About The Song
(Watch the video below)
"The Killing of Georgie (Part I and II)" is a powerful and poignant song by Rod Stewart that tells the tragic tale of a young man named Georgie. Released in 1976 as part of the album "A Night on the Town," the song stands out as a narrative-driven ballad, showcasing Stewart's ability to delve into storytelling and address societal issues through his music.
The song is divided into two parts, each contributing to the unfolding of Georgie's story. Part I sets the stage with a melancholic tone, introducing the character of Georgie as a free-spirited and carefree young man. The lyrics describe his flamboyant personality, his love for the nightlife, and his acceptance by friends and family despite his non-conformity to societal norms. Stewart's vivid storytelling creates a vivid picture of Georgie's world and sets the stage for the tragedy that will unfold.
Part II of the song takes a darker turn, revealing the heart-wrenching fate of Georgie. The narrative unfolds as Georgie becomes a victim of a hate crime, falling victim to violence fueled by prejudice and intolerance. The haunting lyrics convey the senselessness of the crime and the devastating impact on Georgie's loved ones. Stewart's emotional delivery, coupled with the dramatic orchestration, adds depth to the storytelling, amplifying the sorrow and injustice embedded in Georgie's tragic end.
One of the distinctive features of "The Killing of Georgie" is its exploration of themes related to sexual orientation, identity, and societal acceptance. In the mid-1970s, discussing these topics openly in popular music was groundbreaking. Stewart's decision to address issues of prejudice, intolerance, and violence against the LGBTQ+ community through a narrative ballad was both bold and socially relevant.
Musically, the song features a compelling arrangement that complements the storytelling. The use of piano, strings, and Stewart's emotive vocals contributes to the emotional weight of the narrative. The shifts in tempo and dynamics throughout the song mirror the highs and lows of Georgie's life, creating a dynamic and immersive listening experience.
"The Killing of Georgie" was met with critical acclaim for its storytelling, emotional resonance, and societal relevance. The song is often regarded as one of Stewart's most ambitious and thought-provoking works. Beyond its artistic merits, the song played a role in opening up conversations about LGBTQ+ issues in the realm of popular music, contributing to a more inclusive and accepting cultural landscape.
The impact of "The Killing of Georgie" extends beyond its initial release, and the song has endured as a powerful commentary on the consequences of prejudice and hate. Its themes remain relevant, and the narrative continues to serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.
In conclusion, "The Killing of Georgie" is a compelling and socially relevant narrative ballad that showcases Rod Stewart's storytelling prowess. The song's exploration of LGBTQ+ themes, its emotional delivery, and its enduring impact highlight the ability of music to address important societal issues. Through Georgie's tragic story, Stewart created a timeless piece that resonates not only as a work of art but also as a catalyst for conversations about acceptance, tolerance, and the fight against discrimination.
Video
Lyrics
Let's sing along with the lyrics!
Oh yeah
In these days of changing ways
So called liberated days
A story comes to mind of a friend of mine
Georgie boy was gay I guess
Nothin' more or nothin' less
The kindest guy I ever knew
His mother's tears fell in vain
The afternoon George tried to explain
That he needed love like all the rest
Pa said there must be a mistake
How can my son not be straight
After all I've said and done for him
Da da da da da da duh
Da da da da da da duh
Da da da da da da duh
Leavin' home on a Greyhound bus
Cast out by the ones he loves
A victim of these gay days it seems
Da da da da da da duh
Da da da da da da duh
Da da da da da da duh
Georgie went to New York town
Where he quickly settled down
And soon became the toast of the great white way
Accepted by Manhattan's elite
In all the places that were chic
No party was complete without George
Along the boulevards he'd cruise
And all the old queens blew a fuse
Everybody loved Georgie boy
Da da da da da da duh
Da da da da da da duh
Da da da da da da duh
The last time I saw George alive
Was in the summer of seventy-five
He said he was in love I said I'm pleased
George attended the opening night
Of another Broadway hype
But split before the final curtain fell
Deciding to take a short cut home
Arm in arm they meant no wrong
A gentle breeze blew down fifth avenue
Da da da da da da duh
Da da da da da da duh
Da da da da da da duh
Out of a darkened side street came
A New Jersey gang with just one aim
To roll some innocent passer-by
There ensued a fearful fight
Screams rang out in the night
Georgie's head hit a sidewalk cornerstone
A leather kid, a switchblade knife
He did not intend to take his life
He just pushed his luck a little too far that night
The sight of blood dispersed the gang
A crowd gathered, the police came
An ambulance screamed to a halt on fifty-third and third
Da da da da da da duh
Da da da da da da duh
Da da da da da da duh
Georgie's life ended there
But I ask who really cares
George once said to me and I quote
He said "never wait or hesitate
Get in kid, before it's too late
You may never get another chance
'Cause youth a mask but it don't last
Live it long and live it fast"
Georgie was a friend of mine
Da da da da da da duh
Da da da da da da duh
Da da da da da da duh
Da da da da da da duh
Da da da da da da duh
Da da da da da da duh
Oh Georgie stay,
Don't go away
Georgie please stay
You take our breath away
Oh Georgie stay,
Don't go away
Georgie please stay
You take our breath away
Oh Georgie stay,
Don't go away
Georgie, Georgie stay (please stay)
You take our breath away