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12 September 2011
9.16am
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McLennonSon
In the middle of the roundabout
Shea Stadium
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I think this is George’s attack on Paul.

 

Something about the ego of Macca's Pepper

 

I am not trying to be smart,
I only want what I can get.

Really?

My Music Blog.
One and one don't make two
One and one make one.

12 September 2011
11.04am
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meanmistermustard
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This song is covered in Cant Buy Me Love, the book by Jonathan Gould.

Not Guilty was George on the defensive after India . George was supposedly trying to gain some more influence within the band and it failed what with the fall out from the rumours about the Maharishi which John was very bitter about and Paul and Ringo leaving early.

Not guilty
For leading you astray
On the road to mandalay.

There was also business problems in Apple already and George was stating his stance in the song.

Not guilty
For getting in your way
While you’re trying to steal the day.
Not guilty
And I’m not here for the rest,
I’m not trying to steal your vest.

I am not trying to be smart,
I only want what I can get.

Also according to CBML, John and Paul dropped it from the White Album  running order whilst George was away due to its content.

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WeepingAtlasCedars

"I told you everything I could about me, Told you everything I could" ('Before Believing' - Emmylou Harris)

12 September 2011
4.29pm
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The Walrus
Working for the national health
Candlestick Park
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I won't upset the Apple cart…

I told her I didn’t 

12 September 2011
6.45pm
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GniknuS
Rain? I don't mind
Candlestick Park
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I've always thought that, although he didn't write it, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea was directed at Paul. “I should hate you…but I guess I love you.”

I sat on a rug, biding my time, drinking her wine

12 September 2011
8.19pm
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meanmistermustard
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It could have been GniknuS though i doubt that George would have even have been thinking of Paul when recording it. Certainly they had a strained relationship at times.

"I told you everything I could about me, Told you everything I could" ('Before Believing' - Emmylou Harris)

18 February 2012
2.23pm
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GlassOnionArchitecture
The Jacaranda
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26 November 2011
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What an awesome track. I love the version on Anthology album. I know George had a version on his solo album but the original is simply genius..

18 February 2012
10.25pm
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RevolvingPiggies
a place where I can go
London Palladium
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I love how there’s a whole thread for this! I love Not Guilty : it should have gotten on the White Album … it’s so beautiful. George is so beautiful. And his voice on it… a-hard-days-night-george-6

I am very happy, and one reason is because I have The Beatles. Thank you!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3

19 February 2012
11.30am
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minime
Carnegie Hall
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16 February 2011
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It really is a beautiful song. George sounds somehow not like his “usual” self, that singing style fits him.

19 February 2012
10.20pm
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SexySadieDontPassMeBy
Savory Truffle
Casbah Coffee Club
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23 November 2011
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I wish “Not Guilty ” was on the White Album . George sounds go good on that song. I think this is when George’s voice really stared to improve. God , I love that song…a-hard-days-night-george-5

18 May 2015
1.34pm
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Beatlebug
Find me where ye echo lays
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This is an awesome song, love it, George at his sardonic best… and I just discovered a longer version than that on the Anthology. 

Whoever trimmed that little jam at the end off was a thick-witted fool. 

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WeepingAtlasCedars

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18 May 2015
1.50pm
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Expert Textpert
In bed.
Apple rooftop
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It always bothers me that he says “things you heard me said,” which is incorrect grammar.

"If you're ever in the shit, grab my tit.” —Paul McCartney 

18 May 2015
2.05pm
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Beatlebug
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Expert Textpert grumbled 
It always bothers me that he says “things you heard me said,” which is incorrect grammar.

Actually isn’t it ‘like you heard me said’? Which is even worse grammar. Funny thing is, I didn’t even notice till I saw the lyrics written out. And I call myself a grammar-Nazi. And yeah, it bothers me too. 

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18 May 2015
2.35pm
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Expert Textpert
In bed.
Apple rooftop
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Right, it is “like you heard me said.” I typed it wrong.

"If you're ever in the shit, grab my tit.” —Paul McCartney 

1 September 2015
8.53am
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meanmistermustard
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This is such a good song. Difficult to believe it was left off the ‘White Album ‘, tho i get why. Such a shame Apple saw fit to release a butchered lame version when the unedited is incredible.

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"I told you everything I could about me, Told you everything I could" ('Before Believing' - Emmylou Harris)

19 July 2016
12.18am
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Necko
Earth
Apple rooftop
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I was just listening to this song earlier today, as it came up in the alphabetical order on my ipod. I forgot how good a song it is. I originally came in here to ask if there was ever an official reason given why it was left off, but it appears that that has been answered upthread. Just so I’m contributing something new to the conversation, here’s the May ’68 Kinfauns acoustic demo version that hasn’t been posted here yet. 

I'm Necko.  I'm like Ringo except I wear necklaces.

I'm also ewe2 on weekends.

Most likely to post things that make you go hmm... 2015, 2016, 2017. 

19 July 2016
3.28am
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meanmistermustard
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For the sake of completeness here is George’ laid back cover from 19whenever (79?). A cracking little version.

"I told you everything I could about me, Told you everything I could" ('Before Believing' - Emmylou Harris)

19 July 2016
6.57am
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Leppo
London
Hollywood Bowl
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6 July 2016
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In a way I think Not Guilty is a kind of “cousin” of I Me Mine in it lyrical content. You have to feel for George the way he was knocked down by John and Paul and Not Guilty was easily worthy of being on the White Album as it’s a really good song. Is it possible that the title was also a reference to the Maharishi? Perhaps George deep down didn’t think he was guilty of what he was accused of.

Pivotal Moments in Beatles History No.118:  Yoko helps herself to one of George's digestives. 

19 July 2016
1.56pm
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meanmistermustard
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George didn’t think there was anything to the accusations towards the Maharishi. Well not really. 

So why did he leave with John? I wish I could remember these things. 

"I told you everything I could about me, Told you everything I could" ('Before Believing' - Emmylou Harris)

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