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My idea in 'My Sweet Lord,' because it sounded like a 'pop song,' was to sneak up on them a bit. The point was to have the people not offended by 'Hallelujah,' and by the time it gets to 'Hare Krishna,' they're already hooked, and their foot's tapping, and they're already singing along 'Hallelujah,' to kind of lull them into a sense of false security. And then suddenly it turns into 'Hare Krishna,' and they will all be singing that before they know what's happened, and they will think, 'Hey, I thought I wasn't supposed to like Hare Krishna!'

George Harrison#11

MusicSpiritualityMarketingStrategy

About this quote

What does it mean?
He used a catchy pop style to subtly introduce listeners to Hindu chants.
In plain terms
I used pop music to sneak spiritual lyrics into people's ears.
What can you take from it?
Use familiar formats to introduce new ideas.

Where it applies

  • songwriting
  • teaching
  • marketing

Putting it to work

  • find common ground
  • be subtle
  • use hooks

Questions to consider

  • Is it okay to hide your message?
  • How do you sell ideas?

Another view

Subtlety can be manipulative if the audience is not informed.

More from George Harrison

  1. I really want to see you, Really want to be with you, Really want to see you lord, But it takes so long, my lord.

    Permalink to quote #10
  2. Rap music is just computerised crap. I listen to Top of the Pops and after three songs I feel like killing someone.

    Permalink to quote #12
  3. Something in the way she moves attracts me like no other lover.

    Permalink to quote #9

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