In 1965, The Beatles released a song that quietly shook the foundations of Western pop music.
That song was “Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown),” and it marked a revolutionary moment — thanks to George Harrison and his introduction of the Indian sitar.
A New Sound from the East
George Harrison was always curious about music beyond the typical rock and roll setup.
While other bands stuck to guitars, drums, and bass, George ventured into something exotic and unusual for the Western ear: the sitar, a traditional Indian string instrument known for its shimmering, hypnotic sound.
At the time, few Western musicians had even heard of the sitar, let alone incorporated it into pop music.
The Story Behind “Norwegian Wood”
The song came from John Lennon’s songwriting, a story about a fleeting romantic encounter. But it was George’s sitar playing that gave the track its unique texture.
George had recently been introduced to the sitar by musician Harihar Rao and was fascinated by its rich, resonant tones.
He taught himself the instrument and surprised everyone by adding its distinct sound to “Norwegian Wood,” recorded during the sessions for the album Rubber Soul.
A Musical Turning Point
When “Norwegian Wood” hit the airwaves, it stunned listeners.
The exotic, Eastern vibe was unlike anything in pop music before.
This was the first time a sitar was prominently featured on a Western pop record, sparking curiosity about Indian music and culture across the world.
The Beginning of a Cultural Fusion
George’s sitar wasn’t just a gimmick — it opened a door.
Inspired by this, The Beatles delved deeper into Indian music and spirituality.
George traveled to India in 1966 to study under sitar master Ravi Shankar, learning classical Indian music and philosophy.
This experience profoundly influenced the band’s later work — albums like Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band and Magical Mystery Tour feature Indian instruments, melodies, and themes.
Beyond The Beatles
George Harrison’s introduction of the sitar helped ignite a wave of “raga rock” — a fusion genre blending rock with Indian classical music.
Other bands and artists, like The Rolling Stones and The Byrds, soon experimented with Eastern sounds.
It was a musical bridge between East and West, changing the global soundscape forever.
Final Thought
George Harrison’s adventurous spirit and openness to new cultures didn’t just add a new instrument to a song — it transformed the possibilities of pop music itself.
The shimmering sitar on “Norwegian Wood” remains one of the most iconic sounds in music history, reminding us that true innovation often comes from crossing borders — musical, cultural, and personal.
