Beatles lyrics to be auctioned

Jan 11, 2007, 12:20 GMT

The original handwritten lyrics of classic Beatles song 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' are to be sold at auction next Monday (15.01.07).

The song was penned by the late George Harrison and the sheet of paper containing the now barely legible words is expected to fetch between $500,000 and $800,000 at the sale, which is to take place in the US.

British-based auctioneers Cooper Owen are conducting the sale, in conjunction with Arizona auction house Barrett-Jackson, on behalf of an unidentified private collector.

Cooper Owen auction manager Neil Roberts said: "It's a really significant and rare piece of memorabilia. It shows the work in progress, the message, and the thoughts behind one of the band members."

The lyrics sheet contains lines that are not included in the final version of the song which features on the 'White Album', released in 1968.

Among the unknown lyrics are the lines: "I look from the wings at the play you are staging", and "As I'm sitting here doing nothing but aging, still my guitar gently weeps."

At the bottom of the manuscript is a complaint written by Harrison which seems to show his frustration with the Abbey Road recording sessions.

It reads: "The band leader said he ain't playin' no more."

On the back of the page are the lyrics to 'Hey Jude', written down by the Fab Four's road manager Mal Evans.

The lyrics sheet is signed by Sir Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon's widow Yoko Ono, Harrison and his widow Olivia.

Other items up for sale at the auction include a book report written by Britney Spears, a credit card used by Ella Fitzgerald and an original handwritten score for 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' - penned by Sir George Martin especially for The Beatles-inspired Cirque du Soleil show 'Love'.

(C) BANG Media International