George Harrison – Got My Mind Set On You

 A delightful surprise, wouldn’t you say? Here in the latter part of the 20th century, with the echoes of the seismic shifts in rock music still reverberating, Harrison, the quiet Beatle, the one with the mystical leanings, treats us to a bit of pure, infectious pop.

Now, released in 1987 on his album Cloud Nine, “Got My Mind Set On You” wasn’t an original Harrison composition. It was a cover, a reimagining of a 1962 song originally titled “I’ve Got My Mind Set on You” by a lesser-known American soul singer named Rudy Clark.

But Harrison, ever the alchemist, had a knack for transforming the familiar into something fresh. Here, he takes Clark’s soulful declaration and injects it with a dose of 1980s pop sensibilities. Think upbeat tempos, synthesizers woven into the background, and Harrison’s signature, gentle vocals delivering the message of unwavering devotion.

It’s important to remember the context of Harrison’s career at this point. After the heady, revolutionary days of the Beatles, and a successful but introspective solo career, “Got My Mind Set On You” arrived as a bit of a departure. Harrison, ever the experimenter, had dabbled in everything from Indian classical music to electronic soundscapes. But here, he embraces a more accessible sound, a sound that resonated with a new generation of pop music fans.

And resonate it did. The song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard charts in the US and Canada. It was a reminder of Harrison’s enduring songwriting prowess, even if the song itself wasn’t penned by him. The catchy melody, the playful lyrics, and the overall optimistic vibe offered a welcome contrast to the sometimes-serious themes Harrison explored in his own work.

“Got My Mind Set On You” wasn’t without its critics. Some saw it as a sell-out, a pandering to mainstream tastes. But for many, it was a breath of fresh air, a demonstration of Harrison’s versatility and his ability to stay relevant in a constantly evolving musical landscape.

So, the next time you hear “Got My Mind Set On You” playing, take a moment to appreciate the unexpected. It’s a testament to the enduring power of a good song, the transformative abilities of a talented artist, and a reminder that even the quiet Beatle could surprise you with a bit of pure pop magic.

Video

Lyrics

“Got My Mind Set On You”