About this episode
In this lecture, Kenyon takes a detailed look at George Harrison’s songwriting debut with "Don’t Bother Me," from With the Beatles. Written during a bout of illness in a Bournemouth hotel room, the track showcases Harrison’s unique perspective, focusing less on heartbreak and more on isolation and frustration. Kenyon examines the song’s harmonic ambiguity, highlighting its blend of Dorian and Aeolian modes, and how its use of unconventional chord choices reflects Harrison’s experimentation. The session also explores the rhythmic complexity, with Latin-inspired percussion and George’s melodic phrasing, which outlines the pentatonic scale in fresh ways. Kenyon discusses how the song’s introverted themes and curmudgeonly tone differ from Lennon-McCartney’s approach, offering early insights into Harrison’s emerging voice as a songwriter. This lecture provides a comprehensive analysis of "Don’t Bother Me," revealing its place as a pivotal moment in Harrison’s artistic journey and the Beatles’ evolving sound. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.