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George Harrison — Beware Of Darkness
Album: All Things Must Pass
Avg rating:
8.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1920









Released: 1970
Length: 3:44
Plays (last 30 days): 0
Watch out now
Take care, beware of falling swingers
Dropping all around you
The pain that often mingles
In your fingertips
Beware of darkness

Watch out now
Take care, beware the thoughts that linger
Winding up inside your head
The hopelessness around you
In the dead of night
Beware of sadness

It can hit you
It can hurt you
Make you sore and what is more
That is not what you are here for

Watch out now
Take care, beware of soft shoe shufflers
Dancing down the sidewalks
As each unconscious sufferer
Wanders aimlessly
Beware of Maya

Watch out now
Take care, beware of greedy leaders
They'll take you where you should not go
While weeping Atlas Cedars
They just want to grow, grow and grow
Beware of darkness (Beware of darkness)
Comments (242)add comment
Older now ….. I feel I appreciate all his words more now as years pass by
Just watched the Concert for George on PBS last night.  It's old but timeless.  And worth watching if you missed it.
Oh, how I miss George.  I wonder what else he could have brought to us if he got to stay a little longer...
George Harrison is dearly missed. Gone too soon.

Come to think of it, several of the Wilbury clan died young-ish. Damn shame.

His legacy - and Tom's and Roy's - will live forever, at least we have that.
c.
 westslope wrote:
Love this song.

So what or who is Maya?
And why the reference to cedars growing in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco?

BTW, anybody backpack, trek or camel in the Atlas mountains chez les Berbers?    A little French helps.  I highly recommend it.  Bring a light fly rod for the native brown trout. 
 

Maya is defined nicely in a previous reply.

As for Atlas Cedars, here's the Wiki entry.  They're also known as "weeping cedars", due to the way the branches droop.

Lovely tree. We had one in the yard of our now-gone Paradise, CA home. 
 molson wrote:
Anyone not giving this a 10, go back under the rock you came from. There is music in this world that simply is beyond mortal and this is one of the best by one the greatest artists ever to walk the planet...just saying!
 
I totally agree! George was simply, the best folk rock singer and songwriter ever!
 westslope wrote:
Love this song.

So what or who is Maya?
And why the reference to cedars growing in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco?

BTW, anybody backpack, trek or camel in the Atlas mountains chez les Berbers?    A little French helps.  I highly recommend it.  Bring a light fly rod for the native brown trout. 
 

Maya is, in Hinduism , the Matrix-- the illusion we call Reality
 westslope wrote:
Love this song.

So what or who is Maya?
And why the reference to cedars growing in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco?

BTW, anybody backpack, trek or camel in the Atlas mountains chez les Berbers?    A little French helps.  I highly recommend it.  Bring a light fly rod for the native brown trout. 
 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maya_(religion)

Māyā connotes a "magic show, an illusion where things appear to be present but are not what they seem".[2][4] Māyā is also a spiritual concept connoting "that which exists, but is constantly changing and thus is spiritually unreal", and the "power or the principle that conceals the true character of spiritual reality"

As for the Atlas Cedars, I'm not sure what he refers to.  He may allude to the ground moisture that rises and reaches the higher elevations of the Atlas Mountains.  The cedars get some of their water from the sky.
Right George! That is not what we are here for!
 Dave_Mack wrote:
Is Eric Clapton playing the lead guitar in the left channel during the verses? The slide sounds like George, but the other bit sounds like Slow Hand.
 
Correct!
 Tomasni wrote:
Increasing from 8 to 9 - O U T S T A N D I N G 

 
Same here
Increasing from 8 to 9 - O U T S T A N D I N G 
Is Eric Clapton playing the lead guitar in the left channel during the verses? The slide sounds like George, but the other bit sounds like Slow Hand.
woke up this morning
with this song on my mind

Watch out now, take care
Beware of greedy leaders
They take you where you should not go
While Weeping Atlas Cedars
They just want to grow, grow and grow
Beware of darkness (beware of darkness)


Perfect lyrics, perfect melody.  George was an enlightened man and I miss his presence.
If this is not a ten then nothing is.
Brilliant segue from Avett's Head Full of Doubt.
 a_genuine_find wrote: 
Thanks a_genuine_find. 
George was so correct — Beware of Darkness, it can hit you...
Miss you George and many others.
 westslope wrote:
Love this song.

So what or who is Maya?
And why the reference to cedars growing in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco?

BTW, anybody backpack, trek or camel in the Atlas mountains chez les Berbers?    A little French helps.  I highly recommend it.  Bring a light fly rod for the native brown trout. 

