Be Here Now: The Visual and Spiritual Odyssey
There’s a quiet kind of power in George Harrison’s “Be Here Now.” It’s not a song that demands attention—it earns it. Inspired by Ram Dass’ book of the same name, it’s a call to presence, a meditation wrapped in melody. And when the George Harrison estate, Dark Horse Records, and BMG Music reached out to us at The Newton Agency to create the official lyric video, we knew this wasn’t just another project.
This was a responsibility—to the song, to the book, and to the people who’ve been changed by both.
The Art of Be Here Now
Ram Dass’ Be Here Now isn’t just a book. It’s a relic of counterculture, a manual for seekers, a trip through time and space on yellowed pages. The hand-stamped illustrations and rough-edged lettering feel more alive than most digital designs you’ll see today. Every page breathes with meaning.
Until now, no one had been granted the rights to use these illustrations in any media. When we got the green light, we treated it like stepping into a temple. This wasn’t about slapping art onto a screen. It was about weaving it into George’s song, creating something that felt sacred and raw, like the music and the book were having a conversation.
The Song and the Shift
“Be Here Now” came from a pivotal moment in George’s life. He wasn’t just writing songs—he was writing himself into a new existence. Escaping the industry machine, George dove into spiritual transformation, trading the superficial for the eternal. The song is less a performance and more a reflection, a guide to stepping into the present moment.
Ram Dass’ book was a huge influence. Harrison’s song echoes the teachings of presence, humility, and surrender found in Be Here Now. It’s a sonic extension of those pages, and the connection between the two couldn’t be ignored.
The Storyline: Metamorphosis and Enlightenment
We wanted the video to feel like more than a lyric video. This needed to be a journey—a visual meditation that mirrored George’s transformation and the spiritual awakening Ram Dass wrote about. The theme? Metamorphosis.
Both Leah and Mathew, the creative leads at TNA, have owned a copy of Be Here Now for years. It’s the kind of book that’s always within reach—sitting on the coffee table, pages worn from being flipped through during quiet moments (or, let’s be honest, while enjoying a joint on the floor). It’s not just a book. It’s a companion for reflection, for getting lost and finding yourself at the same time.
We dove deep into the book, studied its layers, its symbols. We revisited George’s life, his music, and his journey from an industry product to a man spiritually free. This wasn’t just a design challenge. It was a spiritual exercise, asking ourselves: How do we visually tell the story of transformation, of letting go, of becoming?
The result was a narrative that reflected George’s journey: starting in chaos and control, moving through self-reflection, and emerging into spiritual clarity. A butterfly’s metamorphosis became the perfect metaphor—change, growth, and flight.
The Process: Honoring Two Legends
Bringing this vision to life wasn’t about us—it was about the art, the message, and the responsibility of holding two legacies in our hands. The original Be Here Now illustrations were the backbone of the video. They weren’t just used—they were reimagined. Every frame was built with intention, ensuring the visuals felt timeless and true.
We animated and designed around the art, layering in transitions that spoke to the book’s themes while matching the flow of George’s music. The pacing, the colors, the movement—it all had to feel like stepping into a meditative state.
Here’s a glimpse of the original illustrations from Ram Dass’ Be Here Now. These hand-stamped pieces carry an authenticity that can’t be replicated. For the first time, they’ve been brought to life in a new medium, seamlessly integrated into the video.
Take a moment to explore these works in their entirety, and see how they’ve been reimagined in the lyric video. It’s a rare chance to connect the dots between the book, the music, and the visuals.
Let us know in the comments which pieces resonate with you the most and how the visuals enhanced your experience of the song.
The Final Product: Watch the Video
The video isn’t just a lyric video—it’s a bridge between the art of Ram Dass and the music of George Harrison. It’s a love letter to their legacies, built with respect and intention.
Why This Matters
This project wasn’t just about creating something visually beautiful—it was about honoring the spiritual depth of two cultural icons. It’s a testament to the power of art and music to transcend time, to connect us to something larger than ourselves.
For us at TNA, this wasn’t work. It was a privilege.
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