He penned this track whilst the band was on tour in August 1963, at a time when The Beatles were getting overwhelmed by their skyrocketing fame and constant fan attention.
“‘Don’t Bother Me’ I wrote in a hotel in Bournemouth, where we were playing a summer season in 1963, as an exercise to see if I could write a song. I was sick in bed.”
George Harrison, Beatles Anthology
Through this song, George issues a plea for some peace and quiet, a sentiment quite different from the upbeat nature of most Beatles songs back then.
This hint of negativity was something George would explore more in his later songs with The Beatles.
4. Roll Over Beethoven
Roll Over Beethoven” is a classic originally released by Chuck Berry in 1956. The Beatles, being huge Chuck Berry fans, couldn’t resist adding their own spin to it on their second album.
The bands’ admiration for him was evident – they covered more of Berry’s songs than any other artist from 1957 to 1966!
John Lennon was the initial lead singer on the band’s version until 1961 when it was passed on to George Harrison.
Roll Over Beethoven became a staple in the Beatles’ live performances up until the end of their US tour in September 1964.
5. Devil In Her Heart
“Devil in Her Heart” was originally released by The Donays in 1962 as “Devil In His Heart.”
When the Beatles decided to do their own version, they handed the lead vocals to George Harrison. This was one among several cover versions they recorded for their album “With The Beatles.”
The lads stumbled upon the song at Brian Epstein’s famous NEMS store in Liverpool.
Notably, “Devil In Her Heart” marked the last girl group song The Beatles recorded. It took The Beatles six attempts to perfect their rendition, and it’s one of my all-time favourite Beatles songs sung by George Harrison!
A Hard Day’s Night (1964)
6. I’m Happy Just to Dance with You
“That was written for George to give him a piece of the action.”
John Lennon, All We Are Saying, David Sheff.
“I’m Happy Just To Dance With You” is a track from the “A Hard Day’s Night” album, specifically crafted by Lennon and McCartney for George Harrison.
The duo had Harrison’s unique vocal range in mind when they wrote this song, but this isn’t the only reason John and Paul didn’t take the lead on this track.
Paul McCartney once mentioned that this song was created to “pander to” the fans.
Beatles For Sale (1964)
7. Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby
Everybody’s Trying To Be My Baby is a song originally recorded by Carl Perkins back in 1957.
The Beatles had this song as a regular on their Cavern Club playlist and, due to a shortage of fresh Lennon-McCartney originals, the Beatles For Sale album leaned heavily on covers. That’s how this Perkins classic found its way onto the album!
Notably, George Harrison was a massive fan of Perkins. After the album’s release, the song made a comeback to The Beatles’ live sets in 1965.
Fun fact: The Beatles nailed this track in just one take on 18 October 1964!
Help (1965)
8. I Need You
“I Need You” holds the distinction of being the second Beatles song written by George Harrison. Featured prominently in the “Help!” film and its soundtrack, this sweet love ballad was inspired by Pattie Boyd, who would later become Harrison’s wife.
The band hit the studio on 15 February 1965 to record the song, and it only took them five takes to nail down the rhythm track. This was the first song they recorded for the “Help!” album.
9. You Like Me Too Much
“You Like Me Too Much” is one of George Harrison’s early compositions, and it’s the third of the Beatles songs written by George Harrison to find a spot on the band’s albums.
The song is another one of the Beatles songs written by George Harrison that was inspired by Pattie Boyd.
The band recorded this song at the studio on 17 February 1965 and, after eight takes, they finally got it right.
“You Like Me Too Much” was initially slated to be part of the “Help” movie and its accompanying album, but the song eventually landed on the second half of the album, not part of the film’s main soundtrack.
Rubber Soul (1965)
10. Think For Yourself
“Think For Yourself” stands out as one of George Harrison’s early ventures into philosophical songwriting.
The lyrics serve as a cautionary tale about not addressing your bad actions, but the exact inspiration behind the song remains a mystery – even to George himself!
The Beatles came together to record “Think For Yourself” in just one session on 8 November 1965, and the song originally had the working title of “Won’t Be There With You.”
“‘Think For Yourself’ must be written about somebody from the sound of it – but all this time later I don’t quite recall who inspired that tune. Probably the government.” – George Harrison, I, Me, Mine
11. If I Needed Someone
This was another Geroge-penned entry on the Rubber Soul album, which he said was inspired by the guitar work of Roger McGuinn of The Byrds.
