Here Comes the Sun – Lyrics, Meaning, Chords & Facts

“Here Comes the Sun” stands as one of George Harrison’s most celebrated compositions, appearing on the Beatles’ 1969 album Abbey Road. The track captures a sense of renewal and optimism during a particularly turbulent period for the band, written in response to the dark mood that had settled over the group as tensions mounted in late 1969.

The song’s warm, layered arrangement of acoustic and electric guitars creates its distinctive inviting sound. Decades after its release, the track continues to resonate with listeners worldwide, frequently appearing in compilations, films, and cultural references that speak to its enduring message of hope emerging after hardship.

What are the lyrics to Here Comes the Sun?

George Harrison wrote and performed “Here Comes the Sun,” one of two Harrison compositions featured on Abbey Road alongside “Something.” By this point in the Beatles’ career, Harrison’s songwriting had reached a level that placed his contributions among the album’s most memorable moments. The song’s lyrics carry a message of comfort and reassurance that has made it a lasting favorite.

Key insights about the song

• Written in Eric Clapton’s garden at his country house in Ewhurst, Surrey, about 20 miles south of London
• Harrison deliberately skipped a business meeting at Apple Corps to write the song
• The song marked Harrison’s emergence from the shadow of Lennon and McCartney as a songwriter
• Weather records indicate the song was likely written between April and June 1969, after an unusually cold winter
• April 1969 set a record for sunlight hours during the entire 1960s in the London area
• The lyrics were written on stationery featuring Hindu spiritual imagery
• The famous “doo-doo-doo-doo” refrain was humorously referred to by Harrison as “scoobie doobie”

What is the meaning of Here Comes the Sun?

The overall theme of “Here Comes the Sun” revolves around hope. Harrison uses a deliberately happy tone combined with figurative language to convey this message effectively. The lyrics reflect his personal relief at the arrival of spring and the temporary respite he experienced from the Beatles’ increasingly complicated business affairs. The song emerged as a direct response to the dark mood that had descended on the band during a period of growing internal tensions and approaching dissolution.

Central metaphors and their significance

The phrase “Here comes the sun” serves as a metaphor comparing sunlight to things improving or becoming brighter in life. The line “Little darlin’, I feel that ice is slowly melting” represents the thawing of difficult emotional periods and personal hardship. These images work together to create a narrative of transition from darkness to light, from hardship to relief.

The role of repetition in conveying hope

Harrison employs repetition strategically throughout the composition to emphasize hope. The main chorus “Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo” appears ten times throughout the song, reinforcing the central message of brighter times approaching. The phrase “Little darlin'” is used six times, functioning as direct comfort to someone experiencing hardship. Similarly, “It’s alright” appears six times, offering reassurance that everything will ultimately be okay.

What are the chords for Here Comes the Sun?

The song’s structure features Harrison’s distinctive fingerpicking pattern combined with electric guitar elements. According to Harrison’s lyric sheet notes, he identified his intricate guitar work in the bridge section as “son of Badge,” referring to a guitar pattern similar to the Beatles’ song “Badge,” which he co-wrote with Eric Clapton.

The recording process at EMI Studios involved layered guitar parts that contributed to the song’s warm, inviting sound. The arrangement builds gradually, creating what commentators have described as an elegant and calm musical masterpiece that perfectly complements the lyrical themes of renewal and hope.

Musical arrangement details

The final refrain extends to ten measures due to a repeat of the final two measures containing Harrison’s distinctive guitar figure. All vocalists participate in repeating “it’s all right” in the eighth measure before the guitar phrase returns for the extended conclusion. Other than switching out the second and third verses, the lyrics and structure remained largely as Harrison first wrote them.

What are the different versions of Here Comes the Sun?

“Here Comes the Sun” first appeared on Abbey Road, the Beatles’ eleventh studio album released in 1969. The album marked a significant moment for Harrison, who had finally emerged from the shadow of Lennon and McCartney as a songwriter of professional excellence. His two contributions to the album stood among its most acclaimed tracks.

Over the decades, the song has been featured in numerous contexts, from film soundtracks to tribute performances. The track’s appearance in various media reflects its status as one of the Beatles’ most enduring and recognizable compositions. Its message of hope and renewal has ensured its continued relevance across generations of listeners.

Legacy and cultural impact

The song’s influence extends far beyond its initial release. It has appeared in numerous films and television programs, often serving as a musical underscore for moments of emotional resolution or new beginnings. Its inclusion in contemporary contexts highlights how the track continues to resonate with audiences.

The song has also featured in various live performance contexts, with different artists bringing their own interpretations to Harrison’s composition. These performances demonstrate the universal appeal of the track’s themes and the timeless quality of its melody.

Historical timeline of Here Comes the Sun

The creation and release of “Here Comes the Sun” followed a clear progression from conception to its enduring place in popular culture.

1. Early 1969: George Harrison writes the song at Eric Clapton’s country house in Ewhurst, Surrey, deliberately skipping an Apple Corps business meeting
2. April–May 1969: The Beatles record the track at EMI Studios on Abbey Road
3. 26 September 1969: Abbey Road is released, featuring “Here Comes the Sun” among its standout tracks
4. 2009: The song receives a remastered treatment as part of the Beatles’ catalogue reissue program

What information is confirmed versus unclear?

Understanding what is definitively known about the song versus what remains uncertain helps clarify its history and context.

Context of Here Comes the Sun within Beatles history

The creation of “Here Comes the Sun” took place during one of the most challenging periods in Beatles history. As Harrison recalled, the song was written “at the time when Apple was getting like school, where we had to go and be businessmen: ‘sign this’ and ‘sign that.'” This frustration with business obligations contrasted sharply with the natural inspiration he found outdoors.

The arrival of spring after an unusually harsh winter in Britain provided both literal and symbolic material for Harrison’s composition. Weather data from the London area indicates that February and March 1969 were particularly cold, making April’s record sunlight hours all the more striking. Harrison found in this seasonal transition a perfect metaphor for personal and collective renewal.

Sources and quotes about Here Comes the Sun

The most authoritative accounts of the song’s creation come from Harrison’s own recollections. In his autobiography I Me Mine, he described the circumstances that led to writing the song, providing firsthand insight into the creative process.

“‘Here Comes The Sun’ was written at the time when Apple was getting like school, where we had to go and be businessmen: ‘sign this’ and ‘sign that.'” — George Harrison, recalling the song’s origin

Music historians and Beatles scholars have consistently noted how the song represents a turning point in Harrison’s artistic development. By 1969, his songwriting had reached a standard where his contributions stood alongside those of Lennon and McCartney as essential elements of any Beatles album.

Summary

“Here Comes the Sun” remains one of the most beloved songs in the Beatles’ catalogue, combining Harrison’s emerging songwriting mastery with a message of hope that continues to resonate decades after its release. The song’s origins in personal respite from band tensions, combined with its universal themes of renewal after hardship, ensure its enduring relevance. For those exploring Harrison’s contributions to Abbey Road or seeking to understand the Beatles’ later creative period, the track stands as essential listening.

Frequently asked questions