Wah-Wah

George Harrison

About Wah-Wah

"Wah-Wah" is a song by English musician George Harrison, released on his 1970 triple album All Things Must Pass. Harrison wrote the song following his temporary departure from the Beatles in January 1969, during the troubled Get Back sessions that resulted in their Let It Be album and film. The lyrics reflect his frustration with the atmosphere in the group at that time – namely, Paul McCartney's over-assertiveness and criticism of his guitar playing, John Lennon's lack of engagement with the project and dismissal of Harrison as a songwriter, and Yoko Ono's constant involvement in the band's activities. Music critics and biographers recognise the song as Harrison's statement of personal and artistic freedom from the Beatles. Its creation contrasted sharply with his rewarding collaborations outside the group in the months before the Get Back project, particularly with Bob Dylan and the Band in upstate New York. Recorded shortly after the Beatles' break-up in 1970, "Wah-Wah" was the first track taped for All Things Must Pass. The recording features a dense production treatment from Phil Spector and backing from a large cast of musicians including Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Bobby Keys and the band Badfinger. On release, Rolling Stone magazine described it as "a grand cacophony of sound in which horns sound like guitars and vice versa". While several reviewers find the heavy production appropriate for the song, Harrison considered the recording overproduced and the sound too cluttered. 


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Wah-wah
You've given me a wah-wah
And I'm thinking of you
And all the things that we used to do
Wah-wah, wah-wah

Wah-wah
You made me such a big star
Being there at the right time
Cheaper than a dime
Wah-wah, you've given me your
Wah-wah, wah-wah

Oh, you don't see me crying
Oh, you don't hear me sighing

Wah-wah
I don't need no wah-wah
And I know how sweet life can be
If I keep myself free, wah-wah
I don't need no wah-wah

Oh, you don't see me crying
Hey baby, you don't hear me sighing
Oh, no, no, no, no

Wah-wah
Now I don't need no wah-wahs
And I know how sweet life can be
If I keep myself free of wah-wah
I don't need no wah-wah

Wah-wah, wah-wah, wah-wah
Wah-wah, wah-wah, wah-wah
Wah-wah, wah-wah

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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 »

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Written by: George Harrison

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Wah-Wah" Release Date
"Wah-Wah" is a song originally released by George Harrison in 1970 as part of his triple album "All Things Must Pass."
Wah-Wah" Cover Version
The American alternative rock band Buffalo Tom recorded a cover of "Wah-Wah" which was included in their album "Asides From Buffalo Tom" in 2000. This was a collection of the band's hits from 1988-1999, plus two new songs and the cover of Wah-Wah.
Song Inspiration
George Harrison wrote the song "Wah-Wah" as an expression of his frustration with the tensions and challenges that emerged within the Beatles band during their final years.
Unique Musical Instrument
The name "Wah-Wah" refers to a unique type of guitar pedal which produces a distinctive sound, similar to a human voice saying "wah."
The Beatles’ Breakup
Harrison wrote "Wah-Wah" immediately after walking out of a stressful band meeting at Apple Corps headquarters on 6 January 1970. This marked his temporary departure from the Beatles, six months before the group officially disbanded.
Wah-Wah" Production
This song was produced by Phil Spector, the creator of the Wall of Sound method, which is a style of music production that layers numerous tracks to create a dense orchestral sound.
Song Collaboration
During the recording of "Wah-Wah," Harrison collaborated with a few of music's best like Eric Clapton, Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, and members of the band Badfinger.
Buffalo Tom's Style
Buffalo Tom maintained their recognizably grungy sound in their cover of "Wah-Wah," but nevertheless captured the spirit of Harrison's original recording.
Live Performance of "Wah-Wah
George Harrison performed "Wah-Wah" during his Concert for Bangladesh in 1971, which was one of the first ever benefit concerts.
Critical Reception
Despite its traumatic inspiration, "Wah-Wah" is often regarded as a high point of the "All Things Must Pass" album, receiving positive reviews from music critics.

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