…and what it has become.
The following post provides a comment from a viewer, and an emotional video from a man who was amazingly talented, but most importantly who has taken the words (also posted below) of Canadian-American singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright from 2007 and turned them into something of his own. At the later stages of George Michael’s life – he had mastered his craft as both a singer and a song-writer, and his ability to LIVE each song as he presented it is something to behold and cherish. The peace which he has brought to me over the past few days has been amazing, I feel the need to share with you what I have felt. Each reader will draw from the following what moves your own emotion. ~ Ed.
His voice retained its exquisite purity and clarity from the earliest days of Wham! to his final performance. It got richer, warmer, more honeyed. His enunciation was remarkable … even if you have never seen the lyrics, you could hear every word. Beautiful voice that reflects his beautiful soul. A man who can sing like him and have his speaking voice would also have a heart that feels deeply for humanity. It’s impossible to not have a caring soul and be able to write and sing the songs that are now his legacy. Physically, he was blessed with the whole package … height, physique, handsome-beautiful face, that incredible hair, physical presence, beautiful hands … and that’s just the external package. Then there’s the unique, inimitable talent in songwriting and total ownership in the works he produced … and that voice. He owned every performance. When he was on stage, you could not tear your eyes away from him, the moves, the energy, the passion. And the man can really wear a suit. So much style, class and elegance. An uncommon external beauty that houses a beautiful soul. Such a rare thing in the rarified world of global fame. ~ Sally Hu
Going to a Town
I’m going to a town that has already been burnt down
I’m going to a place that has already been disgraced
I’m gonna see some folks who have already been let down
I’m so tired of America
I’m gonna make it up for all of The Sunday Times
I’m gonna make it up for all of the nursery rhymes
They never really seem to want to tell the truth
I’m so tired of you, America
Making my own way home
Ain’t gonna be alone
I’ve got a life to lead, America
I’ve got a life to lead
Tell me, do you really think you go to hell for having loved?
Tell me, enough of thinking everything that you’ve done is good
I really need to know, after soaking the body of Jesus Christ in blood
I’m so tired of America
I really need to know
I may just never see you again, or might as well
You took advantage of a world that loved you well
I’m going to a town that has already been burnt down
I’m so tired of you, America
Making my own way home
Ain’t gonna be alone
I’ve got a life to lead, America
I’ve got a life to lead
I got a soul to feed
I got a dream to heed
And that’s all I need
Making my own way home
Ain’t gonna be alone
I’m going to a town
That has already been burnt down
Songwriter ~ Rufus Wainwright
Going to a Town lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc