Never Without You

Album: Ringorama (2003)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is a tribute to George Harrison, who died on November 29, 2001. Eric Clapton (another close friend of George's) is featured on this song as well. There are references to Harrison's songs "Within You Without You" and "All Things Must Pass." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Brittany - Virginia
  • This song is written by Starr, Mark Hudson and Gary Nicholson.
  • It's likely that of the Beatles, Ringo had the closest connection to George Harrison. Ringo, you will recall, was often frustrated with being overshadowed by the songwriting team of Lennon-McCarthy; his lack of representation in the songwriting department even drove him to briefly quit during sessions for the White Album. He spent two weeks brooding on Peter Sellers' yacht and writing "Octopus's Garden." When he came back, it was George Harrison who splurged on flowers all over the studio to welcome him back.
    Another Harrison-Starr connection was Harrison's charity work. "The Concert for Bangladesh" was put together in 1971 by Harrison and Ravi Shankar as a relief effort for refugees from East Pakistan. Starr showed up to join the supergroup that formed during this effort; he was the only other Beatle to show up. McCartney declined because of bad feelings over the legal issues of the recent Beatles' split-up, and Lennon would have participated if they'd let him bring Yoko.
    Eric Clapton is also here at Ringo's request specifically because George Harrison and Eric Clapton were always close. Cream's studio-single "Badge" was in fact co-written by Clapton and Harrison, while Clapton played on Harrison's "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

Comments: 19

  • PaigeI especially love the small riff of handle me with care that's included in this song. Just a great song.
  • Gyula from From HungaryPaul McCartney is an unquestionable milestone in beat history as a genius songwriter singer bass player performer etc, but Ringo is a bit better only one field when he sings his songs which are about the Beatles
    this one is the best! but there are others... his songs perfectly give back the style of George..and of the Beatles as well...
  • Ivo Pondusa from SlovakiaAn amazing work in the musical style of George Harrison !!! Eric Clapton on slide guitar...
  • Dee Santamaria from Torrance, CaRead a lot of heart-warming comments! George has always been the Spiritual Beatle so no coincidence Ringo's video popped-out when I was praying for his eternal repose(John too) & for longer, happy lives for Paul & Ringo! So blessed their 'genius' came thru in my generation (& my kids' gen too!) Awesom!
  • Shelley from ChicagoI never get tired of this song. The lyrics are just heart gripping and you can tell Ringo just adored George. What a perfect song to dedicate to a true friend. I love reading all the things about the two of them through the years. Those two really stuck close together even post Beatles. I love all the work those two did together.
  • David from Banchory, United KingdomThere would be no complete Beatles without Ringo.
  • Tom from Marietta, OhBefore this song, I probably liked Photograph best among his solo songs. However, this song is absolutely, without a doubt, my favorite now. I loved Harrison's Beatles contributions, and this song is so touching and serves as an excellent tribute to Harrison from someone who would have known him very well.
  • Olivia from Philadelphia, PaI watched an interview with George Martin, and he said whenever John had a song, he would run it past Ringo first. If Ringo didn't like it, John wouldn't do it. So people who say Ringo didn't do anything, you are SO wrong.
  • Olivia from Philadelphia, PaThis song is so great. Ringo and George were so close through the whole break up. Ringo played on some George albums and George on Ringo albums. I love them both! <3
  • Breanna from Henderson, NvThis is an awesome song, I heard it on acsident actually it just started playing it and its the only Ringo Starr song I like, including his Beatle work, excluding the songs Lennon/McCartney wrote for him.
  • Helbs from Liverpool, AustriaAhh this reallllyy makes me cry! "I can always feel you by my side" they were really like brothers.
  • Kevin from Reading , PaGood comments, but, " . . . he shouldn't have sung more as a Beatle . . . " Puh-leeez. One song every album or two or three -- especially if it was written by John and Paul -- was sufficient.
  • Ethan from Franklin, TnI also think that the line near the end "I think that love is about you" is actually "I Dig Love is about you."

    ...Or perhaps Ringo Starr sang it in such a way that it could be interpreted either way.
  • Ethan from Franklin, TnHm, I always thought the line "Here comes the song it's about you" was actually "Here Comes The Sun is about you." That's what it sounds like, plus, it makes sense. Hmph.
  • Smitty from Calgary, CanadaThis is such a powerful song. Throughout the Beatles career everything was focused on John and Paul, and all the focus was on John and Paul. Ringo was an only child and when he joined the Beatles he felt he'd found his 'brothers' especially George who developed a brotherly connection with him. Throughout the years George and Ringo always jammed together, did concerts together, wrote songs together. This song moves me everytime I listen to it.
  • Bianca Sanchez from Alburquerque, NmKrista, Melinda You two have great taste in guys! I love this song specially the part when ringo says "We were brothers thru it all" It makes me wanna cry!
  • Melinda from New York City, FlRingo rocks on this song. Your right Krista, he is cute, and he was a great Beatle too.
  • Krista from Elyria, OhRingo is my fave beatle! He's soooo cute and I luv his voice!
    Never heard none of his solo carreer b4
    He shouldve sang more as a beatle!!!!!!!!! ^-^
  • Jon from Oakridge, Orglad to be the first to comment. Good song.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Metallica

MetallicaFact or Fiction

Beef with Bon Jovi? An unfortunate Spandex period? See if you can spot the true stories in this Metallica version of Fact or Fiction.

Cy Curnin of The Fixx

Cy Curnin of The FixxSongwriter Interviews

The man who brought us "Red Skies" and "Saved By Zero" is now an organic farmer in France.