George Harrison's song "My Sweet Lord" has become a timeless classic that has been covered by many other artists over the years. The song was released in November 1970 and was the first single from Harrison's triple album "All Things Must Pass".
The Inspiration Behind "My Sweet Lord"
The inspiration behind "My Sweet Lord" came from Harrison's interest in Eastern religions, particularly Hinduism. The song's lyrics are a combination of English and Sanskrit words and phrases.
The song begins with the words "My sweet Lord" which is a reference to the Hindu god Krishna. Harrison's interest in Hinduism had been growing since the mid-1960s and he had visited India several times to study the religion and culture.
The Copyright Infringement Lawsuit
In 1971, Harrison was sued for copyright infringement by Bright Tunes Music Corporation, who claimed that "My Sweet Lord" had been plagiarized from the Chiffons' hit song "He's So Fine". The lawsuit claimed that the melody and rhythm of "My Sweet Lord" were identical to "He's So Fine".
The case went to court and in 1976, the judge ruled that Harrison had subconsciously copied the melody from "He's So Fine" and that he was guilty of copyright infringement. Harrison was ordered to pay damages of $587,000 to Bright Tunes Music Corporation.
The Aftermath of the Lawsuit
The lawsuit had a profound effect on Harrison and he later stated that he regretted not settling the case out of court. He also said that he had no intention of copying "He's So Fine" and that he had been inspired by the Christian hymn "Oh Happy Day".
Despite the lawsuit, "My Sweet Lord" remains a beloved song that has touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. Its message of spiritual unity and love continues to resonate with listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
The Legacy of George Harrison
George Harrison was a talented musician and songwriter who left an indelible mark on the world of music. He was a member of the Beatles, one of the most influential bands of all time, and went on to have a successful solo career.
Harrison was also a philanthropist and humanitarian who supported many causes throughout his life, including the fight against poverty and the promotion of peace. He passed away in 2001 after a long battle with cancer.
Conclusion
The story of "My Sweet Lord" and the copyright infringement lawsuit that followed it is a cautionary tale for musicians and artists everywhere. It is a reminder that even the most creative and original works can be subject to legal challenges and disputes.
However, the enduring popularity of "My Sweet Lord" is a testament to the power of music to transcend legal and cultural barriers and touch the hearts of people from all walks of life.