George specifically said that If I Needed Someone was inspired by The Byrds’ adaptation of The Bells of Rhymney and their song She Don’t Care About Time.
The other Beatles must have thought it was a pretty solid song – they added it to The Beatles’ setlist in 1965, becoming the only Beatles song written by George Harrison that they performed live during their manic touring years of 1963-66.
Revolver (1966)
12. Taxman
“Taxman” is the bold opening to Revolver, the Fab Four’s seventh studio album.
George Harrison wrote this sharp critique (which is one of my favourite Beatles songs written by George Harrison!) to target the UK’s super tax system.
The spark for the song was ignited when George realised just how much of The Beatles’ income was being taxed by the government.
Whilst writing the song, John Lennon stepped in to lend a hand. It was his idea to incorporate the names of the then-Prime Minister Harold Wilson and the Opposition Leader Edward Heath, marking the first time that The Beatles directly mentioned living people in their lyrics.
13. Love You To
“Love You To” was The Beatles’ first full venture into recording music in the classical Indian style. This experimental direction was influenced heavily by George Harrison’s fascination with the sitar and his lessons with the iconic Ravi Shankar.
At this time, George not only deepened his appreciation for Indian music but also delved into Eastern spirituality. Initially labelled “Granny Smith”, the track reflects George’s growing interest in philosophy and his love for his new bride, Pattie.
Intriguingly, John Lennon didn’t participate in this particular track, though the reasons why aren’t particularly clear.
14. I Want to Tell You
“I Want to Tell You” reportedly gets its origins from George’s experimentation with LSD, with the song bringing to life the “overwhelming flood of thoughts” he received on the drug but struggled to articulate.
Initially named “Laxton’s Superb” as a working title, the song went through a name change to “I Don’t Know” when Beatles producer George Martin asked Harrison about the title and he responded “I don’t know”.
This track marked the third Beatles song written by George Harrison on the “Revolver” album – and the large amount of George songs on this album is thought to be partly due to Lennon’s creative block during that period.
This was the first time that George had more than two of his songs on a Beatles album!
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (1967)
15. Within You Without You
“Within You Without You” is George Harrison’s spiritual trip on the iconic “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album. In fact, it’s the only song on this album that wasn’t a Lennon-McCartney track.
George came up with this tune after a house party at Klaus Voorman’s house in London (who was a friend the band made whilst performing in Hamburg).
It’s George’s second song with heavy traditional Indian influences, following the “Revolver” track, “Love You To”.
You’ll agree that this psychedelic trippy tune fits in with the Summer of Love vibes of 1967, which the Beatles were big fans of!
Magical Mystery Tour (1967)
16. Blue Jay Way
“Blue Jay Way” was created by George Harrison in the Hollywood Hills in August 1967.
While in California with his wife Pattie and a few friends, they rented a house on Blue Jay Way. I wonder where the title of the song came from….
One evening, he was waiting for a friend who was having difficulty finding the place to arrive at the house. George decided to channel his feelings of waiting and the atmospheric surroundings into composing the song.
The White Album (1968)
17. Piggies
“Piggies” was written by George Harrison back in 1966, around the same time he wrote the pointed “Taxman.”
Both tracks dive into societal observations, particularly touching on themes of financial greed and the class divide. It wasn’t until 1968, though, that The Beatles brought “Piggies” to life in the studio.
By that time, the song had seen some changes, with John Lennon pitching in on the lyrics and George’s mother, Louise, adding her touch as well.
The track was an evident jab at corporate businessmen, contrasting starkly with the peace-and-love vibes of the 60s.
Tragically, though, “Piggies” was later misinterpreted by the disturbed Charles Manson in 1969, who used it as one of his many unhinged justifications for murder, casting a dark shadow over the song.
18. Savoy Truffle
George Harrison’s “Savoy Truffle” is a fun tune that playfully delves into his friend Eric Clapton’s undeniable sweet tooth for chocolates.
Drawing inspiration from a box of Mackintosh’s Good News chocolates, George weaved in the actual names of chocolate varieties into the song’s lyrics.
