 " Living in the Material World " is a song by English musician George Harrison , released as the title track to his 1973 solo album . In the song 's lyrics , Harrison presents a contrast between the world of material things and his spiritual goals , and the conflicting themes are represented in the musical arrangement , via juxtaposing sections in the rock genre and an Indian music setting . Inspired by Gaudiya Vaishnava teacher A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada , the song promotes the need to recognise the illusory nature of human existence and escape the constant cycle of reincarnation , and thereby attain moksha in the Hindu faith . The contrasts presented in " Living in the Material World " inspired both a photograph by Ken Marcus that appeared inside the album 's gatefold cover , and designer Tom Wilkes 's incorporation of Krishna @-@ related symbolism elsewhere in the packaging . 
