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.
Isn't it a pity
Now, isn't it a shame
How we break each other's hearts
And cause each other pain
How we take each other's love
Without thinking anymore
Forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity
Some things take so long
But how do I explain
When not too many people
Can see we're all the same
And because of all their tears
Their eyes can't hope to see
The beauty that surrounds them
Isn't it a pity
Isn't it a pity
Isn't is a shame
How we break each other's hearts
And cause each other pain
How we take each other's love
Without thinking anymore
Forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity
Forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity
Forgetting to give back
Now, isn't it a pity
[Repeat: x6]
What a pity
What a pity, pity, pity
What a pity
What a pity, pity, pity
Now, isn't it a shame
How we break each other's hearts
And cause each other pain
How we take each other's love
Without thinking anymore
Forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity
Some things take so long
But how do I explain
When not too many people
Can see we're all the same
And because of all their tears
Their eyes can't hope to see
The beauty that surrounds them
Isn't it a pity
Isn't it a pity
Isn't is a shame
How we break each other's hearts
And cause each other pain
How we take each other's love
Without thinking anymore
Forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity
Forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity
Forgetting to give back
Now, isn't it a pity
[Repeat: x6]
What a pity
What a pity, pity, pity
What a pity
What a pity, pity, pity
Lyrics submitted by TheLizardking017
Isn't It a Pity Lyrics as written by George Harrison
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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I think your first comment is closer to being accurate. The singer/song writers state "Millions of eyes can see, yet why am i so blind!? When the someone else is me, its unkind its unkind". I believe hes referring to the girl toying with him and using him. He wants something deeper with her, thats why he allows himself to be as a puppet (even though for her fun and games) as long as it makes her happy. But he knows deep down that she doesnt really want to be serious with him and thats what makes him.
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Same ideas expressed in Fitter, Happier are expressed in this song. We're told to strive for some sort of ideal life, which includes getting a good job, being kind to everyone, finding a partner, getting married, having a couple kids, living in a quiet neighborhood in a nice big house, etc. But in Fitter, Happier the narrator(?) realizes that it's incredibly robotic to live this life. People are being used by those in power "like a pig in a cage on antibiotics"--being pacified with things like new phones and cool gadgets and houses while being sucked dry. On No Surprises, the narrator is realizing how this life is killing him slowly. In the video, his helmet is slowly filling up with water, drowning him. But he's so complacent with it. This is a good summary of the song. This boring, "perfect" life foisted upon us by some higher powers (not spiritual, but political, economic, etc. politicians and businessmen, perhaps) is not the way to live. But there is seemingly no way out but death. He'd rather die peacefully right now than live in this cage. While our lives are often shielded, we're in our own protective bubbles, or protective helmets like the one Thom wears, if we look a little harder we can see all the corruption, lies, manipulation, etc. that is going on in the world, often run by huge yet nearly invisible organizations, corporations, and 'leaders'. It's a very hopeless song because it reflects real life.
Wow. Another Harrison masterpiece. I think this song proves that Harrison and Lennon were the best songwriters in the Beatles. This song just screams about all the pain he and Patti Boyd were going through. Or is it about the break up of the Beatles? Or both? I also think that with George's spirituality, he can see this song as a way that we break the heart of our God by being obstinate. This is a truly layered song, and just breaks my heart. It is a shame that more cannot see George's work the way I do.
Actually, the "na na na na-na-na naa" backing vocals from Hey Jude ARE in the 7 minute version of "Isnt it a Pity" found on All things must Pass. It is more prominent in the new remastered version by Giles Martin, George Martin's son. His version gives clarity and removed much of the reverb that Phil Spector is known for, (IMHO Wall of sound = Wall of mud and reverb) In countless interviews, George admits his regret in allowing Phil to use so much echo and reverb.
All things must pass is a three album set filled with many songs the Beatles rejected. This beautiful song is one of them!!"The Art of Dying" and "Isn't It a Pity" were written in 1966 (he had just married Patti Boyd). The song was rejected by Lennon, only to resurface in 1969 during the Let It Be sessions. And was rejected yet again.
To me, there aren't any hidden meanings in this song. He states exactly what it is all about. Our world is a world where people don't respect people, and cause each other pain every day. Accepting love but not giving it back. You have to admit, nothing has changed in the 40 years since he wrote it.
Sorry for the typos, i believe it was 1966 for the wedding, but isn't it a pity may have been 1968/69.. i wanted to edit but hit post by mistake...
isn't it a pity that there aren't more comments for this song? R.I.P
Thats exactly how I feel Joshiez. George was definetly a better writer than John though... In opinion. I mean, He was a much better musician so naturally... But getting back to this song, I interpret this song as meaning that people are hurting themselves and others by thinking they are better than each other instead of realizing that everyone is the same. (Which I kinda disagree with, but nobody knows really.) P.S. George had the best solo career by far.
How are there no comments on this in the last 7 years? A George Harrison masterpiece. Timeless. Existential. Beautiful. For me, it's THE highlight of All Things Must Pass. Isn't It a Pity makes me reflect on my own life, how I'm living now, how I might live in the future.
Wow is right, and not just about the song. I like your interpretations. Although it could just be more general relative to ourselves, that we can break other people's hearts so easily; that we are so incredibly greedy with the one thing that lasts. This society is incredibly restricting on love, and it truly is a pity.
Bloody great song. I think George was trying to do something in the style of Hey Jude. What I mean is like how it builds up. First its just him and piano mainly and gradually other instruments come in until the end is just like a repeated jam, just like Hey Jude. Which is also a good song might I add.
yeh, many similarities to Hey Jude, I heard that that he wrote it as a dig at the Beatles, as if making fun of them. Hey jimbozo, never underestimate John Lennon's solo career, it was beautiful! Though George's also wrote a huge amount of wonderful music after the beatles :-) Joshiez's comment pretty much sums the song up. Wonderful song, I love the version that the friends of George did in 'concert for george' aswell- brilliant!
In the tribute concert for george harrison, billy preston sings this song beautifully. The backup singers tag "Nahhhh nahhh nahh na na na na, Hey Jude." Which is cool, because you guys say it sounds like hey jude, which it kind of does.
I love this song. Makes me cry every time.
Actually, the "na na na na-na-na naa" backing vocals from Hey Jude ARE in the 7 minute version of "Isnt it a Pity" found on All things must Pass. It is more prominent in the new remastered version by Giles Martin, George Martin's son. His version gives clarity and removed much of the reverb that Phil Spector is known for, (IMHO Wall of sound = Wall of mud and reverb lol) In countless interviews, George admits his regret in allowing Phil to use so much echo and reverb.<br /> <br /> All things must pass is a three album set filled with many songs the Beatles rejected. This beautiful song is one of them!!"The Art of Dying" and "Isn't It a Pity" were written in 1966 (he had just married Patti Boyd). The song was rejected by Lennon, only to resurface in 1969 during the Let It Be sessions. And was rejected yet again.<br /> <br /> To me, there aren't any hidden meanings in this song. He states exactly what it is all about. Our world is a world where people don't respect people, and cause each other pain every day. Accepting love but not giving it back. You have to admit, nothing has changed in the 40 years since he wrote it.
@ Joshiez:
Yes, George wrote this about Pattie. He said that himself in an interview. In an interview with Pattie, one year ago, she said that she realized it was about here. It brought her to tears. For people who haven't read the biographie of Pattie yet, read it! "Wonderful Tonight: George Harrison, Eric Clapton and me" It's a BEAUTIFUL book.