The Meaning Behind The Song: Blow Away by George Harrison
Blow Away is a song written and performed by the legendary George Harrison. This track appeared on his 1979 album titled George Harrison. The song, which starts with piano notes and “ahhs”, has some complexities hidden behind its catchy melody. Blow Away has been widely considered among Harrison’s finest work, and it’s easy to see why. Let’s dive into the meaning behind this song and appreciate what makes it such a timeless classic.
Table of Contents
The Lyrics
The lyrics of Blow Away appear to be an expression of hope and positivity. It appears to be a message of hope and perseverance, suggesting that no matter how bad things seem, the storm will eventually pass. Even though we might feel stuck, we must try to blow the clouds away and light up our lives with hope.
In the opening verses, the lyrics are haunting, with lines such as “Past the darkest dungeon, Through the deepest lake, On the highest mountain, I’ll still be singing”. The lyrics suggest that no matter what obstacles are thrown our way, we can overcome them if we keep a positive attitude. The song then finishes with a repetition of positive affirmation, with lyrics such as, “So I’ll keep on wishing, Remembering the days, When I was just a child, And my eyes were glazed”.
The Music
George Harrison’s melodious vocals and his guitar work were always top-notch. Blow Away showcases Harrison’s excellent guitar skills complemented by melodic piano notes. The arrangement is a perfect blend of aesthetics, and it complements the lyrics to create a beautiful and timeless song. The melody is catchy, upbeat, and filled with hope and optimism. The composition of the song feels like a whiff of fresh air that brightens up your day, much like the message of the song.
FAQs
1. When was Blow Away released?
Blow Away was first released in February 1979 on George Harrison’s eponymous album, George Harrison.
2. What inspired George Harrison to write Blow Away?
According to George Harrison, the song was inspired by his wife Olivia Trinidad Arias and the struggles she faced while working on the film Voyage of the Damned.
3. What guitar did George Harrison use in Blow Away?
George Harrison played his 1964 Fender Stratocaster on Blow Away.
4. Who produced Blow Away?
The song was produced by George Harrison and Russ Titleman.
5. Who played piano on Blow Away?
Gary Wright played the piano on Blow Away.
6. Was Blow Away a commercial success?
Blow Away was a commercial success and peaked at number 16 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
7. Did George Harrison perform Blow Away live?
George Harrison performed Blow Away live during his 1987 tour with Eric Clapton.
8. What message does Blow Away convey?
Blow Away conveys a positive message of hope and perseverance, suggesting that no matter how bad things seem, the storm will eventually pass.
9. Did Blow Away receive any critical acclaim?
Blow Away was a critical success and received positive reviews from music critics who praised its upbeat melody and inspiring lyrics.
10. Which key is Blow Away played in?
Blow Away is played in the key of F major.
11. How does Blow Away fit into George Harrison’s discography?
Blow Away is widely considered as one of George Harrison’s best solo works and often appears on his ‘Greatest Hits’ collections.
12. Who are some musicians who have covered Blow Away?
Several musicians have covered Blow Away, including Wilco, Sondre Lerche, and Dua Lipa who released her version as a B-side on the blow your mind (mwah) single.
