How “Only A Northern Song” Was George Harrison’S Sarcastic Dig At The Beatles’ Publishing Deal

March 20, 2025

George Harrison sat on the edge of his bed, strumming his guitar while deep in thought. It was 1967, and The Beatles were at the height of their fame. With record-breaking albums and sold-out shows, they seemed to be on top of the world. But beneath the glittering surface, George felt a growing sense of frustration. The band’s publishing deal with their company, Northern Songs, was weighing heavily on his mind. While the other Beatles were gaining fame, George was beginning to realize that his own songs were not receiving the recognition—or the royalties—they deserved.

This was the moment when “Only a Northern Song” was born. Inspired by his feelings of discontent, George crafted a tune that was playful yet laced with sarcasm. The catchy melody danced through the air, but the lyrics told a different story—a story of a songwriter who felt overlooked and undervalued. Lines like “If you’re listening to this song, you may think the chords are wrong,” hinted at his frustrations with the music industry and the complicated business side of things. George knew he had talent, and he wanted to remind everyone that music was about more than just making money; it was about creativity and passion.

As he recorded the song, George found empowerment in his honesty. He poured his heart out, and in doing so, he sent a message to his fellow bandmates and the world: he wasn’t just a secondary member of The Beatles; he was an artist with his own voice. The playful sarcasm in “Only a Northern Song” was his way of poking fun at the very contract that felt like a ball and chain. The irony of the situation became even more pronounced as people began to listen to his song, perhaps not realizing the deeper meaning behind the catchy tune.

Despite the challenges, George’s resilience shone through. Though he faced obstacles in trying to gain recognition for his work, he continued to write and create. “Only a Northern Song” became more than just a single; it became a crucial part of his journey towards independence as an artist. It exemplified his struggles and his determination to carve out his own path in the world of music. George would eventually find his footing, releasing albums that were filled with his unique style and deeply personal messages.

In the years that followed, George Harrison would go on to create some of the most beloved music of his career, proving that perseverance pays off. “Only a Northern Song” remains an important milestone in his life, a cheeky reminder of his earlier struggles with The Beatles’ business decisions. It taught him the value of standing up for himself and continuing to express what he truly believed in. George’s story reminds us that even in challenging times, it’s essential to use our voices to tell our stories, and sometimes a little sarcasm can be a powerful tool for change. Through his journey, George not only found his own voice but inspired countless others to seek out and share their own.