3 Songs Fans Didn’t Know George Harrison Wrote

George Harrison, often considered the quiet Beatle, was an incredibly talented songwriter, both for the Beatles and for other artists. While songs like “Here Comes the Sun” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” highlight his contributions to the Beatles, Harrison also wrote songs for other musicians that are less well-known. Here are three of those tracks.

Cry for a Shadow
“Cry for a Shadow” is an instrumental piece with an intriguing history. It was written for Tony Sheridan but has the unmistakable touch of the Beatles. The song was recorded in 1961 in Hamburg, Germany when the Beatles were backing Sheridan as the Beat Brothers. It shows the influence of The Shadows, a popular British band at the time. This track is special because it’s the only Beatles song credited to both John Lennon and George Harrison. The guitars, with Lennon on rhythm and Harrison on lead, drive the song and highlight their musical talents.

So Sad (No Love Of His Own)
“So Sad (No Love of His Own)” was originally intended for Harrison’s 1973 album Living in the Material World, but it ended up on his 1974 album Dark Horse. Harrison wrote this song during a difficult time in his life, as he was separating from his wife, Pattie Boyd. The lyrics express the sorrow of lost love. After deciding not to include it on his album, Harrison gave the song to English artist Alvin Lee, who recorded it with Mylon LeFevre for their 1973 album On the Road to Freedom.

Photograph
“Photograph” is an important song in Ringo Starr’s career, serving as the lead single from his 1973 album Ringo. The song was a collaboration between Starr and Harrison, written while they were at the Cannes Film Festival in 1971 on a yacht in the South of France. The lyrics capture the feelings of loss and nostalgia that come from looking at a photograph of someone who is no longer there. “Photograph” was a huge success, reaching No. 1 on the U.S. singles chart.