 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beware_of_Darkness_(song) 
maya=illusions


Nice...pure George like no other. It's amazing how different this album is from Beatles sound, whereas Paul's stuff still sounded like Sgt.Pepper
Watch out now, take care
Beware of greedy leaders
They take you where you should not go
While Weeping Atlas Cedars
They just want to grow, grow and grow
Beware of darkness (beware of darkness)
Love this song.

So what or who is Maya?
And why the reference to cedars growing in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco?

BTW, anybody backpack, trek or camel in the Atlas mountains chez les Berbers?    A little French helps.  I highly recommend it.  Bring a light fly rod for the native brown trout. 
The best!
Outstanding George! {#Guitarist}
George, my Fave1 of the Fab4
Utter perfection.  Beautiful work.
as Godlike as it gets - George at his best!   RIP!
Spock's Beard made a great prog rock cover of this
Anyone not giving this a 10, go back under the rock you came from. There is music in this world that simply is beyond mortal and this is one of the best by one the greatest artists ever to walk the planet...just saying!
As with many Beatles songs together and separately...
No words to describe the magic.{#Clap} {#Clap}
No accounting for taste.  Eight people gave this a 1 rating.  Sure, some may not care for it but a 1??
 boontonite wrote:
One of his very best! Leon Russell recorded a good version also.

 
They played it together in the Concert for Bangladesh.  Check it out on youtube.  This is the version that I was introduced to when I first heard the song (in 1971) when I was 11.
Simply a beautiful ballad! {#Sunny}

Indeed, do please, do beware of the darkness! {#Daisy}

"That is not what you are here for" {#Cheers}
One of his very best! Leon Russell recorded a good version also.
 Sasha2001 wrote:
I never understood this album cover. Is he, like, the tallest and thinnest of the gnomes? Is he some sort of gnome with freakish genetics? How come he gets the chair but the other gnomes have to lay about on the ground?

 
It was a statement by George about his independence from the Beatles, according to Wikipedia.
 gjr wrote:
i miss beatle george...im still sad hes gone.  (and beatle john too)

 
me too
The amount of talent in the Beatles is just incredible.
very Grateful Dead-ish
 Sasha2001 wrote:
I never understood this album cover. Is he, like, the tallest and thinnest of the gnomes? Is he some sort of gnome with freakish genetics? How come he gets the chair but the other gnomes have to lay about on the ground?

  
dwhayslett wrote:

Maybe he's in a gnome time out.

 
That's some serious thighs on the dude on the right.
when it's all said and done, after the band broke up, Harrison by far had the better body of work. his first release a triple album! wow he must have been sitting on lots of songs for a  long long time.  rip
I dreamed about George last night
I miss george
Amazing album; oh the memories
Good bones! And he's honist.
 Sasha2001 wrote:
I never understood this album cover. Is he, like, the tallest and thinnest of the gnomes? Is he some sort of gnome with freakish genetics? How come he gets the chair but the other gnomes have to lay about on the ground?

 
Maybe he's in a gnome time out.
I never understood this album cover. Is he, like, the tallest and thinnest of the gnomes? Is he some sort of gnome with freakish genetics? How come he gets the chair but the other gnomes have to lay about on the ground?
Ahhhhhhhhh....{#Clap}
Magic from a Master
 
Such a beautiful song.  Deserves a higher rating.
i miss beatle george...im still sad hes gone.  (and beatle john too)
Love this song. An excellent album. George finally showcased his song writing abilities.
WOW--I haven't heard this in decades, but I remembered it as soon as it started!
 (former member) wrote:


Everybody in my hotel room loves this song...

 

 
Seriously, why do you post these? What's your schtick? Are you lonely and bored?
 jhorton wrote:
Jeezus that's a horrible song.

 
We know you're only kidding. No one in their right mind would have an opinion as such.
so beautiful - we be listening with appreciation {#Yes}
 gjeeg wrote:
That The Beatles joined three of the century's world-changing songwriters in one band.....!
Just blokes on that late night Liverpool bus, exchanging riffs, without a notion of the earthshattering to come.

 
Yes, amazing how that happens. 
 jhorton wrote:
Jeezus that's a horrible song.

 
As each unconscious sufferer wanders aimlessly
Beware of Maya!
That The Beatles joined three of the century's world-changing songwriters in one band.....!
Just blokes on that late night Liverpool bus, exchanging riffs, without a notion of the earthshattering to come.
Jeezus that's a horrible song.
A true masterpiece. Also enjoy the duet version with Leon Russell on the Concert for Bangladesh cd. {#Good-vibes}
Good one! I haven't heard this song in so long. Thanks!
 rdo wrote:

please ban calypsus_1 from the comment board, that's my vote.  



 
I know that's how you feel. No need to repeat it endlessly. 

Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked all over the world like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners...  love this song...  would be better if it were "Beware of Dorkness" but still love it...  love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
nice.....thanks rp

please ban calypsus_1 from the comment board, that's my vote.  


