“Within You Without You” is a song by the English rock band The Beatles. It was written by George Harrison and released on their 1967 album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” The song is notable for its Indian musical influence and spiritual themes, reflecting Harrison’s interest in Indian culture and philosophy.
The song features a blend of traditional Indian instruments and Western rock instrumentation, creating a unique and meditative sound. The lyrics explore concepts of inner reflection, self-awareness, and the interconnectedness of all life. Harrison’s fascination with Indian spirituality and his study of the sitar under the guidance of Ravi Shankar deeply influenced the song’s composition and arrangement.
“Within You Without You” stands out on the “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album due to its distinctive sound and philosophical lyrics, which contrast with the other tracks on the album. The song’s incorporation of Indian musical elements played a role in introducing Indian music to Western audiences and contributed to the broader cultural exchange that was occurring in the 1960s.
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Lyrics
We were talking about the space between us all
And the people who hide themselves behind a wall of illusion
Never glimpse the truth, then it’s far too late, when they pass away
We were talking about the love we all could share
When we find it, to try our best to hold it there with our love
With our love, we could save the world, if they only knew
Try to realise it’s all within yourself
No one else can make you change
And to see you’re really only very small
And life flows on within you and without you
We were talking about the love that’s gone so cold
And the people who gain the world and lose their soul
They don’t know, they can’t see, are you one of them?
When you’ve seen beyond yourself then you may find
Peace of mind is waiting there
And the time will come when you see we’re all one
And life flows on within you and without you