“What is Life” (George Harrison)

Continuing our week of post-Beatles solo work, today’s classic song of the day comes from ex-Beatle George Harrison. The song is “What is Life” and it was released as a single in February of 1971. (But not in the UK, where it had previously appeared as the B-side of the “My Sweet Lord” single.) It hit #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #7 on the Cash Box Top 100. It was also a top ten hit in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, and West Germany.

“What is Life” is from George’s epic 1970 triple album, All Things Must Pass. It was one of the first tracks recorded for that album and featured backing musicians Eric Clapton on electric guitar; Pete Ham, Tom Evans, and Joey Molland on acoustic guitars; Bobby Whitlock on organ, Carl Radle on bass; Jim Gordon on drums: Jim Price on trumpet; and Bobby Keys on saxophone. George also played guitar, and co-produced the track along with Phil Spector.

George actually wrote “What is Life” for his friend Billy Preston, but decided to keep it for himself. As George later recalled:

“‘What Is Life’ was written for Billy Preston in 1969. I wrote it very quickly, 15 minutes or half an hour maybe, on my way to Olympic Studios, London, when I was producing one of his albums.… At the session it seemed too difficult to go in there and say, ‘Hey I wrote this catchy pop song’ while Billy was playing his funky stuff. I did it myself later on All Things Must Pass.”

“What is Life” is a celebration of life, love, and spiritual connection:

What I feel, I can’t say
But my love is there for you anytime 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
Tell me, what is my life without your love
Tell me, who am I without you, by my side

Now for today’s daily bonus video of the day. In 2014, George’s widow Olivia and son Dhani held a competition for filmmakers to create a music video for “What is Life.” The winning clip was created by Brandon Moore of California, and here it is.