Have Mercy On the Criminal

Elton John

About Have Mercy On the Criminal

"Have Mercy on the Criminal" is a song by Elton John released on his 1973 album, Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player. It is the most frequent live-track on the album besides the two dominating singles, "Daniel" and "Crocodile Rock".


Year:
2012
5:57
256 
#1

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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

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Elton John

Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947) is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor. He has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin as his songwriter partner since 1967; they have collaborated on more than 30 albums to date. more »

44 fans

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.
Album Success
The album itself was a massive success, reaching number one on both the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200.
Musical Collaboration
The lyrics to "Have Mercy on the Criminal" were written by Bernie Taupin, a long-time collaborator of Elton John.
Orchestral Arrangement
This 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.
Song's Theme
The song explores themes of desperation and crime, with a narrative that focuses on a convict’s plea for understanding and compassion.
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."
Live Performances
The 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.
Song Length
The song runs for approximately five minutes and fifty-eight seconds, making it one of the longer tracks on the album.
Strong Reviews
The dramatic narrative and emotional resonance of "Have Mercy on the Criminal" has led to strong reviews from many music critics and listeners alike.
Influence
Despite 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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    "Have Mercy On the Criminal Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/27611227/Elton+John/Have+Mercy+On+the+Criminal>.

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