The Beatles are considered possibly the greatest songwriters of all time. Hard to argue with that but I rarely listen to them. The one song that really speaks to me is While My Guitar Gently Weeps, one of the rare ones written by their guitarist George Harrison not John Lennon or Paul McCartney. 

How Harrison wrote the song is interesting. He randomly turned to a page in the I Ching, an ancient Chinese wisdom text. His eyes fell on the phrase – gently weeps and a masterpiece was composed. 

The lyrics are wistful and show a yearning for a better world. The reference to his guitar gently weeping is powerful. It is bittersweet in its longing. I chose this song for the daughter’s soundtrack as it is part of mine. 

There are two versions I find particularly memorable – one by India Arie and Carlos Santana and the other by an all-star ensemble of musicians, including Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, Harrison’s son Dhani, and Prince. The guitar solo played by Prince is considered one of the greatest of all time. 

It is stunning. 

They couldn’t have picked a more appropriate musician to honor Harrison’s legacy. 

Prince was in many ways very hidden – much like Harrison. Although flamboyant on stage, he was in reality a humble and shy person. I can also identify with him. 

I told the daughter I was shy and she said she knew. I think I felt so much pressure to put on a show at times and while it had its purpose and benefits, I’m secretly very quiet – at least some parts. 

While my guitar is a deep dark red, I’ve often wondered whether that wholly represented my personality. I think a black one and even a plain uncolored one complements all that.  

My guitar is in NYC. Strangely, I do not miss it. It feels like an artifact from a long lost period. 

If it still weeps, it is not due to my fingers.