Cheer Down

George Harrison's song 'Cheer Down' is a comforting message wrapped in a melodic tune, offering solace and a sense of perspective during times of trouble. The lyrics suggest a scenario where someone is facing inner turmoil, as indicated by the lines 'I can see by your grin / That you're trembling within.' Harrison invites the listener to 'cheer down,' which is a play on words, contrasting the common phrase 'cheer up.' Instead of suggesting that one should be overly cheerful, he advises a more balanced approach to life's ups and downs.

The song continues with a series of hypothetical situations that could be cause for alarm or sadness, such as losing one's hair, financial loss, or even the death of a pet. However, Harrison's response to these potential disasters is one of resilience and nonchalance, emphasizing that life goes on and these setbacks should not provoke an extreme reaction. The phrase 'You'll get by even without getting a rash' encapsulates this attitude of taking life's challenges in stride.

At its core, 'Cheer Down' is about the power of love and companionship in the face of adversity. The repeated assurance 'I'm gonna love you instead' serves as a reminder that love is a constant that can provide comfort and stability, no matter what else may be falling apart. The song's gentle encouragement to take life less seriously and to find strength in love is a testament to Harrison's own spiritual and philosophical beliefs, which often permeated his music.