Have Mercy on the Criminal
Elton John
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Have you heard the dogs at night Somewhere on the hill Chasing some poor criminal And I guess they're out to kill Oh there must be shackles on his feet And mother in his eyes Stumbling through the devil-dark With the hound pack in full cry Have mercy on the criminal Who is running from the law Are you blind to the winds of change Don't you hear him any more Praying Lord you got to help me I am never gonna sin again Just take these chains from around my legs Sweet Jesus I'll be your friend Now have you ever seen the white teeth gleam While you lie on a cold damp ground You're taking in the face of a rifle butt While the wardens hold you down And you've never seen a friend in years Oh it turns your heart to stone You jump the walls and the dogs run free And the grave's gonna be your home Oh, have mercy on the criminal Who is running from the law Are you blind to the winds of change Don't you hear him any more Praying Lord you got to help me I am never gonna sin again Just take these chains from around my legs, ooh Sweet Jesus I'll be your friend Ooh, have mercy on the criminal Who is running from the law Are you blind to the winds of change Don't you hear him any more Praying Lord you got to help me I am never gonna sin again Just take these chains from around my legs Sweet Jesus I'll be your friend
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: BERNIE TAUPIN, ELTON JOHN
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Song Details"Have Mercy On The Criminal" is a song by British musician Elton John. It is featured on his fifth studio album "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player", released in 1973.
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Album SuccessThe album itself was a massive success, reaching number one on both the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200.
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Musical CollaborationThe lyrics to "Have Mercy on the Criminal" were written by Bernie Taupin, a long-time collaborator of Elton John.
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Orchestral ArrangementThis song stands out for its orchestral arrangement, which were done by Paul Buckmaster, featuring a dramatic string section that adds a distinct level of emotion to the song.
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Song's ThemeThe song explores themes of desperation and crime, with a narrative that focuses on a convict’s plea for understanding and compassion.
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Usage of Mellotron"Have Mercy On The Criminal" is one of the few songs in Elton John's lengthy discography that utilizes the Mellotron, a keyboard instrument famous for its use in classic songs like The Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever."
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Live PerformancesThe track has increasingly been performed live by Elton John in his later career, becoming a fan favourite despite not being a single from the album.
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Song LengthThe song runs for approximately five minutes and fifty-eight seconds, making it one of the longer tracks on the album.
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Strong ReviewsThe dramatic narrative and emotional resonance of "Have Mercy on the Criminal" has led to strong reviews from many music critics and listeners alike.
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InfluenceDespite its lack of commercial success as a single, the song has nonetheless had a significant influence on later musicians, demonstrating Elton John’s ability to blend pop and rock influences with orchestral arrangements.
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Citation
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"Have Mercy on the Criminal Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2558686/Elton+John/Have+Mercy+on+the+Criminal>.
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