George Harrison

Songwriter: George Harrison

Producer: Jeff Lynne George Harrison

I can't understand how I've gone astray
I should be sailing away on a liner
I was knocked on my back on a dock at Yang-Tse
It's a hell of a way to see China
But I'm ready

You must be crazy
And you got no money
And you're a liar

My straits are dire from the, the wok into the fire
I'd like to trust you but I've broken my rickshaw
Sometimes there's no hope in, in chasing opium
I'd like to love you but I'm not sure what's in your eyes
Mmm, Shanghai Surprise

Whatever you're saying, I want it anyway in
Been hanging 'round like a kid at your back door (Ooh, babe)
You could be kinder, and show me Asia minor
I'll let you love me, let you see what's here in my eyes
Shanghai Surprise

You must be crazy (Crazy)
And you got no money (Money)
And it seems like madness

Back streets so crowded that, no room to swing a cat
I'd like to know you but you're acting so coolie
I'm finding out pursued by, evil looking dudes it's
Getting hot for me like tofu when it deep fries
Oh, Shanghai Surprise

But, baby, you look like any common crook
That's hanging 'round in those real shady places (Ooh, babe)
While you assess me, why not try to impress me?
Step over here, let me see what's there in your eyes
Oh, Shanghai Surprise

I don't understand how I got delayed
I should be sailing today on a liner
Was kicked in the ass on a dock at Yang-Tse
It's no way for a man to see China
But I'm ready

You must be crazy (Crazy)
And you got no money (Money)
But you're a trier

My straits are dire from the, the wok into the fire
I'd like to meet you but I've broken my chopstick
Sometimes there's no hope in, in chasing promises
I wanna love you though it could prove to be unwise
Shanghai Surprise

Whatever you're saying, I want it anyway in
Been hanging 'round for a ride on your rickshaw (Ooh, babe)
You may correct me, now that you've inspected me
Come over here, let me feel you cut down to size
Oh, Shanghai Surprise

My straits are dire from the, the wok into the fire
I'd like to know you but I'm not really social
Sometimes it's no joke, can't cope with opium
I'd like to love you but I'm not sure what's in your eyes
Shanghai Surprise

Shanghai Surprise

And you got no money
But you're a trier

If George Harrison were merely remembered for his involvement in The Beatles, his legacy would be solidified as one of rock’s greatest names. Along with staging the world’s first benefit concert where major artists performed together for humanitarian relief, introducing pop culture to classical Indian music and gaining three #1 singles as a solo artist, he was also a film producer and an avid gardener.

In 1957, he met a young Paul McCartney on a bus they both took to school. McCartney then introduced him to John Lennon to audition for his skiffle group, the Quarrymen. Lennon originally rejected Harrison as he thought he was too young to be the band, having just turned 15. Harrison eventually impressed Lennon with his guitar skills and was accepted as a member of the group.

During his time with The Beatles, Harrison was the lead guitarist, one of the singers, and contributed many songs such as “Taxman,” “Within You Without You,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” “Here Comes the Sun” and “Something.”

more tracks from the album

Cloud Nine

From the album

Cloud Nine (1987)

George Harrison popular songs

Shanghai SurpriseGeorge Harrison

George Harrison

Cloud Nine