Eric Clapton, Billy Preston - Isn't It a Pity (Live, Concert for George)

Isn't it a pity?
Isn't it a shame?
How we break each other's hearts
And cause each other pain?
How we take each other's love
Without thinking anymore
Forgetting to give back
Isn't it a pity?

Some things take so long
But how do I explain
When not too many people
Can see we're all the same?
And because of all their tears
Their eyes can't hope to see
The beauty that surrounds them
Isn't it a pity?

Isn't it a pity?
Isn't it a shame?
How we break each other's hearts
And cause each other pain?
And because of all their tears
Their eyes can't hope to see
The beauty that surrounds them
Isn't it a pity?

Isn't it a pity?
Isn't it a shame?

Lyrics per this video.

"Isn't It a Pity" is a song by English rock musician George Harrison from his 1970 solo album All Things Must Pass. It appears in two variations there: one the well-known, seven-minute version; the other a reprise, titled "Isn't It a Pity (Version Two)". Harrison wrote the song in 1966, but it was rejected for inclusion on releases by the Beatles. In many countries around the world, the song was also issued on a double A-side single with "My Sweet Lord". In America, Billboard magazine listed it with "My Sweet Lord" when the single topped the Hot 100 chart, while in Canada, "Isn't It a Pity" reached number 1 as the preferred side.

An anthemic ballad and one of Harrison's most celebrated compositions, "Isn't It a Pity" has been described as the emotional and musical centrepiece of All Things Must Pass and "a poignant reflection on The Beatles' coarse ending". Co-produced by Phil Spector, the recording employs multiple keyboard players, rhythm guitarists and percussionists, as well as orchestral and choral arrangements by John Barham. The track also serves as a showcase for Harrison's slide guitar playing, a technique he introduced with All Things Must Pass. In its long fadeout, the song references the closing refrain of the Beatles' 1968 hit "Hey Jude". Other musicians on the recording include Ringo Starr, Billy Preston, Gary Wright and the band Badfinger, while the reprise version features Eric Clapton on lead guitar.

The song appeared as the closing track on Harrison's career-spanning compilation Let It Roll (2009), and a live version, from his 1991 tour with Clapton, was included on Live in Japan (1992). Clapton and Preston performed the song together at the Concert for George tribute in November 2002. "Isn't It a Pity" has been covered by numerous artists, including Nina Simone, Dana, Matt Monro, Galaxie 500, Cowboy Junkies and Peter Frampton.

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[jimlewis]

When Billy Preston was in a coma and about to pass on Eric Clapton flew half way around the world to hold his hand and kiss his forehead. Such is the bond between men who have made great music together for many years.

[jojoman]

Isn't it a pity George and Billy are no longer with us!

[mjmsongs]

Lord. And that, folks, is how you play a solo on the Hammond B3. Thanks, Billy.

[lonesomeguitarplayer]

This incredibly beautiful rendition deserves 12, 000 comments at least, expressing admiration. Billy Preston and George are truly missed.

[ldhumph]

So underrated as a song writer. Love you George 🙏🏻

[WilliamGuilfoil]

Billy bringing the song back to “church” turning this and My Sweet Lord into gospel.

[brendasorrelles]

My heart breaks seeing George’s son onstage in honor of his dad’s legacy of love ❤️

[atspy]

Un concerto monumentale, pieno di "stelle" della storia della musica! Il grande George Harrison è stato per anni oscurato dal genio compositivo del duo Lennon/McCartney ma era un genio anche lui e i posteri l'hanno sentenziato. "Isn't a Pity" è un capolavoro e questa è sicuramente la versione più regale e magnifica. Grande esecuzione di Billy e Eric ma anche di Albert, Gary, Marc, Dhani, Roy, ecc. artisti di altissimo livello! Peace and Love!

[John-kpvc]

Yes, it is a pity. How can it be that one of the finest and most successful musicians ever realized it and most others do not? This song makes me always cry. 😢

[jamesnewsome]

One of my favorite George songs, done oh so well in his honor. Clapton and Billy Preston were in the zone, weren't they?

[falconfalcon]

Practically the 5 th beatle...Rip billy Preston, George harrison🎉

[lynnfindlay]

Billy Preston.. he brings this song to life with soul touching power❤along with
Eric Clapton on guitar.. fabulous!

[vincecavedog]

George's son on acoustic, Jeff a Wilbury on guitar, the fifth Beatle on keyboards, And the bandleader who ran off with his wife is a little ironical but love can last forever. 🎉❤❤

[cubnation]

It's difficult to see so many of the greatest musicians that played at this concert are gone. 💔 This kind of talent only comes around once. 🥺

Credit Eric for gathering so many super stars who came out to honor George. Maybe the best " tribute" concert of all time because everyone played so good, and the song selections showcasing George massive library of great songs . Eric you did George good

[nobotshere]

What an incredible song writer George was.

[theoriginalchieftain]

So beautiful. The absolute truth. It touches my soul.

[lionheartroar]

Billy cast a spell with his interpretation of this track. Monster talent. Love and miss you Billy.

[musicfanBRA]

The lyrics, the message, the poignant music, the energy of Billy Preston, George's face repeated on his young son... Sublime!

[gerardocamara]

Increíble como todos voltean a ver el solo de Billy, tremendlo feeling y soul