Long, Long, Long
By:
The Beatles
Lyrics:
Long, Long, Long
Lead vocals:
George Harrison
Songwriter(s):
George Harrison
First released on:
The Beatles (White Album)
U.S. release date:
November 25, 1968
U.K. release date:
November 22, 1968
Length (≈):
3:04
Label:
Apple
Produced by:
George Martin
Recording date(s):
October 7, 1968
Recorded at:
Abbey Road Studios (EMI)
Musicians :
- George Harrison – double-tracked lead vocal, acoustic guitar
- Paul McCartney – bass, backing vocal, Hammond organ
- Ringo Starr – drums
- Chris Thomas – piano
Album(s):
The Beatles (White Album) George Harrison wrote Long, Long, Long. It came out on the 1968 album, The Beatles (The White Album). Harrison blended psychedelic rock style with a folksy feel and added elements of jazz, packaging it all in an uncanny waltz rhythm. Critics have praised Harrison's composition as a superior effort, not fully appreciated by the fans. Ian MacDonald called it George's "finest moment" on the White Album. Long, Long, Long is generally taken as a love song, even though strong spiritual elements can easily be perceived in the lyrics. Harrison himself later said that the "You" in the song is God. On the final disc, Long, Long, Long provides a calm interlude between Helter Skelter and Revolution 1. The chord sequence is unusual, in that the IV chord is replaced by its relative minor (ii). This gives the song an unusual, lyrical quality. The finale is a low howl from George, with a iv-eleventh chord (in this case, g minor with added C above).
The Beatles recorded Long, Long, Long on October 7 through 9 of 1968. Lennon was absent from the sessions, in which a massive 67 takes were made of the rhythm track. George sang and played acoustic guitar. Paul was on the organ and also played a bass overdub; Ringo played the drums. Production assistant Chris Thomas played piano. (The rattle heard at the end is a bottle of wine that was placed on the Leslie speaker. When Paul played a certain note on the Hammond organ, the bottle vibrated. Ringo accented it with a drum roll, and the improvised noise was left in the mix.)
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Long, Long, Long by Harri...
I also think this a somewhat hidden gem on the two record output officially entitled 'The Beatles.' That it received little airplay compared to some of the songs picked by studio execs or the group itself (????) to promote the 'White Album' was, to me, perplexing. I think it one of Harrison's best love songs, whether referring to a human, being, or God. It's sad to think that 'Obla Di Obla Da' was played on the pop stations more than this beautifully crafted composition.
It's no wonder that George was frustrated given the 'easy acclaim' accorded to any Lennon or McCartney tune at this point in the band's existence. I'm not saying that the acclaim a Lennon/McCartney song received wasn't valid in most cases. Their genius for creating a radio friendly piece was well established by this time. I will say, however, that if I hear 'Yellow Submarine' (sorry Ringo Richard) or 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer' on my receiver, it constitutes the few instances in which I will or I want to change a station airing a Beatles' song.
If ' Long, Long, Long' didn't get airplay on commercial radio, it received plenty of air-time in my bedroom. I was healing from a rather extensive surgery and it was a great way to end the primarily up-tempo side 3. I looked forward to hearing this song as it gave me a sense of Peace, something, I think, Harrison was searching for given the infighting in the band, his relegation to a third-wheel-status in the shadows of the immense talents of John and Paul, and his embrace of Eastern spirituality and philosophy.
'Helter Skelter' may have been a more accurate description of The Four at that time, but 'Long, Long, Long' was what I needed given my situation. I required healing and that 3 minute period helped me in that endeavor. Thank You, George, as well as your mates. I, as a song writer, have the greatest appreciation for what You and your musical brothers did for me in that period of my life.
Shawn Ashby
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