Ballad of Sir Frankie Crisp (Let It Roll)

We are so lucky to have lived in a time when we can experience artists like George Harrison. This song is completely untouchable and unfathomable in so many ways. Not to be trite, but it is truly transcendent.

The song invites us to "let it roll," or to accept things the way they are without that fact affecting us so much. It also has references to the Beatles--in particular to Paul McCartney, with whom he wasn't happy at the time--such as in the last verse above where "Fools illusions" is a clear reference to "The Fool on the Hill" and "Joan and Molly" to two other Paul McCartney songs ("Maxwell's Silver Hammer" and "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da"). Moreover, he references his own work in The Beatles. The "Eyes that shining full of inner light" line is a reference to his song "The Inner Light," which was included in one of The Beatles albums, and which had as its theme the Tao Te Ching, an ancient philosophical book that advises to "go with it" or to "let it roll," as it were.

Wow not one comment. This is George Harrison at his best. I love it.

I agree with jhendrix. I can't say what it's about. I think it might be talking about letting something grow. What exactly I can't say. Maybe love?

If I could go back and delete the last post I would. I just came upon a video on youtube. I was looking for a live play of the song but I found a pretty well done fan video. In the description this is what it said and I think this pretty much explains it.

"When George first moved into Friar Park in Henley-on-Thames, he was very interested in the history of it and its owner, Sir Frank Crisp, an eccentric old man. (But as a Beatle/George fan I'm sure you all knew that!) George later wrote this song, and I believe that George used little sayings that were carved into the walls of Friar Park, or made up ones that sounded like something Sir Crisp would say. Friar Park was also where George gained his love of gardening. There is more history behind this but I will let you get to the video now!! Please enjoy!!"

I agree with jhendrix, this song is george harrison at his best. this song is so beautiful. we know he lived and studied under the ways of the Indians (hinduism) and I believe this song was greatly inspired by that. i also think its about eternity. i interpret it to be an ode to letting life roll, wherever you may be, wherever you are, and whatever you do, life is continuous.

Sir Frankie Crisp used to live in Harrisons house (years before George bought it), the song is sort of about him

what an amazing song, this gives me more chills than 1000 winters!

Fantastic. Perfect song.

Dhani Harrison has eluded that Joan and Molly are references to George's maids at Friar Park.