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Patience
George Michael Lyrics


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Patience

It's like a conversation, where no-one stops to breathe
Is it my imagination, or did God already leave the table?
Such destruction, and pure white castles in the sand
No time for introduction
With all that money changing hands

And the satellite says, "Take a look at all we have"
But the old man says,
"You want my family, for your liberty, I can't do that."

Look into the eyes of any patient man
Whether they be amber, green or blue,
There's a piece of God staring back at you
But they see our children, and the old folk fend for themselves
They see our broken women
On imaginary shelves

But the satellite says, "Won't you people look at all we have?
Don't you want it?

Can't you see the things that you lack?"

Children in his arms, he turns his back.

Overall Meaning

The song "Patience" by George Michael speaks about the harsh realities of the world we live in, where people are becoming selfish and are more focused on material things rather than valuing the ones they love. It starts off with a metaphor of a never-ending conversation between people who don't stop to take a breath. This is how the world is running, relentlessly and at a fast pace. The lyrics then talk about how it seems like God has left the table, indicating that the world is going through a tumultuous phase with rampant destruction, and people are building castles in the sand. The line, "With all that money changing hands", emphasizes that money is the only thing that seems to matter to people.


The song is titled "Patience" because it reminds people to slow down, take a deep breath, and appreciate the world and those close to them. The lyrics mention that there's a piece of God in the eyes of every patient person, emphasizing how important it is to be patient and see beyond the material world. The second verse mentions how people only see the problems in society, such as broken women, old people who are neglected, and children who are not well taken care of. The lyrics question the world's obsession with material things that are easily attainable with money.


Line by Line Meaning

It's like a conversation, where no-one stops to breathe
The situation is intense, there's a lot going on but no one takes a moment to pause and reflect.


Is it my imagination, or did God already leave the table?
George is questioning whether there's an absence of divine intervention or not.


Such destruction, and pure white castles in the sand
There is beauty and ugliness happening simultaneously.


No time for introduction, with all that money changing hands
There's a rush to do business and make deals, with no emphasis on establishing a proper relationship.


And the satellite says, 'Take a look at all we have'
There's a constant bombardment of advertising telling us to have more.


But the old man says, 'You want my family, for your liberty, I can't do that.'
The patriarchal figure is resistant to handing over anything for the sake of a so-called 'greater good.'


Look into the eyes of any patient man
By examining those who are patient, we can learn deep truths about ourselves.


Whether they be amber, green, or blue, there's a piece of God staring back at you
No matter what race or creed, there's a divine essence in all people.


But they see our children, and the old folks fend for themselves
Society doesn't adequately take care of the young or elderly.


They see our broken women on imaginary shelves
Women are depicted as being oppressed and confined to narrow roles.


But the satellite says, 'Won't you people look at all we have? Don't you want it? Can't you see the things that you lack?'
Advertisers continue to tell people what they need, exploiting perceived insecurities.


Children in his arms, he turns his back.
George depicts a powerful image of a man who's involved with the next generation but ultimately limited in what they can do.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE MICHAEL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Alex Cali

Patience

It's like a conversation, where no-one stops to breathe
Is it my imagination, or did God already leave the table?
Such destruction, and pure white castles in the sand
No time for introduction
With all that money changing hands

And the satellite says, "Take a look at all we have"
But the old man says,
"You want my family, for your liberty, I can't do that."

Look into the eyes of any patient man
Whether they be amber, green or blue,
There's a piece of God staring back at you
But they see our children, and the old folk fend for themselves
They see our broken women
On imaginary shelves

But the satellite says, "Won't you people look at all we have?
Don't you want it?

Can't you see the things that you lack?"

Children in his arms, he turns his back.



Alex Cali

Patience

It's like a conversation, where no-one stops to breathe
Is it my imagination, or did God already leave the table?
Such destruction, and pure white castles in the sand
No time for introduction
With all that money changing hands

And the satellite says, "Take a look at all we have"
But the old man says,
"You want my family, for your liberty, I can't do that."

Look into the eyes of any patient man
Whether they be amber, green or blue,
There's a piece of God staring back at you
But they see our children, and the old folk fend for themselves
They see our broken women
On imaginary shelves

But the satellite says, "Won't you people look at all we have?
Don't you want it?

Can't you see the things that you lack?"

Children in his arms, he turns his back.



All comments from YouTube:

CYPRESS TREE

The voice of an angel.

Patita Lulú

Hola chicos como están

Mayame

his voice warms the winter rainy day we re having today. the sky is crying and his warm voice ...memories and tears...immortal by your music that touched many of us through a whole life. rest in peace..you will always be a part of my life

Gail Borden

I love your comment, so Beautiful. I loved him and his voice so much. I was so schocked and saddened by his passing. Music Is a soundtrack to our lives. Certain songs take us right back to a memory In our life good or bad. He was taken much too soon. I listen to him all the time. But I jus wanted to tell you how Beautiful I thought your comment was. ❤ God Bless.

Mayame

@Gail Borden thank you..wow, I wrote it 6 years ago I even forgot, I read it again and still true

mrm4xim4m

Singing this rn right from the heart sending out those positive vibes for George and his fans rip George beautiful kind soul🙏🏼❤️

ᄌᄒᄌ

This is my favorite song from the album Patience. Both the piano accompaniment and George Michael's voice are so beautiful! He sang with great emotion.

RIP George. I still can't believe you are no longer with us.

Alex Dalton

If I could bring back one person it would be him RIP George Michael

Le Botanique

Yes,him!

Liliana Rosales

Una voz angelical, bella como sus letras! ♥️

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