The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Remember, now, be here now
As it's not like it was before
The past, was, be here now
As it's not like it was before - it was
Why try to live a life
That isn't real
No how
A mind, that wants to wander
'Round a corner
Is an un-wise mind
Now, is, be here now
And it's not what it was before
Remember, now, be here now
As it's not like it was before - it was
As it's not like it was before
The past, was, be here now
As it's not like it was before - it was
Why try to live a life
That isn't real
No how
A mind, that wants to wander
'Round a corner
Is an un-wise mind
Now, is, be here now
And it's not what it was before
Remember, now, be here now
As it's not like it was before - it was
Lyrics submitted by TheLizardking017
Be Here Now Lyrics as written by George Harrison
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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There is still an amazing amount of hope and will in the lyrics; and the lyrics themselve rank and easy five. If only music was stronger it would be one of those great radio songs that you hear once a week 20 years after it was released. The imagery is almost tear-jerking ("City lights lay out before us", "Speeds so fast felt like I was drunk"), and the idea of starting from nothing and just driving and working and denigrating yourself for a chance at being just above poverty, then losing in the end is just painful and inspiring at the same time.
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This is one of my favorite songs. https://fnfgo.io
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Good interpretations, thank you...however, his message is even deeper than simply avoiding the past, which is always gone...what he is specifically referring to is the fact that all there ever is, is the NOW...the past and future simply CANNOT exist, they are merely the illusion that keeps the Maya afloat (our physical world). Linear Time is the structure of our prison cells upon this physical experience...rushing here and there as if ANY of this really matters...
All that matters is Love, in the Moment. These are the only two things that actually exist. Love and the NOW...all governments (and the Corporations that rule them) do everything that they can to distract us away from this simply truth...Love in the Now...and when you live your life this way, for the first time you will experience the "real" you...the YOU that does whatever you wish in every moment, regardless of whatever anyone else thinks...this is the ONLY Freedom that exists...Love in the Moment...please remember this...
<br /> @CharlieFreak I had to create an account just to say I think you are spot on. To say this just about moving on after Beatles is doing a disservice to this very beautiful song, that says a complex thing is a simple way. This a spiritual song about the nature of reality.
another george philosphy, similar message to 'All Things Must Pass'
I think George is trying to tell people that it's no use living in the past, and specifically, I think he is talking about The Beatles and how they are over and he's tired of hearing about them and talking about and wants to live his life in the present instead of the past. He wants to "Be Here Now."
Great song!
George's advice here is to live in, and appreciate, the present moment. No use stewing on the past - the good or the bad.
I think the song is a reference to the book by Ram Dass.