As a member of the Beatles, George Harrison’s songwriting largely stayed in the Beatles’ orbit, exploring love, psychedelia, and political activism. However, as a solo artist, Harrison stepped into his own and wrote songs that explored his spirituality and personal beliefs. One such song is “Here Comes The Moon,” from his 1979 album, “George Harrison”. The song has a serene and tranquil feel to it, and the lyrics showcase a deep appreciation for nature and its calming effects. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind “Here Comes The Moon,” and how it reflects Harrison’s spiritual beliefs.

A Brief Overview of “Here Comes The Moon”

“Here Comes The Moon” clocks in at 4:11 and is the second song on “George Harrison” after the opening track, “Love Comes To Everyone”. The song starts with a gentle guitar riff which Harrison layers with his slide guitar, creating a warm and enveloping melody. The lyrics are simple but evocative, and Harrison sings them in a relaxed and unhurried manner.

As the title suggests, “Here Comes The Moon” is a companion piece to one of Harrison’s most famous songs, “Here Comes The Sun,” which he wrote during the Beatles’ recording sessions at Abbey Road Studios in the late 1960s. In a 1997 interview with VH1, Harrison talked about how “Here Comes The Moon” was written as a tribute to “Here Comes The Sun.”

“I did the opposite side of it called ‘Here Comes The Moon,’ which is about the arrival of the moon which is the female counterpart of the sun,” Harrison said. “Without the moon, the sun wouldn’t be here anyway because the gravity of the moon is causing the ocean tides and moving the water around the planet, which if it didn’t happen, then the planet would be a dead planet.”

Harrison also talked about how “Here Comes The Sun” and “Here Comes The Moon” represented a spiritual awakening for him as he dealt with the pressures of being a Beatle and finding his place in the world. “It was like the sun and the moon came to me, and I realized I was just a little person and they were big,” he said.

The Lyrics of “Here Comes The Moon”

As mentioned earlier, the lyrics of “Here Comes The Moon” are straightforward, but they convey a message of peace, love, and appreciation for the natural world. Let’s take a closer look at some of the lines and what they represent:

“Everybody’s talking up a storm, act like they don’t notice it
But here it is and here it comes, Here Comes the Moon, the moon, the moon, the moon, the moon”

This opening verse sets the tone for the song, suggesting that people are caught up in their own distractions and worries, but the moon is still present and bringing its own magic.

“Natural health and inspiration, But you might come by it light
In the middle of the night, Here Comes the Moon, the moon, the moon, the moon, the moon”

This verse seems to suggest that people can find peace and inspiration by connecting with nature, but it requires a willingness to be open to it and allow oneself to be free from distractions.

“God’s gift, I see that face, That’s shining on the window pane
There’s a spirit, there’s a grace, Here Comes the Moon again, again, again, again, again”

This line is perhaps the most overtly spiritual of the entire song, with Harrison referencing God and the idea of a shining face. The reference to a spirit and grace also reflects Harrison’s interest in Hinduism and a desire to connect with a higher power.

The Significance of the Moon in Spirituality

The moon has played a significant role in various religious and spiritual beliefs throughout history, with many cultures seeing it as a symbol of femininity and fertility. In Hinduism, the moon is associated with Chandra, a god who is believed to control the tides and emotions of people. In astrology, the moon is often seen as a symbol of emotions and the unconscious mind.

In “Here Comes The Moon,” Harrison seems to be drawing on some of these spiritual beliefs, suggesting that the moon has a calming and healing effect on people. It’s also interesting to note that the moon’s cycles are often seen as a symbol of change and growth, which could be another reason why Harrison was drawn to its symbolism.

Frequently Asked Questions About “Here Comes The Moon”

1. Was “Here Comes The Moon” inspired by Harrison’s interest in spirituality?
Yes, Harrison was interested in spirituality and was influenced by various Eastern religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism.

2. How does “Here Comes The Moon” compare to “Here Comes The Sun”?
“Here Comes The Moon” is often seen as a companion piece to “Here Comes The Sun,” with both songs celebrating the beauty of nature and the power of the sun and moon.

3. What is the meaning of the line “God’s gift, I see that face” in “Here Comes The Moon”?
This line is likely a reference to Harrison’s belief in a higher power and his desire to connect with it.

4. Why is the moon considered a feminine symbol in many cultures?
The moon is often associated with femininity because of its cyclical nature, which was seen as similar to a woman’s menstrual cycle.

5. What does “Here Comes The Moon” suggest about our relationship with nature?
The song suggests that we can find peace and refuge by connecting with nature and appreciating its beauty and power.

6. Was “Here Comes The Moon” a hit when it was released?
No, “Here Comes The Moon” was not a hit single, but the album “George Harrison” was well-received by critics and fans alike.

7. What was the inspiration behind the music in “Here Comes The Moon”?
The music in “Here Comes The Moon” is based on a simple guitar riff that Harrison used as a foundation for the melody.

8. What is the meaning behind the repetition of the phrase “the moon, the moon, the moon, the moon, the moon” in the song?
The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the importance of the moon and suggests that its influence is all-encompassing.

9. Is “Here Comes The Moon” a love song?
No, “Here Comes The Moon” is not a love song in the traditional sense, but it does celebrate the beauty and power of nature, which could be seen as a kind of love.

10. Was “Here Comes The Moon” influenced by other artists?
It’s unclear whether “Here Comes The Moon” was directly influenced by other artists, but the song’s use of simple lyrics and warm guitar tones reflects the laid-back style of many musicians in the 1970s.

11. What is the significance of the moon in Hinduism?
In Hinduism, the moon is associated with the god Chandra, who is believed to control the tides and emotions of people.

12. How does “Here Comes The Moon” connect with Harrison’s other solo work?
“Here Comes The Moon” reflects Harrison’s growing interest in spirituality and themes of peace and love, which are also present in his other solo work, such as his hit song “My Sweet Lord”.