John and Elvis Are Dead
George Michael
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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 guess 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 Then 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 going to save us from ourselves How come peace, love and Elvis are dead?"
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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.
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Release YearThe song was released on August 1, 2005, part of the album "Patience."
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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.
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Subject MatterThe 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.
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File FormatThe song was released as a Digital Download format, as well as on a CD Single.
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Chart PerformanceUnlike many of George Michael’s hits, "John and Elvis Are Dead" did not chart upon release.
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Music VideoThe 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.
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Subjective InterpretationThe 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.
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Album ResultThe 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.
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Critical ReceptionWhile 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.
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LegacySince 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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Citation
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"John and Elvis Are Dead Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 18 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/23320821/George+Michael/John+and+Elvis+Are+Dead>.
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