Here Comes The Sun

"Here Comes The Sun" is a song of hope and renewal, written by George Harrison during a period of significant stress and turmoil. The song's meaning is deeply rooted in the concept of emerging from a dark and difficult time into a period of light and optimism. The “long, cold, lonely winter” described in the lyrics is a metaphor for the challenging circumstances Harrison was facing, including the tense business atmosphere at Apple Corps, his temporary departure from The Beatles, and other personal struggles. The arrival of the sun symbolizes a new beginning, a release from these burdens, and the return of happiness and clarity. The simple, recurring phrase “it’s all right” serves as a powerful affirmation of hope and resilience. The song's universal message of finding light after darkness has made it an enduring anthem of positivity.

The song opens with an acoustic guitar, heralding the arrival of the sun after what is described as a “long, cold, lonely winter.” The repetition of “Little darlin’” creates a sense of intimacy and gentle reassurance. The lyrics convey a feeling of immense relief and burgeoning happiness, suggesting that the period of coldness and isolation felt as though it lasted for years. The arrival of the sun is met with the simple, affirmative statement, “and I say it’s all right.”

As the song progresses, the imagery shifts to the human impact of this renewed warmth and light. The line “the smiles returning to the faces” paints a picture of a collective joy and the dissipation of a shared gloom. Again, the extended duration of this past unhappiness is emphasized with the line, “it seems like years since it’s been here.” The recurring chorus, “Here comes the sun, here comes the sun, and I say it’s all right,” acts as a mantra of hope and acceptance.

The bridge of the song uses the simple, chanted words “Sun, sun, sun, here it comes,” which builds a sense of anticipation and inevitability. This part of the song sonically mimics the gradual, yet powerful, dawning of a new day. Following the bridge, another verse describes the tangible effects of the sun’s return: “I feel that ice is slowly melting.” This serves as a powerful metaphor for emotional thawing and the release of long-held tensions. The feeling of clarity and renewal is highlighted by the observation that “it seems like years since it’s been clear.” The song concludes by reiterating the central, comforting message that with the arrival of the sun, everything is going to be fine, leaving the listener with a profound sense of peace and optimism.

George Harrison wrote "Here Comes The Sun" in early 1969 at the country house of his friend, Eric Clapton. Feeling overwhelmed by the business meetings and internal conflicts within The Beatles at their Apple Corps headquarters, Harrison decided to skip a meeting and visit Clapton. Walking in Clapton's garden with an acoustic guitar on a sunny spring day, the song came to him as a great sense of relief washed over him. The early months of 1969 had been particularly difficult for Harrison; he had briefly quit the band, been arrested for marijuana possession, and had his tonsils removed. The uncharacteristically sunny weather in England after a long winter mirrored his personal sense of hope and escape from the band's troubles.

The Beatles recorded the song at London's Abbey Road Studios between July 7 and August 19, 1969. John Lennon was not present for the initial recording sessions as he was recovering from a car accident. The recording features Harrison on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Paul McCartney on bass and backing vocals, and Ringo Starr on drums. A key element of the song's sound is the Moog synthesizer, which Harrison had recently introduced to the band. The recording process also involved an orchestra, handclaps, and a guitar solo that was ultimately omitted from the final mix. The song was included on the "Abbey Road" album, released on September 26, 1969, as the opening track of side two.

The song's structure is largely based on a verse-refrain pattern, typical of folk and pop music. The rhyme scheme is simple, with couplets like “winter” and “here” in the verses, which contributes to its direct and accessible lyrical quality. The rhythm is what sets the song apart. While primarily in a standard 4/4 time signature, Harrison incorporates unconventional and complex time signatures, particularly in the bridge (“Sun, sun, sun, here it comes”) and at the end of the refrains. This section features a sequence of 11/8, 4/4, and 7/8 time signatures, a technique influenced by Harrison's interest in Indian classical music. This rhythmic complexity creates a feeling of suspense and release, mirroring the lyrical theme of transition and adding a unique, sophisticated character to an otherwise straightforward pop song. The intricate hand-clapping patterns in the bridge further accentuate these unusual rhythms.

"Here Comes The Sun" showcases a blend of folk and pop sensibilities with subtle yet sophisticated musical and literary techniques.

• Instrumentation: The song is led by George Harrison's acoustic guitar, played with a capo on the 7th fret, giving it a bright, cheerful timbre. A notable and innovative feature for its time is the use of a Moog synthesizer, which adds a unique, ethereal texture to the melody and counter-melodies. The arrangement also includes a string section (violas, cellos, double bass) and woodwinds (piccolos, flutes, alto flutes, clarinets), adding a lush, orchestral layer.
• Vocal Harmony: Paul McCartney provides distinctive backing vocals, harmonizing with Harrison's lead to create a fuller, richer sound. The vocals are double-tracked in places to enhance their presence.
• Literary Devices: The lyrics employ repetition of the title phrase as a central hook, reinforcing the song's optimistic theme. Personification is used in the line “the smiles returning to the faces,” giving human action to an abstract concept. The phrase “Little darlin’” creates a gentle, affectionate tone, directly addressing the listener. Hyperbole is evident in “it feels like years since it's been here,” emphasizing the length and difficulty of the preceding “winter.”

"Here Comes The Sun" is one of The Beatles' most beloved and enduring songs. It is George Harrison's most-streamed song and, as of 2024, the most-streamed Beatles song on Spotify globally. Upon its release on the "Abbey Road" album, it, along with "Something," marked Harrison's emergence as a songwriter on par with Lennon and McCartney. The song was never released as a single in the UK or US but was issued as a B-side in Japan in 1970. It has been certified triple platinum in the UK.

The song has been widely covered by a diverse range of artists, including Nina Simone, Richie Havens, Booker T. & the M.G.'s, Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel, and Peter Tosh. It has also been featured in numerous films and television shows, such as "The Parent Trap" (1998), "Bee Movie," and "Grey's Anatomy." In 1977, astronomer Carl Sagan wanted to include it on the Voyager Golden Record, but EMI, the Beatles' record company at the time, declined to grant the rights. The song's optimistic message has led to its use in various contexts, from George McGovern's 1972 US presidential campaign to being sung by fans in Central Park after Harrison's death in 2001. Its timeless appeal was highlighted when it surged in popularity during the 2024 solar eclipse.

"Here Comes The Sun" is rich with symbolism and metaphors that contribute to its uplifting message.

• The Sun: The most prominent symbol is the sun itself, representing hope, renewal, new beginnings, and happiness. Its arrival signifies the end of a period of darkness and difficulty.
• Winter: The “long, cold, lonely winter” is a metaphor for the trying times George Harrison was experiencing, both personally and professionally with The Beatles' business and interpersonal issues. It symbolizes a period of stagnation, sadness, and isolation.
• Melting Ice: The line “I feel that ice is slowly melting” is a metaphor for emotional thawing and the release of pent-up negativity and creative or personal blocks. It suggests a gradual return to a state of warmth and emotional clarity.
• Returning Smiles: The imagery of “smiles returning to the faces” serves as a metaphor for the restoration of joy and positive human connection after a period of collective gloom.

The most significant recurring motif in "Here Comes The Sun" is the lyrical phrase "Here comes the sun," which serves as the song's title and central refrain. Its repetition throughout the song reinforces the main theme of hope and new beginnings, acting as a joyful announcement. The accompanying "doo-n-doo-doo" vocalization is a memorable, lighthearted hook. The affectionate term "Little darlin'" also recurs in each verse, creating a sense of warmth and intimacy. The musical motif introduced by the acoustic guitar at the very beginning is another key recurring element, setting the bright and optimistic tone that defines the entire piece.