The story of “Photograph” by the Beatles – written at a special festival by George Harrison and Ringo Starr
It’s one of the classic tracks on the band’s iconic Abbey Road album, but did you know that “Photograph” has a truly unique origin story? This soulful ballad wasn’t conceived in a recording studio surrounded by microphones and engineers; it was born amidst the festive energy of a musical gathering far from London.
A Creative Spark at Rishikesh: The Birthplace of an Anthem
In the spring of 1968, George Harrison ventured to India seeking spiritual enlightenment. He rented a bungalow near the ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in Rishikesh, hoping to deepen his understanding of Transcendental Meditation. To Harrison’s delight, several of his fellow bandmates joined him on this journey – most notably John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
While the Beatles’ stay in India would prove to be a creative rollercoaster, resulting in numerous iconic songs like “The Inner Light”, it also fostered a unique collaborative spirit within the band. It was during these weeks, surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of Rishikesh and fueled by newfound inspiration, that the seeds for “Photograph” were planted.
Ringo Starr and George Harrison, along with their wives, Maureen Starkey and Pattie Boyd, took a break from practicing Transcendental Meditation and found themselves at a local festival celebrating Holi, the Hindu festival of colours. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with music and laughter, sparked a songwriting conversation between two of the band’s drummers: Starr and Harrison.
“We were bouncing ideas back and forth,” recalled Ringo in a later interview, “just playing around with a melody and some lyrics.” This casual jam session evolved into something more substantial as they exchanged verses and harmonized under the Indian sun. The result? A song filled with bittersweet nostalgia, yearning for simpler times, and a love lost but never forgotten.
The Abbey Road Evolution: From Festival to Final Masterpiece
Although the initial outline of “Photograph” was born in India, it wouldn’t see final fruition until the Beatles were back in London, recording at Abbey Road Studios. While Harrison took the lead on vocals and guitar, Paul McCartney’s distinctive harmonies added another layer to the song’s emotional depth. The result is a timeless track that resonates with listeners even today, showcasing the magic of two musicians collaborating amid the joy and vibrancy of a cultural immersion.
What do you think about this unusual songwriting collaboration? Are there other Beatles gems born from unexpected circumstances?
