George Harrison's song "Miss O'Dell" was released as a B-side to his single "Dark Horse" in 1974. It is a light-hearted and whimsical song that reflects Harrison's frustration with the social and political issues of the time. The lyrics depict a person, possibly George himself, who feels disconnected from the world and is uninterested in the issues that seem to occupy everyone else's attention. The protagonist claims to be the only one who has nothing to say about the war, rice (possibly referring to the famine in Bangladesh), or the pollution affecting their shores. Instead, they long for a simple and peaceful life, unaffected by the chaos around them. The protagonist mentions Miss O'Dell, implying that they desire her companionship and someone to reach out to them amidst their apathetic state. They express their longing for connection and interaction, as they feel isolated and self-contained. The broken record player symbolizes their disconnection from the outside world, and the inability to fix it reflects their inability to escape their current state. Towards the end of the song, the protagonist mentions the hip, the dope, and the hopes of the counterculture generation in the Fillmore, a well-known music venue in San Francisco. They express that these things hold no interest for them, and they are not willing to engage in the trends and activities that others find important. Overall, "Miss O'Dell" can be interpreted as George Harrison's commentary on the superficiality and futility of certain societal issues, and his desire for a simpler, more genuine connection with others. It reflects his personal disillusionment and detachment from the world around him at that particular time in his life.
