Message to Michael

Burt Bacharach

About Message to Michael

"Message to Michael" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, that has been a hit for several different artists under several different titles. The song was first recorded as "Message to Martha" by Jerry Butler in 1962. In 1964, singer Lou Johnson had a minor US hit with the song, with the title "Kentucky Bluebird". The British singer Adam Faith also recorded the song as "A Message to Martha (Kentucky Bluebird)" in 1965, and had a substantial hit with it in the UK Singles Chart, reaching No. 12. Exactly the same recording was issued in Australia as "Message to Martha", where it was a No. 15 hit for Faith. Americans are probably most familiar with the 1966 Top Ten version by Dionne Warwick, which was titled "Message To Michael". In all versions of the song, the lyrics are addressed to a bluebird by the singer. The singer is in Kentucky, and his/her sweetheart is vainly pursuing musical stardom in New Orleans. The singer asks the bluebird to take a message to Martha/Michael, asking for the sweetheart to return. 


Year:
1987
3:21
38 

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Spread your wings for New Orleans
Kentucky bluebird, fly away

And take a message to Michael, message to Michael
He sings each night in some cafe
In his search to find wealth and fame
I hear Michael has gone and changed his name

It's a year since he was here
Kentucky bluebird, fly away

And take a message to Michael, message to Michael
Tell him I miss him more each day
As his train pulled out down the track
Michael promised he'd soon be coming back

Oh tell him how my heart just breaks in two
Since he journeyed far
And even though his dreams of fame fell through
To me he will always be a star

Spread your wings for New Orleans
Kentucky bluebird, fly away

And take a message to Michael, message to Michael
Ask him to start for home today
When you find him please let him know
Rich or poor, I will always love him so

Fly away, Kentucky bluebird
Fly away, Kentucky bluebird
Fly away, fly away, fly away, fly away

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Burt Bacharach

Burt F. Bacharach ( /ˈbækəræk/ BAK-ə-rak; born May 12, 1928) is an American pianist, composer and music producer. He is known for his popular hit songs and compositions from the mid-1950s through the 1980s, with lyrics written by Hal David, as part of the duo Bacharach and David. Many of their hits were produced specifically for, and performed by, Dionne Warwick. Following on with the initial success of this collaboration, Bacharach went on to produce hits with Dusty Springfield, Bobbie Gentry, Jackie DeShannon and others. more »

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Written by: Burt Bacharach, Hal David

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Creation & Singers
"Message to Michael" is a popular song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David and famously performed by Dionne Warwick in 1966.
Original Title
Interestingly, the song was initially called “A Message to Martha” during the time of its creation.
Different Artist Interpretation
Prior to Warwick's recording, the song was first sung by Jerry Butler and later by Lou Johnson under the original title.
Top 10 Hit
Dionne Warwick's version of "Message to Michael" reached number 8 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart, and was one of her nine top 10 songs.
R&B Chart Success
The song also did well in the R&B chart, claiming the number 5 spot.
UK Success
"Message to Michael" was a top 20 hit in the United Kingdom, proving Warwick's international appeal.
Song Meaning
The song tells the story of a woman pleading with a man named Michael to return home and quit pursuing his unrealistic dreams.
Iconic Collaboration
The song marked another successful collaboration between Warwick, Bacharach, and David, who together produced numerous hits during the 1960s and 1970s.
Included in Album
"Message to Michael" was included in Warwick's ninth studio album, "Here Where There Is Love".
Not Just a Love Song
Critics often highlight how "Message to Michael" differs from many popular songs of its time by not focusing on romantic love but addressing ambition and the importance of home.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists have covered "Message to Michael" over the years, demonstrating its lasting impact and universal appeal.
Winged Messenger
It’s interesting to note that the ‘Michael’ in the song's title is not a person but a pigeon, acting as a messenger, which many listeners might miss.
Award Winning Trio
Both Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick are Grammy Award winners, and Hal David received multiple nominations, highlighting the extraordinary talent behind "Message to Michael".
Live Performances
Dionne Warwick often includes "Message to Michael" in her live performances, showing its continued popularity.

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