Bill, you should play "Run of the Mill" from this "album". One of the best sad songs ever. After all, "It's you that decides."
George wanted to be heard!
I find that the older I get the better George's songs become.
Share this with a friend who's got the blues:

Watch out now
Take care, beware the thoughts that linger
Winding up inside your head
The hopelessness around you
In the dead of night
Beware of sadness
It can hit you
It can hurt you
Make you sore and what is more
That is not what you are here for

Everybody in my church loves this song...
 
 lily34 wrote:
love love love this.
 
so...so...so agree!!!!
One of those songs that I recognize in the first couple of notes, and invariably think, "yeah!"
Love the demo of this where he sings "Beware of Abkco" his little swipe at Allen Klein.
A fantastic song from the best solo album by any of the Beatles!! {#Whistle}
{#Hearteyes}
Watched the first half of Martin Scorsese's "George Harrison: Living in the Material World" last night. Wonderful movie. Definitely recommended.
love love love this.
 romeotuma wrote:

I agree...
 
 



I second that opinion. Outstanding, timeless classic!
Profound, beautiful and heartbreaking all in one song. It doesn't get much better than this. Check out 'Concert For George'...Eric Clapton's cover of this tune is brilliant and poignant.
Great words to help us live our lives in peace and harmony.
I absolutely LOVE this song. NO question about it. It's brilliant and lovely and all things good. Sigh...
All Things is easily the best of all the Beatles' post-band albums, and one of the great albums, period. I was and am bought low by Harrison's way-too-early passing—but by smoking, he took his life in his own hands—and that there will be no more original output from him. Still, like the band itself, virtually all his Beatles work and his post-fab output is timeless.  I'll go blast Wah Wah now. 
 azdcryan wrote:

Pretty sure that the re-release double cd that was remastered a few years back has both versions, maybe even three.  It was in my player for several months a couple years ago, but I've since given it some time to cool off. 

There's a truly haunting, stripped down acoustic version of this track that is very emotional.  Sounds like he's sitting next to you in an empty room, just the two of you...spiritual.

 
Yes, Track 11 of ATMP, Disc 1 has a great acoustic version (along with "Let It Down" and others). This is Track 1, Disc 2.

I can't listen to this without being overcome with sadness.  Rest in peace, George.

Anyone ever check out his last (I guess it might have been posthumous) album?  It's got some really great, classic, tunes on it.  Always surprised by how good it is.
 lemmoth wrote:
This is indeed a brilliant and classic album from a gifted and talented man who was taken from us far too soon.

But remember this - You hang out and get to play with two of the greatest songwriters in history every day for about ten years.  They agree to put one or maybe two of your songs on each of the band's albums over the years.  

Then when you break up there is a good chance you may have a dozen or so gems ready to put on your first effort. 
 
How true!  I love the Lennon/McCartney stuff, but when it comes down to individual Beatles, George Harrison is my favorite.  He hung back and yielded to the power-duo of Lennon/McCartney, and then he just went quietly into the studio and cut tracks his way.  I love listening to his music. He was the deadly-good punch that no one expected.

 justlistening wrote:
I know John and Paul get all the credit, but I frequently find myself liking stuff from this album.  Not that George wasn't rated well, I just think he deserves more credit!

  This is indeed a brilliant and classic album from a gifted and talented man who was taken from us far too soon.

But remember this - You hang out and get to play with two of the greatest songwriters in history every day for about ten years.  They agree to put one or maybe two of your songs on each of the band's albums over the years.  

Then when you break up there is a good chance you may have a dozen or so gems ready to put on your first effort. 


I prefer Clapton's cover of this song, but there is no denying the greatness here.
 calypsus_1 wrote:

George  by RickRaven'sBeak
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54909778@N05/

Who would have guessed?

Copyright All rights reserved
.
  Great picture, thanks. Must be around 1960/61.


George  by RickRaven'sBeak
https://www.flickr.com/photos/54909778@N05/

Who would have guessed?

Copyright All rights reserved
.
I know John and Paul get all the credit, but I frequently find myself liking stuff from this album.  Not that George wasn't rated well, I just think he deserves more credit!

 calypsus_1 wrote:

George Harrison by ~sallyface90
Katie  ©2009-2010 ~sallyface90

The late and great Mr. George Harrison, young and spry, looking all to innocent and adorable.

Died of colon cancer at the age of 57.


  I believe that was lung cancer at 58.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_harrison


Great tune.

 kaybee wrote:

yes, a great album.  That being said, I must say I prefer Concrete Blonde's cover of this song.

 
Yep, me too.

One of my favorite GH songs!! To think a lot of stuff from this LP was written while the Beatles were still going....
Woulda made for a nice 'next' Beatle LP!!!
 RedGuitar wrote:

Yeah, that was a good version.  I'd almost forgotten about it.  Better watch the Concert for Bangladesh again.
 
lol...i agree...

 dedawson wrote:
Leon Russell's cover was the best.
There, I've said it again.
 