Though, a couple of these – namely Cherry Cream and Coconut Fudge – sprang from George’s imagination.
An interesting tidbit about this track is its nod to another Beatles song, ‘Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da’. This makes “Savoy Truffle” one of two songs on the White Album to mention another Beatles tune, the other being ‘Glass Onion’.
And, for trivia enthusiasts, John Lennon sat this one out and didn’t contribute to the track.
19. Long, Long, Long
“Long, Long, Long” is like a soothing pause on the White Album, sitting right between the energetic ‘Helter Skelter’ and ‘Revolution 1’.
On the surface, it might sound like George Harrison serenading a significant other, but a deeper dive reveals it’s actually his expression of gratitude and joy for rediscovering God.
Initially named ‘It’s Been A Long Long Long Time’, the song’s recording, which began on 7 October 1968, was no quick task.
Despite John Lennon’s absence (again!) the remaining Beatles committed to an impressive 67 takes.
20. While My Guitar Gently Weeps
“While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ was a simple study based on that theory. I decided to write a song based on the first thing I saw upon opening any book – as it would be a relative to that moment, at that time. I picked up a book at random, opened it, saw ‘gently weeps’, then laid the book down again and started the song.” – George Harrison, Beatles Anthology
There’s no doubt about it – “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” is one of George Harrison’s crowning achievements on the Beatles’ White Album, and easily one of the best George Harrison Beatles songs.
Although he started writing this song in India, the lyrics primarily took shape back home in England.
Frustrated that John Lennon and Paul McCartney didn’t quite recognize the gem he believed it to be, George called in a favour from his friend Eric Clapton, whose guitar work not only elevated the track but also made the rest of the Beatles take a second, more appreciative look at George’s creation.
Yellow Submarine (1968)
21. Only a Northern Song
Only A Northern Song” from the 1969 Yellow Submarine soundtrack was George Harrison’s playful dig. The title cleverly alludes to The Beatles’ hometown and their publishing company, Northern Songs.
Established in 1963, this company primarily showcased Lennon and McCartney’s compositions, sidelining George and Ringo until their contracts expired in 1968.
By 1966, George felt overshadowed by the prolific Lennon-McCartney partnership and took a backseat in the Sgt Pepper sessions.
This song, though cheeky, subtly expressed his feelings of being underappreciated within the band’s dynamic.
22. It’s All Too Much
It’s All Too Much, written by George Harrison during an LSD experience, is one of the standout tracks on the Yellow Submarine soundtrack.
Clocking in at 6 minutes and 28 seconds long for the film version, and boasting an even lengthier eight-minute version on bootlegs, this ranks as one of the longest Beatles songs.
Abbey Road (1969)
23. Here Comes The Sun
“Here Comes The Sun” is one of George Harrison’s most beloved compositions, written in Eric Clapton’s garden during a short break from The Beatles’ internal and external pressures.
The song captures Harrison’s joy and relief from escaping the ongoing band tensions, Apple’s troubles, and looming legal battles.
Harrison’s innovative use of the Moog synthesiser, a novel instrument at the time in the UK, adds a distinctive touch to the track.
Notably, John Lennon is absent from this recording, which seems to be a running theme for George’s songs! Whilst John was initially unable to perform due to recovering from a car accident, George completed the majority of the song on his own.
24. Something
“George had a smugness on his face when he came in with this one, and rightly so – he knew it was absolutely brilliant. And for the first time, John and Paul knew that George had risen to their level.” – Geoff Emerick, Music Radar
“Something,” one of the standout tracks on Abbey Road, marked a pivotal moment for George Harrison as a songwriter, allowing him to step out from the shadow of Lennon and McCartney.
Started during the 1968 sessions for The White Album and completed the following year, there’s been speculation about why it was written.
Pattie Boyd, Harrison’s ex-wife, believed it was about her, as detailed in her autobiography “Wonderful Today.” However, Harrison suggested otherwise, noting he originally wrote it for Ray Charles to perform.
Let It Be (1970)
25. For You Blue
“For You Blue” is a breezy blues number written by George Harrison for his wife Pattie during the Let It Be sessions, embodying a “happy-go-lucky” vibe.
Initially titled ‘George’s Blues (Because You’re Sweet And Lonely)’, it took six takes to nail the song in January 1969.
