The Beatles – Something: A Timeless Ode to Love’s Complexity
Something is one of those rare songs that transcends time, effortlessly speaking to the complexities of love with a depth and tenderness that few songs in the history of music can match. Written by George Harrison and featured on Abbey Road (1969), Something stands as one of his finest compositions and is, arguably, one of the most beautiful love songs ever recorded by The Beatles.
At its core, Something is a love song that goes beyond the clichés and easy platitudes often associated with the genre. Harrison’s lyrics speak to the deep, indescribable qualities that draw someone to another person, the magnetic pull of love that can’t always be put into words. The line “Something in the way she moves / Attracts me like no other lover” captures the ethereal essence of love—how it is felt more in the soul than in the mind, how it’s not just about attraction but a deeper connection that’s difficult to define yet impossible to ignore.
Musically, the song is understated yet incredibly rich. It opens with a soft, intimate guitar riff, setting a reflective mood. The instrumentation is lush but not overpowering, allowing Harrison’s gentle vocals to be at the forefront. His voice, tender and sincere, carries a warmth that perfectly matches the lyrical theme of admiration and longing. The song’s arrangement is masterful—acoustic guitars blend with a smooth, elegant string section, giving the track a timeless, classical quality that elevates the song beyond the realm of pop music. There’s a perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication, with each element of the song adding to the emotional impact without overwhelming the listener.
The bridge of Something introduces a subtle shift, with the strings soaring just as Harrison sings, “You’re asking me, will my love grow? / I don’t know, I don’t know.” In this moment, the uncertainty of love is acknowledged, a vulnerability that makes the song even more relatable. It’s the moment of doubt that inevitably creeps into any relationship, even one as seemingly perfect as the love Harrison describes. The sincerity with which Harrison sings this line makes it all the more poignant.
It’s worth noting that Something was one of the first Beatles songs to be praised for its pure romanticism, and it marked a new direction in Harrison’s songwriting. Previously, his contributions to the band had focused more on philosophical themes, spirituality, and Indian influences. But here, he delivered a love song that was straightforward in its affection yet layered in its depth. This shift was not only a personal triumph for Harrison but a musical one for The Beatles as well, showcasing their ability to evolve and embrace new expressions of emotion.
The song’s place in Abbey Road, an album that stands as one of the band’s most beloved and acclaimed works, is perfect. It provides a moment of calm reflection amidst the album’s more experimental and energetic tracks, a quiet meditation on love that resonates deeply with anyone who has ever experienced the complexities of human connection.
Over the years, Something has gone on to become one of The Beatles’ most enduring songs, covered by countless artists, from Frank Sinatra to Shirley Bassey. Its beauty lies in its universal appeal—no matter who listens to it, Something strikes a chord with anyone who has known love in its many forms. Whether it’s the first flush of infatuation or the deepening connection that comes with time, Harrison’s song captures the essence of love in a way that feels both personal and universal, immediate and eternal.
As much as Something is about love, it is also about the beauty of uncertainty and the joy of discovery that comes with being in love. It’s a song that doesn’t need to explain everything—it simply exists as a testament to the power of love itself. And that is what makes Something one of The Beatles’ most timeless and touching compositions, a song that will continue to resonate with generations of listeners for years to come.