Blow Away
Encyclopedia
"Blow Away" was a 1979 hit single by George Harrison
, taken from his eponymous album
. The song is one of Harrison's most popular and beloved post-Apple
singles, but also one of the simplest. Its uptempo pop sound fell far outside of the dominant genres of the era, disco
and punk. "Blow Away", written on a rainy day (that's why first verses are about clouds), was included in Nuns on the Run
- a comedy with Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane.
In his autobiography I Me Mine, Harrison wrote that the song arose from feelings of melancholy and inadequacy that served as a reminder that he, in fact, "loved everybody" and should seek to be more optimistic. Additionally, he noted that, while he initially disliked the melody, thinking it too simple, the track grew on him when he began to record it.
The accompanying video was a simple affair; featuring various shots of George singing the song superimposed over shots of moving clouds and land, and in some instances, singing with full sized toys (a wind-up duck; sitting in a toy sworn and on a dog). There are even
a few quick instances of “The Quiet Beatle” acting silly - breaking into a quick smirk as the camera closes in, and doing a very simple dance step are two of them.
As this was early in music videos, the simplistic style wasn’t out of the norm; however this received nominal airplay on MTV and was featured more on VH1.
Over time, "Blow Away" has proven to be one of Harrison's more popular songs among fans. In 2010, AOL radio listeners chose "Blow Away" as one of the 10 Best George Harrison Songs, appearing at #2 on the list, only behind "My Sweet Lord
."
"Blow Away" has been included on Harrison's compilations Best of Dark Horse 1976–1989 (1989), as well as his posthumous career-spanning set, Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison
(2009).
George Harrison
George Harrison, MBE was an English musician, guitarist, singer-songwriter, actor and film producer who achieved international fame as lead guitarist of The Beatles. Often referred to as "the quiet Beatle", Harrison became over time an admirer of Indian mysticism, and introduced it to the other...
, taken from his eponymous album
George Harrison (album)
George Harrison is the eponymous album release by George Harrison in 1979. It was recorded during a period of domestic happiness in which Harrison married Olivia Trinidad Arias and his son Dhani was born.-History:...
. The song is one of Harrison's most popular and beloved post-Apple
Apple Records
Apple Records is a record label founded by The Beatles in 1968, as a division of Apple Corps Ltd. It was initially intended as a creative outlet for the Beatles, both as a group and individually, plus a selection of other artists including Mary Hopkin, James Taylor, Badfinger, and Billy Preston...
singles, but also one of the simplest. Its uptempo pop sound fell far outside of the dominant genres of the era, disco
Disco
Disco is a genre of dance music. Disco acts charted high during the mid-1970s, and the genre's popularity peaked during the late 1970s. It had its roots in clubs that catered to African American, gay, psychedelic, and other communities in New York City and Philadelphia during the late 1960s and...
and punk. "Blow Away", written on a rainy day (that's why first verses are about clouds), was included in Nuns on the Run
Nuns on the Run
Nuns on the Run is a 1990 British comedy film starring Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane, also featuring Camille Coduri and Janet Suzman. It was written and directed by Jonathan Lynn and produced by HandMade Films. Many of the outdoor scenes were shot in Chiswick...
- a comedy with Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane.
In his autobiography I Me Mine, Harrison wrote that the song arose from feelings of melancholy and inadequacy that served as a reminder that he, in fact, "loved everybody" and should seek to be more optimistic. Additionally, he noted that, while he initially disliked the melody, thinking it too simple, the track grew on him when he began to record it.
The accompanying video was a simple affair; featuring various shots of George singing the song superimposed over shots of moving clouds and land, and in some instances, singing with full sized toys (a wind-up duck; sitting in a toy sworn and on a dog). There are even
a few quick instances of “The Quiet Beatle” acting silly - breaking into a quick smirk as the camera closes in, and doing a very simple dance step are two of them.
As this was early in music videos, the simplistic style wasn’t out of the norm; however this received nominal airplay on MTV and was featured more on VH1.
Over time, "Blow Away" has proven to be one of Harrison's more popular songs among fans. In 2010, AOL radio listeners chose "Blow Away" as one of the 10 Best George Harrison Songs, appearing at #2 on the list, only behind "My Sweet Lord
My Sweet Lord
"My Sweet Lord" is a song by former Beatles lead guitarist George Harrison from his UK number one hit triple album All Things Must Pass. The song was written in praise of the Hindu god Krishna...
."
"Blow Away" has been included on Harrison's compilations Best of Dark Horse 1976–1989 (1989), as well as his posthumous career-spanning set, Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison
Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison
Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison is the third compilation of George Harrison's music, and the first to span his entire solo career after The Beatles era...
(2009).