“My Sweet Lord” is a song by George Harrison, released in 1970 as the first single from his debut triple album, All Things Must Pass. It was a monumental success, becoming the first number-one hit by a former Beatle and a worldwide phenomenon. The song is a powerful spiritual anthem that reflects Harrison’s deep devotion to his faith, but it is also famous for the controversial lawsuit that surrounded its creation.
The Song’s Spiritual Origin
The song was born out of George Harrison’s profound spiritual journey and his immersion in Eastern mysticism and the Hare Krishna movement. Written in late 1969, the song is a heartfelt prayer to God. Harrison wanted to use the song to merge his two worlds: his music and his spirituality.
He created the song as a call-and-response, a musical form common in gospel and spiritual music. He sings “My sweet Lord” and “Hallelujah,” while the backing vocals respond with “Hare Krishna,” “Hare Rama,” and other sacred chants. Harrison’s intention was to break down the walls between different faiths and show that all religions are seeking the same divine being, whether it’s called God, Krishna, or something else. The song was a way for him to introduce these spiritual concepts to a mainstream audience in a way that was both accessible and sincere.
Musical Style and Production
“My Sweet Lord” is a beautiful fusion of gospel, pop, and rock. It is a testament to the influence of producer Phil Spector, who worked with Harrison on the All Things Must Pass album. Spector’s signature “Wall of Sound” is evident throughout the track, with its dense layering of acoustic and electric guitars, bass, drums, and a large choir.
The song’s arrangement starts simply, with a lone acoustic guitar and Harrison’s gentle vocals, before building into a massive, joyous soundscape. The chorus, with its soaring choir and lush instrumentation, is a powerful moment of spiritual release. Harrison’s distinctive slide guitar, which would become a hallmark of his solo career, is featured prominently and gives the song a sense of lyrical beauty.
The Lawsuit and Its Legacy
Despite its spiritual message, “My Sweet Lord” became the subject of a highly publicized legal battle. In 1971, the music publisher Bright Tunes filed a lawsuit against Harrison, claiming the song’s melody was a direct plagiarism of the 1963 song “He’s So Fine” by The Chiffons, written by Ronnie Mack.
Harrison always maintained that the similarity was subconscious and unintentional, a concept the court acknowledged as “subconscious plagiarism.” In 1976, the judge ruled in favor of Bright Tunes, finding that Harrison had “unconsciously lifted” the melody. The verdict was a blow to Harrison, who was deeply hurt by the accusation. The case set a significant legal precedent in copyright law.
Despite the controversy, “My Sweet Lord” remains one of the most iconic songs of the 1970s. It was a commercial triumph, reaching number one in dozens of countries, and it solidified George Harrison’s place as a solo artist. The song’s enduring legacy is a testament to its powerful spiritual message and its beautiful, timeless melody, which, for many, remains a source of comfort and inspiration.