Album: Small World Big Band (2001)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • George and his son Dhani wrote and recorded tracks for this to contribute to George's friend Jools Holland's "Big Band Rock" project just months before George's death from cancer. The lyrics partially reflect George's own stubbornness in not quitting smoking despite the medical evidence that it causes the disease, and relates this to other people who ignore warnings, enlightenment and plain common sense.
  • George recorded his vocals and guitar tracks in Switzerland while Holland would later overdub the "big band" and chorus in his studio in England. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Ken - Louisville, KY, for above 2

Comments: 10

  • Francis from Nj UsaSam Brown's performance is joyous, inspiring, magnificent! Combined with George and Dhani's lyric, this experience is truly transcendental! The greatest of all time!
  • Jowls from Ypsilanti, MiI must agree with Alan from Ontario that this very interesting song as it was performed by Jules and Especially Sam is one of the most incredible performances of anything by anybody ever recorded in any format period!!!!!
  • Alan from Sault Ste. Marie, OnSaw Sam Brown sing this at the George Harrison tribute. Her performance was unbelievable. The best I have ever heard and I'm 61 and have listened to and watched many a singer a large number of which were superb but all pail in comparison to Sam Browns at that concert. If you get a chance go to youtube and watch her performance you won't believe it. Having said that her song did not make on to the CD. Anyone know why??
  • Bill from Gladstone, AustraliaSam brown sang it on the tribute to george album,she was also on pink floyds pulse.On both occasions she was the stand out performer
  • Bmn from Hisuan, ArgentinaGeorge didn't recorded the guitar for this song, he was too weak because of his cancer.
  • Kevin from Reading , PaTo my ears, this song is a brother/sister of Dylan's "Slow Train Coming" from his born-again period. Both songs have a religious fervor and are propelled by driving horn sections and hell-fire warnings in their no-nonsense vocals. Despite his weakened condition, Harrison's vocals are some of the strongets he ever committed to record/disc. A tour-de-force from a dying man.
  • Ken from Louisville, KyYes, Jools Holland is the former keyboard player in Squeeze. He is now a television interviewer and sometimes rock producer and performer. He conducted most of the interviews for the Beatles' Anthology videos. In fact, you can see his head stick out on the scenes on Paul's yacht!
  • Teresa from Mechelen, BelgiumAt this moment I'm listening to this song but I never heard it before. Miss you George! Hello Stefanie, it's always a pleasure for me to read your messages, have a nice day and see you later.
  • Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScOops. I might not be thinking of the right guy.
  • Stefanie from Rock Hill, ScI've never heard this song. But from the title it seems to be based partly on the saying: "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink." Btw, wasn't Jules Holland in the band Squeeze?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night RangerSongwriter Interviews

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger tells the "Sister Christian" story and explains why he started sweating when he saw it in Boogie Nights.

Adam Duritz of Counting Crows

Adam Duritz of Counting CrowsSongwriter Interviews

"Mr. Jones" took on new meaning when the song about a misguided view of fame made Adam famous.

Psychedelic Lyrics

Psychedelic LyricsMusic Quiz

Whoa man! Do you know which band came up with these cosmic lyrics?

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?Song Writing

Katy Perry mentions McDonald's, Beyoncé calls out Red Lobster, and Supertramp shouts out Taco Bell - we found the 10 restaurants most often mentioned in songs.

Yacht Rock Quiz

Yacht Rock QuizFact or Fiction

Christopher Cross with Deep Purple? Kenny Loggins in Caddyshack? A Fact or Fiction all about yacht rock and those who made it.

Kevin Godley

Kevin GodleySongwriter Interviews

Kevin Godley talks about directing classic videos for The Police, U2 and Duran Duran, and discusses song and videos he made with 10cc and Godley & Creme.