John Lennon showcased some distinctive play on a lap steel guitar, and, in a bizarre John Lennon twist, he used a cigarette lighter as a slide.
Notably, there’s no bass in the track; Paul McCartney was on piano duties.
26. I Me Mine
I Me Mine was the last song recorded by The Beatles, on 3 January 1970.
The song delves into insights about the ego, influenced by LSD experiences. As the group was nearing its end by 1970, it’s somewhat poetic that a song about self-centeredness marked their final session together.
While The Beatles saw “I Me Mine” mostly as an album filler, George clearly held it close to his heart, later naming his 1980 autobiography after the track.
B Sides
27. The Inner Light (Lady Madonna B Side)
“The Inner Light,” inspired by the Taoist teachings from the Tao Te Ching, was written by George Harrison and landed as the B-Side to “Lady Madonna” in March 1968.
Harrison sang the lead vocals, but not without a little push from Lennon and McCartney due to its challenging vocal range.
Marking a milestone for George, this was the first time when one of his songs was showcased on a Beatles single.
28. Old Brown Shoe (Ballad of John and Yoko)
“Old Brown Shoe,” a creation of George Harrison, graced the B-Side of the single “The Ballad Of John And Yoko” in 1969.
Despite being somewhat overshadowed in The Beatles’ extensive discography, it has its unique place.
An interesting twist to the song’s recording was Paul McCartney stepping in on drums, as Ringo Starr was tied up with filming for “The Magic Christian.”
This was the second time one of Harrison’s songs was featured on the B-Side of a Beatles single, the first being “The Inner Light” in 1968.
Shared Lead Singer Credits
As well as George’s surprisingly large number of lead vocal credits on Beatles songs, he also performed on many songs with backing vocals, or shared lead vocals, credits, which include This Boy (1963), Flying (1967) and Because (1969), amongst many others!
Which Beatles Songs Were Written by George Harrison?
Wondering how many songs George Harrison wrote for the Beatles? He wrote a staggering 21 Beatles songs.
But which Beatles songs did George Harrison write? Here’s the complete list:
- Don’t Bother Me
- I Need You
- Think For Yourself
- If I Needed Someone
- I Want to Tell You
- Love You To
- Taxman
- Within You Without You
- Blue Jay Way
- Piggies
- Savoy Truffle
- Long, Long, Long
- While My Guitar Gently Weeps
- Only a Northern Song
- It’s All Too Much
- Here Comes The Sun
- Something
- For You Blue
- I Me Mine
- Old Brown Shoe (Ballad of John and Yoko)
- The Inner Light (Lady Madonna B Side)
How Many Songs Did George Harrison Sing with The Beatles?
George Harrison sang 28 songs for the Beatles that were officially released. This number comes from the songs George was either the lead singer or co-lead singer. Of course, George Harrison provided backing vocals for far more songs than this amount.
Wrap-Up: George Harrison Beatles Songs
In conclusion, here’s a list of George Harrison Beatles songs he sang lead vocals on, in order:
- Do You Want to Know A Secret
- Chains
- Don’t Bother Me
- Roll Over Beethoven
- Devil In Her Heart
- I’m Happy Just to Dance with You
- Everybody’s Trying to Be My Baby
- You Like Me Too Much
- I Need You
- Think For Yourself
- If I Needed Someone
- I Want to Tell You
- Love You To
- Taxman
- Within You Without You
- Blue Jay Way
- Piggies
- Savoy Truffle
- Long, Long, Long
- While My Guitar Gently Weeps
- Only a Northern Song
- It’s All Too Much
- Here Comes The Sun
- Something
- For You Blue
- I Me Mine
- Old Brown Shoe (Ballad of John and Yoko)
- The Inner Light (Lady Madonna B Side)
Want to learn more about the Beatles? I’ve got you – check out my post on how old The Beatles were during their most famous moments!
Once you’ve got that covered, delve into the Beatles’ many original names, learn who the band’s original members were, and why they sang with an American accent (spoiler: Elvis had something to do with it!
Ready to take your love of the Beatles to the next level? Then it’s time to plan your trip to Liverpool, the home of the Beatles! You can check out over 25 Beatles attractions in the city, visit John and Paul’s houses, and even ride on the Magical Mystery bus.
It’ll be the trip of a lifetime!
