About the song
“Got My Mind Set on You” is a timeless classic that bridges decades and musical styles, originally penned by Rudy Clark and brought to life by James Ray in 1962 under the title “I’ve Got My Mind Set on You”. Fast forward to 1987, and the song experienced a spectacular revival when George Harrison, the quiet Beatle known for his introspective songwriting, chose to cover it on his album Cloud Nine.
Harrison’s connection to the song dates back to 1963 when he stumbled upon Ray’s album during a visit to his sister in Illinois. Little did he know then that over two decades later, he would reinvigorate the track with his signature blend of rock and soul. Recorded at his Friar Park studio, the rendition featured Jeff Lynne, Jim Keltner, Jim Horn, and Ray Cooper, creating a rich musical tapestry that captured both Harrison’s affinity for rock and his innate spiritual sensibilities.
Released in October 1987, “Got My Mind Set on You” became a chart-topping phenomenon in the United States, marking Harrison’s third and final number-one single in his solo career. Remarkably, this cover was the only one of Harrison’s chart-toppers not authored by him, highlighting his ability to infuse new life into existing material. Billboard recognized its enduring appeal by ranking it as the third best-performing song of 1988.
The song’s B-side, “Lay His Head”, offered fans a glimpse into Harrison’s unreleased archives, further enriching the single’s appeal. Additionally, the 12-inch version treated listeners to an extended cut of “Got My Mind Set on You”, ensuring its place as a staple in any music enthusiast’s collection.
Beyond its commercial success, “Got My Mind Set on You” found its way into Harrison’s retrospective compilations, including Best of Dark Horse 1976–1989 and Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison. Its lasting impact on popular culture was also solidified by two distinct music videos directed by Gary Weis, each offering a unique visual interpretation of the song’s upbeat rhythm and infectious melody.
From its humble origins in the early 1960s to its triumphant resurgence in the late 1980s, “Got My Mind Set on You” stands as a testament to George Harrison’s ability to transcend musical eras and capture hearts with his distinctive voice and musical vision. As of 2024, it remains a beloved reminder of Harrison’s enduring legacy as both a member of the Beatles and a solo artist whose influence continues to resonate worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
But it’s gonna take money
A whole lotta spendin’ money
It’s gonna take plenty of money
To do it right, child
It’s gonna take time
Whole lot of precious time
It’s gonna take patience and time, mmm
To do it, to do it, to do it, to do it, to do it
To do it right, child
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
And this time I know it’s real
The feelin’ that I feel
I know if I put my mind to it
I know that I really can do it
I got my mind set on you
Set on you
I got my mind set on you
Set on you
But it’s gonna take money
Whole lotta spendin’ money
It’s gonna take plenty of money
To do it right, child
It’s gonna take time
Whole lot of precious time
It’s gonna take patience and time, mmm
To do it, to do it, to do it, to do it, to do it
To do it right
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
I got my mind set on you
And this time I know it’s real
The feelings that I feel
I know if I put my mind to it
I know that I really can do it
But it’s gonna take money
A whole lotta spendin’ money
It’s gonna take plenty of money
To do it right, child
It’s gonna take a-time
A whole lot of precious time
It’s gonna take patience and time, mmm
To do it, to do it, to do it, to do it, to do it
To do it right
Set on you
Set on you
Set on you
Set on you
Set on you, set on you
Set on you