Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The song was composed by George Harrison in early 1968, during The Beatles' stay in Rishikesh, India, with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The lyrics of the song deal with Hindu philosophy, to which Harrison was exposed at the time. They emphasise the need to transcend the ‘sea of sour milk’ of material illusion, or ‘maya’. Although Harrison initially intended to release the song as part of a Beatles album, the history of its recording shows that it was seriously considered as a Beatles track, as evidenced by the early rehearsal of the piece. However, when Apple Corps was founded, Harrison gave the song to his fellow Liverpudlian Jackie Lomax.
Lomax was the first artist to sign with Apple. The decision was both strategic and artistic (though unfortunately it was overshadowed by the release of Hey Jude). Apple Records needed a strong debut for non-Beatles artists, and Harrison was able to help Lomax's debut with his own song. He was also able to assemble an impressive line-up for the session, which was essentially a supergroup.
The basic track provides a solid rhythmic foundation with Ringo Starr's powerful drumming. Harrison's acoustic guitar provides more of a foundation than anything essential (as does his voice fed through the guitar mic), and Eric Clapton's lead guitar contributes powerful, cutting riffs that shape the powerful sound. Nicky Hopkins' piano adds harmonic content and his frenetic, virtuous standout style.
Paul McCartney's bass part was added on 26 June 1968 as an overdub.
A second guitar solo, an organ and, of course, Jackie's vocals were recorded later.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is This What You Want? (1968)
(00:00) Drums, Acoustic Guitar, Guide Vocal
(03:55) Bass
(07:43) Eric's Guitar
(11:38) Piano
(15:33) Double-Tracked Vocals
(19:24) George's Solos
(20:00) Organ
Personnel:
George Harrison - 1968 Gibson J-200, 1964 Gibson SG, Hammond RT-3 Organ, Guide Vocal
Paul McCartney - 1964 Rickenbacker 4001S
Ringo Starr - 1964 Ludwig Super Classic Drums
Eric Clapton - 1964 Gibson Firebird I
Nicky Hopkins - 1905 Steinway Vertegrand Piano
Jackie Lomax - Double-Tracked Lead Vocal
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get exclusive multitracks! join me on Patreon: patreon.com/c/dld2music
Thanks to my current Patreons: Jacob Thomas, Eli Rosen, Ilan, Sylvain Paquette, One_After_909, jack sadlier, Frontpenny, John P San Juan, Ferris, hcw3.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#thebeatlesvideo #johnlennon #paulmccartney #georgeharrison #ringostarr #jackielomax #apple #1968 #thebeatlesfans
The song was composed by George Harrison in early 1968, during The Beatles' stay in Rishikesh, India, with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. The lyrics of the song deal with Hindu philosophy, to which Harrison was exposed at the time. They emphasise the need to transcend the ‘sea of sour milk’ of material illusion, or ‘maya’. Although Harrison initially intended to release the song as part of a Beatles album, the history of its recording shows that it was seriously considered as a Beatles track, as evidenced by the early rehearsal of the piece. However, when Apple Corps was founded, Harrison gave the song to his fellow Liverpudlian Jackie Lomax.
Lomax was the first artist to sign with Apple. The decision was both strategic and artistic (though unfortunately it was overshadowed by the release of Hey Jude). Apple Records needed a strong debut for non-Beatles artists, and Harrison was able to help Lomax's debut with his own song. He was also able to assemble an impressive line-up for the session, which was essentially a supergroup.
The basic track provides a solid rhythmic foundation with Ringo Starr's powerful drumming. Harrison's acoustic guitar provides more of a foundation than anything essential (as does his voice fed through the guitar mic), and Eric Clapton's lead guitar contributes powerful, cutting riffs that shape the powerful sound. Nicky Hopkins' piano adds harmonic content and his frenetic, virtuous standout style.
Paul McCartney's bass part was added on 26 June 1968 as an overdub.
A second guitar solo, an organ and, of course, Jackie's vocals were recorded later.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Is This What You Want? (1968)
(00:00) Drums, Acoustic Guitar, Guide Vocal
(03:55) Bass
(07:43) Eric's Guitar
(11:38) Piano
(15:33) Double-Tracked Vocals
(19:24) George's Solos
(20:00) Organ
Personnel:
George Harrison - 1968 Gibson J-200, 1964 Gibson SG, Hammond RT-3 Organ, Guide Vocal
Paul McCartney - 1964 Rickenbacker 4001S
Ringo Starr - 1964 Ludwig Super Classic Drums
Eric Clapton - 1964 Gibson Firebird I
Nicky Hopkins - 1905 Steinway Vertegrand Piano
Jackie Lomax - Double-Tracked Lead Vocal
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Get exclusive multitracks! join me on Patreon: patreon.com/c/dld2music
Thanks to my current Patreons: Jacob Thomas, Eli Rosen, Ilan, Sylvain Paquette, One_After_909, jack sadlier, Frontpenny, John P San Juan, Ferris, hcw3.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
#thebeatlesvideo #johnlennon #paulmccartney #georgeharrison #ringostarr #jackielomax #apple #1968 #thebeatlesfans
