Sour milk sea

‘Sour Milk Sea’ was released as a single in August 1968, with the catalogue number Apple 3. The overall mood of the song is one of hope and determination, as it inspires individuals to take action for their well-being and pursue a more fulfilling existence. Although the connection has never been acknowledged by the group, the refrain of “Get back to where you should be” bears a similarity to the chorus of The Beatles’ 1969 hit ‘Get Back’.

I wrote ‘Sour Milk Sea’ in Rishikesh, India.

It was taped by Lomax at Abbey Road on 24, 25 and 26 June 1968; Harrison produced the song, with Paul McCartney on bass, Ringo Starr on drums, Eric Clapton on guitar, and Nicky Hopkins on piano.

Lomax was the first artist to sign to The Beatles’ Apple label. Harrison's words resonate with anyone who has ever felt lost or stagnant, reminding them that they have the power to change their situation.

The title itself, a metaphorical representation of a stagnant and unpleasant state, sets the tone for the song's introspective nature. By shedding light on the darker aspects of life, the song encourages listeners to confront their fears and limitations. I never actually recorded the song – it was done by Jackie Lomax on his album Is This What You Want? Anyway, it’s based on Vishvasara Tantra, from Tantric art.

The song was written by George Harrison. ‘What is here is elsewhere, what is not here is nowhere’. The repeated chorus, "Get out of sour milk sea, you don't belong there," serves as a powerful call to action, urging individuals to recognize when they are in a negative environment and to take steps to escape it. That early version of ‘Sour Milk Sea’ remains unreleased, and is only available on unofficial bootleg recordings.

The Beatles never attempted a studio version of ‘Sour Milk Sea’.

They recorded 23 demos of songs on his Ampex four-track machine.

Meaning of Sour Milk Sea by The Beatles

The lyrics of "Sour Milk Sea" delve into the complexities of self-awareness and the quest for personal fulfillment. The falsetto delivery in the demo adds an ethereal quality to the message, enhancing the emotional weight of the lyrics.

The song's introspective nature is further highlighted by its motivational undertones.

Although it was an early contender for the White Album, it was eventually given to Apple recording artist Jackie Lomax. It was part of Apple’s “Our first four” set of singles, which also included The Beatles’ ‘Hey Jude’, Mary Hopkin’s ‘Those Were The Days’, and the Black Dyke Mills Band’s ‘Thingumybob’.

The song also appeared on Lomax’s debut album, Is This What You Want?, released by Apple in March 1969.

Lyrics

If your life’s not right, doesn’t satisfy you
Don’t get the breaks like some of us do
Better work it out, find where you’ve gone wrong
Better do it soon as you don’t have long

Get out of Sour Milk Sea
You don’t belong there
Get back to where you should be
Find out what’s going on there

If you want the most from everything you do
In the shortest time your dreams come true
In no time at all it makes you more aware
Very simple process takes you there

Get out of Sour Milk Sea
You don’t belong there
Get back to where you should be
Find out what’s going on there

Looking for release from limitation?
There’s nothing much without illumination
Can fool around with every different cult
There’s only one way brings result

Get out of Sour Milk Sea
You don’t belong there
Get back to where you should be
Find out what’s going on there

Published: |

Sour Milk Sea

If your life's not right, doesn't satisfy you
You don't get the breaks like some of us do
Better work it out, find where you've gone wrong
Better do it soon as you don't have long
Get out of Sour Milk Sea
You don't belong there
Get back to where you should be
Find out what's going on there

If you want the most from everything you do
In the shortest time your dreams come true
In no time at all makes you more aware
A very simple process takes you there
Get out of Sour Milk Sea you don't belong there
Get back to where you should be
Find out what's going on there

Looking for release from limitation?
There's nothing much without illumination
Can fool around with every different cult
There's only one way really brings results
Get out of Sour Milk Sea you don't belong there
Get back to where you should be
Find out what's going on there

Get back to where you should be
Find out what's going on there

Get back, get back, get back
Why don't you get back now
You don't belong here
Get out of here, babe


Words and Music by George Harrison
© 1968, 1991 & 2010 Harrisongs Limited

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The combination of reflective lyrics and uplifting themes makes "Sour Milk Sea" a poignant reminder of the importance of self-awareness and the pursuit of happiness.