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Isn't It a Pity Lyrics
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
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
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 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
Isn't it a pity
Forgetting to give back
Now, isn't it a pity
What a pity, pity, pity
What a pity
What a pity, pity, pity
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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...
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.
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.
All things must pass is a three album set filled...
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.
@ 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.