What Is Life by George Harrison Lyrics Meaning – The Anthemic Search for Identity and Love
Lyrics
But my love is there for you, any time of day
But if it’s not love that you need
Then I’ll try my best to make everything succeed
Tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side?
What I know, I can do
If I give my love now to everyone like you
But if it’s not love that you need
Then I’ll try my best to make everything succeed
Tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side
Tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side?
What I feel, I can’t say
But my love is there for you any time of day
But if it’s not love that you need
Then I’ll try my best to make everything succeed
Tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side
Oh tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side?
What is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side?
Released as part of his monumental triple album ‘All Things Must Pass’ in 1970, George Harrison’s ‘What Is Life’ presents a query that seems as simple as it is profoundly complex. The song, draped in the rich textures of Phil Spector’s ‘Wall of Sound’ production, carries Harrison’s existential musings anchored in love and identity, resonating through generations.
At its core, ‘What Is Life’ is a reflection of Harrison’s personal growth during a period that saw the end of the Beatles and the beginning of his solo career. The lyrics, beaming with vulnerability and desire, delve into the singer’s search for meaning within and without the context of a significant relationship. Let’s unpack the layers of this timeless track and explore its enduring allure.
The Eternal Quest for Meaning in Melody
Underneath the infectious guitar riff and buoyant charm, ‘What Is Life’ gives voice to the quintessential human pursuit of understanding one’s purpose. The song’s repetitive questioning forms a plea, a yearning to know what defines us beyond our mere existence. For Harrison, this definition is inextricably linked to love.
The melody, an earworm that transcends era and genre, serves as a vessel carrying Harrison’s deep inquiries. The juxtaposition of the lively music against the weight of the introspective lyrics creates a compelling dynamic that invites the listener to muse along with each strum and beat.
Unveiling the Hidden Heartbeat of the Track
There’s an undeniable spirituality that throbs at the center of ‘What Is Life.’ Raised as a Catholic and later embracing Hinduism, Harrison never shied away from addressing the divine in his work. The song’s hidden heartbeat can be heard in the sincere admission of his feelings and the acknowledgment of existentially being lost without the touchstone of love.
It’s not just the love of a partner Harrison seems to be alluding to; it’s also a universal love, a connection to something greater that imbues life with meaning. This esoteric layer invites listeners to look within themselves and consider the various forms of love that give their own lives resonance.
The Cry for Companionship: A Lover’s Lament
At one level, ‘What Is Life’ is a heartfelt lover’s lament. The poignant pleas—’Tell me, what is my life without your love? Tell me, who am I without you, by my side?’— speak to the intrinsic human need for companionship and the unbearable thought of its absence.
Harrison’s message is clear: love is not just an emotion, it’s a cornerstone of identity. This stark vulnerability about needing another person for a full sense of self has made ‘What Is Life’ an anthem for those who’ve ever loved deeply and feared the void left in love’s wake.
A Mantra for Personal Triumph Over Adversity
While the song repeatedly asks questions, there’s an undercurrent of determined optimism. ‘But if it’s not love that you need, then I’ll try my best to make everything succeed.’ This line is a powerful affirmation of resilience and the willingness to adapt to the needs of the other, even if it appears beyond the simplicity of love.
Here, George Harrison embodies the spirit of someone who refuses to be defeated by unreciprocated affection or life’s challenges. This mantra-like assertion has turned ‘What Is Life’ into an ode for anyone striving to overcome personal hurdles with grace and determination.
The Echo of Memorable Lines and Lasting Legacy
‘Tell me, who am I without you, by my side?’ – this haunting question, repeated in the lyrics, offers no easy resolution but instead allows the listener to ponder the immeasurable impact of others on our own identity. It’s a deeply resonant thought that has helped it remain one of Harrison’s most memorable and quoted lines.
The profound simplicity and intricate artistry of ‘What Is Life’ continue to captivate audiences, ensuring Harrison’s legacy as a songwriter who could capture existential dilemmas in a three-minute pop song. In its echoes, we find not just the sound but the soul of an era, as well as timeless truths about love, life, and the self.
