For You Blue: Introduction
“For You Blue” is a Beatles’ song that is on their 1970 album, “Let It Be.”
In Detail
- Release Date: May 11, 1970
- Recorded: January 25, 1969 and January 8, 1970
- Studios: Apple Studio, London; Olympic Sound Studios, London
- Genre: Country blues
- Track Duration: 2:32
- Record Label: Apple
- Songwriter: George Harrison
- Producer: Phil Spector
Performers And Instruments
- George Harrison: lead vocal, acoustic guitar
- John Lennon: lap steel guitar
- Paul McCartney: piano, bass
- Ringo Starr: drums
Where To Find “For You Blue”
You can still buy this song on the following albums:
If you only want the original version of this song, avoid Anthology 3. But if you are a collector, grab them all!
For You Blue: Background
Written and sung by George Harrison, “For You Blue” became the B-side to “The Long and Winding Road” in some countries during 1970, but not in the UK. Indeed, this was a country blues-style love song to his wife, Pattie Boyd.
“It’s a simple 12-bar song following all the normal 12-bar principles, except that it’s happy-go-lucky!”
George Harrison
Influence
Harrison wrote the song after much influence from a visit to Woodstock in late 1968. There, he found a different atmosphere from that which he experienced while recording the “White Album” with the other Beatles. During his visit, he met up with Bob Dylan and was able to jam along with other musicians. Not only that, but his creative side came to the fore in the relative calm across the Atlantic.
The dominant Lennon-McCartney partnership was behind him, and he knew he had a lot to offer in terms of songwriting. In fact, Harrison’s confidence was growing stronger, helped by his friend, Eric Clapton. However, Harrison was still a member of The Beatles, and in January 1969, the “Get Back/Let It Be” sessions were about to begin.
Recording Studio
The Beatles were about to embark on their first live performance since their tour of North America in 1966. Their intention was to make a documentary film of them in rehearsal, getting ready for this live act. So, rehearsals began at Twickenham Film Studios, London.
Even though Harrison was optimistic about the venture after his character building in the US, things didn’t start well. After presenting his song on January 9, 1969, he also gave suggestions as to its arrangement. But he walked out the next day. This was due to the attitude of both Paul McCartney and John Lennon.
Somehow the band got their act together, and recording eventually began on January 25th. They recorded 6 takes, of which the last one was suitable for the master track. Meanwhile, filming continued. However, the film needed much attention, so before its release, they began work on the “Abbey Road” album.
The song’s final mixing took place on January 8, 1970, but Harrison recorded his vocals again prior to this. This version of “For You Blue” appears on the 1970 album “Let It Be.”
They used take 1 from the Savile Row sessions (January 25, 1969) on the 1995 album, “Anthology 3.” On the 2003 album “Let It Be… Naked,” there is a new mix of the master take minus John Lennon’s speech at the beginning, which Phil Spector added to the original version. That was John Lennon still showing humour, saying, “Queen Says ‘No’ to Pot-Smoking FBI Member.”
Take A Listen To The Song “For You Blue”
Finally, click play, then leave us your thoughts.