Yeah, that was a good version.  I'd almost forgotten about it.  Better watch the Concert for Bangladesh again.


 ortallcowgirl wrote:
Would he have been famous if it wasnt for his famous counterpart?
  

No doubt about it. 
Would he have been famous if it wasnt for his famous counterpart?
 ed wrote:
Beware of Mia!
 
Maya the Hindu god of illusion  (using god for lack of a better word)
As far as a naked version of 'All Things Must Pass'. I don't think it would as easily lend itself to a strip down as 'Let it Be'. Good idea though.

Leon Russell's cover was the best.
There, I've said it again.


gjeeg wrote:
Imagine the life of George Harrison ~ learning at the side of JL and Macca, coming into your own, finding no room, uncomfortable with the blinding spotlight, bringing Eastern and Indian influence to and through the Beatles to change the very world. Making that contribution.

yes, a great album.  That being said, I must say I prefer Concrete Blonde's cover of this song.

 On_The_Beach wrote:

Totally agree! I may even have posted a similar sentiment on another song from this album. If they can "de-Spector" Let it Be, why not All Things Must Pass? Make both versions available and let the music lovers choose for themselves. T-Bone Burnett, are you listening?
 
Pretty sure that the re-release double cd that was remastered a few years back has both versions, maybe even three.  It was in my player for several months a couple years ago, but I've since given it some time to cool off. 

There's a truly haunting, stripped down acoustic version of this track that is very emotional.  Sounds like he's sitting next to you in an empty room, just the two of you...spiritual.

 On_The_Beach wrote:

Totally agree! I may even have posted a similar sentiment on another song from this album. If they can "de-Spector" Let it Be, why not All Things Must Pass? Make both versions available and let the music lovers choose for themselves. T-Bone Burnett, are you listening?
 
on the latest release of the album there's a couple nekkid tracks at the end, this one included.  like i'm talking totally nude, as in just georgy and guitar.  the album version is fine in my opinion.

 romeotuma wrote:


This song is soooo good for the ears...
 
i like how you roll.

 jagdriver wrote:
I . . . have come to loathe what Phil Spector did with this. I'd really like to hear a "naked" version, ala Let It Be. . . .
 
Totally agree! I may even have posted a similar sentiment on another song from this album. If they can "de-Spector" Let it Be, why not All Things Must Pass? Make both versions available and let the music lovers choose for themselves. T-Bone Burnett, are you listening?


ironic eh, Psycho-Spector - wonder if he played this when he stuck a gun in Lana's mouth and pulled the trigger- he better beware of darkness,
Imagine the life of George Harrison ~ learning at the side of JL and Macca, coming into your own, finding no room, uncomfortable with the blinding spotlight, bringing Eastern and Indian influence to and through the Beatles to change the very world. Making that contribution.
 songbirdfemme wrote:
Paul used a riff in this song for one of his solo songs.. anyone else recognize it?!!!!
 
Yes, there's a moment in the verse that sounds a LOT like the verse of No More Lonely Nights.
 nigelr wrote:

One of the better albums produced, ever.
  
 I very much disagree and have come to loathe what Phil Spector did with this. I'd really like to hear a "naked" version, ala Let It Be. And while it still may have been a bit too lavish, perhaps Jeff Lynne could have handled the project better? Or how about George Martin, who seemed to always know when too much was perhaps a bit too much?
absolutely one of the best solo efforts from anyone, but why are we surprised the "quiet members" of the mega bands/groups usually have a deep clear beautiful voice. solid 8 the live version, i believe with leon russell is a solid nine.
OK, but Leon Russel's is better.
this is why i love this effin station...who else would play this!!
i mean it....its fantastic and yet i have never heard it in my life...
thank you ...thank you paradise radio....
 LongGoneDaddy wrote:


"Baby I'm Amazed"?

 
Oops. "Maybe I'm Amazed."

 Gednabb wrote:


what makes it a 10 for you?
 

Cetainly the melody, the musicianship, the depth of feeling in the lyrics and the singing.  The way that the whole song is so much more than the sum of the parts.  There is definitely a nostalgia factor involved as well.  Growing up with the Beatles, knowing George's search for more meaning in life, the sorrow at his untimely death.

 songbirdfemme wrote:
Paul used a riff in this song for one of his solo songs.. anyone else recognize it?!!!!
 

"Baby I'm Amazed"?

 black321 wrote:
Never paid much attention to this album until RP...and now its one of faves.
 

One of the better albums produced, ever.
What makes this a 10 for me is the melody, the arangement, the beautiful words, and Harrison's voice that seems to touch my soul.