John and Elvis Are Dead

George Michael

About John and Elvis Are Dead

"John and Elvis Are Dead" is a 2005 song and single released by George Michael from his album Patience. It was co-written by childhood friend David Austin. It was released on 30 August 2005 as a download-only single and was therefore unable to chart in the United Kingdom. The song marks George Michael's final single from a studio albumThe song was also released on Michael's greatest hits album Twenty Five.


Year:
2014
4:31
322 
#1

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Close friend of mine as a child fell into a slumber
No sign of life since '75
Then one day he just, what do you know
I' guessing God just called his number

He called me up he called me up and said
"I've been awake about a week
I'm thinking about asking the doctor
If he could put me back to sleep"
Then he laughed and said
"Hey all the girls they look the same"
Don't they know just what their mothers
Paid in blood, and tears to change

But the words that made me cry
The thing he softly said
It stayed with me, it keeps messing with my head
He said, "If Jesus Christ is alive and well
And how come John and Elvis are dead?"

Youth, beautiful youth
We walked through the walls until we found the truth
And said "Change it, it's ugly just change it"
Everyone we used to know
Must have given up, so long ago
You can see it, it's written on their faces
And the inside of their clothes

But the words that made me cry
'Cause I knew just what they meant
He turned to me and said
"Hey boy, if Jesus Christ is alive and well
Then how come John and Elvis are dead?"

"Tell me if Jesus Christ is alive and well
Then how come Marvin and Elvis are dead?"

I said, if Jesus Christ is gonna save us from ourselves
Then, how come peace, love and Elvis are dead?
How come?

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George Michael

George Michael (born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou; (Greek: Γεώργιος Κυριάκος Παναγιώτου); 25 June 1963 - 25 December 2016) was an English musician, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer. Michael rose to fame in the 1980s when he formed the pop duo Wham! with his school friend, Andrew Ridgeley. His first solo single, "Careless Whisper", was released when he was still in the duo and sold about six million copies worldwide. more »

13 fans

Written by: David Austin, George Michael

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Songwriters
"John and Elvis Are Dead" was co-written by George Michael and David Austin. David is George’s lifelong friend, they previously collaborated on other pieces and decided to work together on this song.
Release Year
The song was released on August 1, 2005, part of the album "Patience."
Genre
"John and Elvis Are Dead" is classified under the pop genre, but it also has significant soul elements, reflecting George Michael's diverse musical styles.
Subject Matter
The song's title refers to John Lennon and Elvis Presley. Both of these artists greatly influenced George Michael, and their deaths left considerable impact on him.
File Format
The song was released as a Digital Download format, as well as on a CD Single.
Chart Performance
Unlike many of George Michael’s hits, "John and Elvis Are Dead" did not chart upon release.
Music Video
The official music video of "John and Elvis Are Dead" featured a live performance by George Michael during the "25 Live" tour. It was later released on September 25, 2006.
Subjective Interpretation
The song is seen by some listeners as George Michael’s lament about the state of the music world after the death of such significant figures and the seeming lack of comparable talent to replace them.
Album Result
The album "Patience" that carried the song "John and Elvis Are Dead" was a significant commercial success. It earned multi-platinum status, although this particular song did not contribute to the single’s chart placements.
Critical Reception
While it may not have achieved commercial success, "John and Elvis Are Dead" was well received by critics. They praised its heartfelt lyrics reflecting George's personal feelings and the soulful, powerful delivery of the song.
Legacy
Since George Michael's own death in 2016, the song took on a new layer of meaning for fans and critics alike, reflecting on the iconic singer's legacy and his personal connection to the legends he mourns in this song.

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