Bangla Desh

George Harrison

About Bangla Desh

"Bangla Desh" is a song by English musician George Harrison. It was released as a non-album single in July 1971, to raise awareness for the millions of refugees from the country formerly known as East Pakistan, following the 1970 Bhola cyclone and the outbreak of the Bangladesh Liberation War. Harrison's inspiration for the song came from his friend Ravi Shankar, a Bengali musician, who approached Harrison for help in trying to alleviate the suffering. "Bangla Desh" has been described as "one of the most cogent social statements in music history" and helped gain international support for Bangladeshi independence by establishing the name of the fledgling nation around the world. In 2005, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan identified the song's success in personalising the Bangladesh crisis, through its emotive description of Shankar's request for help. "Bangla Desh" appeared at the height of Harrison's popularity as a solo artist, following the break-up of the Beatles and the acclaim afforded his 1970 triple album All Things Must Pass. It was pop music's first charity single, and its release took place three days before the Harrison-sponsored Concert for Bangladesh shows at New York's Madison Square Garden. The single became a top ten hit in the United Kingdom and elsewhere in Europe, and peaked at number 23 on America's Billboard Hot 100. The recording was co-produced by Phil Spector and features contributions from Leon Russell, Jim Horn, Ringo Starr and Jim Keltner. The Los Angeles session for the song marked the start of two enduring musical associations in Harrison's solo career, with Keltner and Horn. 


Year:
1976
3:59
137 
#3

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

My friend came to me
With sadness in his eyes
Told me that he wanted help
Before his country dies

Although I couldn't feel the pain
I knew I had to try
Now I'm asking all of you
Help us save some lives

Bangla Desh, Bangla Desh
Where so many people are dying fast
And it sure looks like a mess
I've never seen such distress
Now won't you lend your hand
Try to understand
Relieve the people of Bangla Desh

Bangla Desh, Bangla Desh
Such a great disaster
I don't understand
But it sure looks like a mess
I never known such distress
Please don't turn away
I want to hear you say
Relieve the people of Bangla Desh

Relieve the people of Bangla Desh

Bangla Desh, Bangla Desh
Though it may seem so far
From where we all are
It's something we can't reject
That suffering I can't neglect
Now won't you give some bread
Get the starving fed
We got to relieve Bangla Desh

Relieve the people of Bangla Desh
We got to relieve Bangla Desh

Now won't you lend your hand
Try to understand
Relieve the people of Bangla Desh

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


George Harrison

George HarrisonMBE (25 February 1943 – 29 November 2001) was an English musician, singer and songwriter who achieved international fame as the lead guitarist of the Beatles. Often referred to as the "quiet Beatle", Harrison over time became an admirer of Indian culture and mysticism, introducing it to the other Beatles, as well as to their Western audience. Following the band's break-up, enjoyed a successful solo career, and in 1988 he co-founded the supergroup the Traveling Wilburys, with Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Jeff Lynne and Roy Orbison. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Harrison number 11 in their list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time". more »

11 fans

Written by: George Harrison

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Music Artist
George Harrison, a key member of The Beatles, was the singer and writer of the song "Bangla Desh."
Release Date
The song was first released as a single in July 1971.
Musical Genre
"Bangla Desh" belongs to the genres of Folk Rock and Indian Music, highlighting Harrison's blend of western and Indian styles.
Contextual Inspiration
The song was written to raise awareness and financial aid for the Bangladeshi refugees during the Liberation War in 1971.
Charity Concert
"Bangla Desh" was performed at the Concert For Bangladesh, a charity benefit organized by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar at the Madison Square Garden in August 1971.
Chart Performance
It reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, indicating its significant commercial success.
Historical Significance
It is considered one of the first major music charity projects, paving the way for future initiatives such as "Live Aid."
Musical Composition
The song seamlessly blends pop music with Indian classical music, sparingly using Sitar – an instrument closely associated with George Harrison within The Beatles.
Recording Studios
It was recorded at the Abbey Road Studios in England, and the A & M Studios in USA.
Album Inclusion
Later, the song was included in the compilation album, "The Concert For Bangladesh," which won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1973.
Supporting Artists
The live version of the song featured notable musicians like Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan.
Documentary Appearance
A performance of "Bangla Desh" appeared in the 1972 documentary film, also titled "The Concert For Bangladesh."
Philanthropic Success
All proceeds from the song and the concert were donated to UNICEF to help refugees from East Pakistan, following the Bhola cyclone, and during the Bangladesh Liberation war.
Legacy
"Bangla Desh" is often cited as a key example of the power of music in raising political awareness and delivering humanitarian aid.
Reception
Despite criticism in some quarters for mixing music and politics, "Bangla Desh" overall received positive reviews for its humanitarian efforts, passionate lyrics, and unique musical fusion.

Discuss the Bangla Desh Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Bangla Desh Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1942214/George+Harrison/Bangla+Desh>.

    Missing lyrics by George Harrison?

    Know any other songs by George Harrison? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Bangla Desh

    108.2K
    1,955     19

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "I can swallow a bottle of alcohol and I'll feel like _______".
    A Chinchilla
    B Gorilla
    C Jamila
    D Godzilla

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    George Harrison tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!