It’s About Time

Written for Song Lyric Sunday –
“It’s About Time”.
This is my response to the challenge.

This week at Jim Adam’s Song Lyric Sunday, the theme is “It’s About Time” and our challenge is to write about a song that mentions time. Since there are countless songs with that theme, I chose to simplify my search and concentrate on songs by The Beatles. This week I’ll be presenting two Beatles songs and one song from George Harrison’s solo career. For anyone who is not familiar with The Beatles, there is a plethora of information online; a good place to start is HERE.

First up this week is “Any Time At All”, the first song on side two of A Hard Day’s Night. It was written primarily by John Lennon, recorded during the final session for the album, and released July 10, 1964 (UK) and July 20, 1964 (US). It is known for its fast pace, urgent feel, and clever production trick where Paul McCartney’s piano in the midpoint is mirrored note-for-note by George Harrison on guitar. “Any Time At All” was finished quickly in the studio, with McCartney harmonizing on the high notes Lennon couldn’t reach. The core message of “Any Time At All”  is that the singer will always be there, day or night, for his loved one, emphasizing reliability and constant presence. The lyrics also show a desire to comfort and cheer up a loved one. It is a bright, clear-cut declaration of love and commitment, a promise to always show up when called upon. The song’s style echoes The Beatles’ musical heroes, particularly Buddy Holly.

This is “Any Time At All” by The Beatles

Next up is “Not A Second Time”, which The Beatles recorded on September 11, 1963. It was completed in five takes, plus four overdubs including the piano and Lennon’s double-tracked vocals. It was the first Beatles recording not to feature George Hararison; the only instrumentation was acoustic rhythm guitar, bass, drums and piano. “Not A Second Time” is a track on With the Beatles and was released on November 22, 1963 (UK); in the US, it appears on Meet the Beatles!, released on January 20, 1964 (US). Influenced by the music of Smokey Robinson, “Not A Second Time” was known for its mature theme of heartbreak and self-preservation. It marked a significant step in the band’s development, showcasing their serious songwriting talent beyond simple pop. “Not a Second Time” is about a painful breakup where the singer rejects a former lover’s attempt to reconcile, declaring he won’t be hurt again despite past tears, showcasing a newfound resolve but also lingering heartache.

This is “Not a Second Time” by The Beatles

Last song today is “Got My Mind Set On You”, a 1987 George Harrison cover of a 1962 song by James Ray, discovered by Harrison in Illinois in 1963; he bought Ray’s album and the song stuck with him for many years. It was revived with producer Jeff Lynne for his Cloud Nine album. It became his last US #1 hit and a major 80s pop success, known for its distinctive music video and its significance as the final solo #1 by a former Beatle. If you were with me last week, you’ll recall I mentioned Jeff Lynne and the Cloud Nine album in a different context. Six degrees of separation. The iconic video for “Got My Mind Set On You” featured Harrison in a chair as surreal, comical objects moved around him, spoofing the horror film, Evil Dead II. It was a significant MTV hit, contributing to the song’s overwhelming popularity. The song marked a major career resurgence for Harrison after a hiatus from solo recording and represented the last time any former Beatle would top the US charts as a solo artist. “Got My Mind Set On You” is a catchy, upbeat pop song about determined, focused pursuit of a romantic interest, emphasizing that it will take time, patience, and money to win them over; it’s a simple, fun track that contrasts with Harrison’s usual spiritual themes. Its charm lies in its pure pop energy and Harrison’s relatable, straightforward delivery. Nothing says “fun” like singing taxidermy and a George Harrison look-alike with some mean dance moves!

This is “Got My Mind Set On You” by George Harrison

LYRICS

I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you

But it’s gonna take money
A whole lotta spendin’ money
It’s gonna take plenty of money
To do it right, child

It’s gonna take time
Whole lot of precious time
It’s gonna take patience and time, mmm
To do it, to do it, to do it, to do it, to do it
To do it right, child

I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you

And this time I know it’s real
The feelin’ that I feel
I know if I put my mind to it
I know that I really can do it

I got my mind set on you
Set on you
I got my mind set on you
Set on you

But it’s gonna take money
Whole lotta spendin’ money
It’s gonna take plenty of money
To do it right, child

It’s gonna take time
Whole lot of precious time
It’s gonna take patience and time, mmm
To do it, to do it, to do it, to do it, to do it
To do it right

I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you

And this time I know it’s real
The feelings that I feel
I know if I put my mind to it
I know that I really can do it

But it’s gonna take money
A whole lotta spendin’ money
It’s gonna take plenty of money
To do it right, child

It’s gonna take a-time
A whole lot of precious time
It’s gonna take patience and time, mmm
To do it, to do it, to do it, to do it, to do it
To do it right

Set on you
Set on you……..

^{Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Rudy Clark
Got My Mind Set on You lyrics © Carbert Music, Inc., Carlin Music Delaware, Carbert Music Inc}

It’s About Time

Big thanks to Jim Adams for hosting another great Song Lyric Sunday this week and every week. Be sure to follow the link and check out his site.

Thanks for stopping by for a look and a listen.

That’s all she wrote, kids. See you on the flip side. 😎

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