Killer/Papa Was a Rollin' Stone
George Michael and Queen Lyrics
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To live your life the way you want to be
Will you give if we cry
Will we live or will we die?
Tainted hearts heal with time
Shoot bad love so we can stop the bleeding
Solitary brother
Is there still a part of you that wants to live?
Is there still a part of you that wants to give?
Solitary brother
Is there still a part of you that wants to live?
Solitary sister
Is there still a part of you that wants to give?
It was the third of September
That day I'll always remember, yes I will
Because that was the day that my daddy died
Never had a chance to see him
Never heard nothin' but bad things about him
Mama, I'm depending on you to tell me the truth
Mama just hung her head and said ...
Papa was a Rollin' Stone
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died
All he left us was alone ...
Papa was a Rollin' Stone
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died
All he left us was alone ...
The lyrics in the song “Killer” by George Michael and Queen have a heavy theme, with references to societal issues such as tainted hearts, giving, dying, and living. The song starts with a question, asking whether one wants to be free and live life on their own terms. It then progresses with an appeal to end bad love and bleeding hearts, asking whether there is still a part of oneself that wants to live and give, for both the solitary brother and sister.
Then the song takes a major turn with the opening lines from “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” by The Temptations. The narrative of the song shifts to a personal one, as the singer laments the loss of their father, whom they never got a chance to see or form an opinion about. Mama is then depended on to tell the truth, and she reveals that papa was a rolling stone, who laid his hat wherever he went, but upon his death, all he left behind was loneliness.
The song confronts themes of abandonment, lack of love, and death, as well as societal concerns in a hard-hitting manner, highlighting both the personal and social effects of these issues on people’s lives.
Line by Line Meaning
So you want to be free?
Do you desire freedom?
To live your life the way you want to be
Do you aim to live your life as you please?
Will you give if we cry
If we cry out, will you lend a helping hand?
Will we live or will we die?
Is there a chance to survive or is our fate sealed?
Tainted hearts heal with time
With time, damaged or corrupted hearts can recover
Shoot bad love so we can stop the bleeding
Eliminate unhealthy love to end pain and suffering
Solitary brother
Lonely brother
Is there still a part of you that wants to live?
Do you still have a desire to live life to the fullest?
Solitary sister
Lonely sister
Is there still a part of you that wants to give?
Do you still have a desire to help others?
Solitary brother
Lonely brother
Is there still a part of you that wants to live?
Do you still have a desire to live life to the fullest?
Solitary sister
Lonely sister
Is there still a part of you that wants to give?
Do you still have a desire to help others?
It was the third of September
The day was September 3rd
That day I'll always remember, yes I will
I will never forget that day
Because that was the day that my daddy died
My father passed away on that day
Never had a chance to see him
I never got to meet him
Never heard nothin' but bad things about him
All I heard about him were negative things
Mama, I'm depending on you to tell me the truth
Mother, I need you to be honest with me
Mama just hung her head and said ...
Mother was too upset to respond and remained silent
Papa was a Rollin' Stone
Father was a philanderer or a gambler
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
He had no permanent home and was always on the move
And when he died
When he passed away
All he left us was alone ...
He did not leave any inheritance or support, just loneliness
Papa was a Rollin' Stone
Father was a philanderer or a gambler
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
He had no permanent home and was always on the move
And when he died
When he passed away
All he left us was alone ...
He did not leave any inheritance or support, just loneliness
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC , UNIVERSAL MUSIC PUB GROUP
Written by: BARRETT STRONG, NORMAN WHITFIELD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@karstenkruse8111
Oh George,
oh David,
oh Prince,
oh Leonard,
oh Rick,
what kind of great music you all gave us
now you are in heaven and come together for a new band.
We people on planet earth
will miss you all for the great time you gave me.
@Elvas666
I actually have this album in cassette tape! One of my absolute favorite songs by George Michael. I had the privilege of seeing him live in concert back in the early 90's. The man's voice is better live than on his recordings. Amazing voice.
@lolamay44
Elvas666 Me too😃! The only George Michael music I own is
THIS: Five Alive ( Bought this CD when it was released) Never was a fan ... until I heard: "Somebody to Love" w/ Lisa Stansfield. THIS CD IS ABSOLUTELY SOULFUL❤❤❤!
@deluxedjsireland224
I wish I'd seen him live
@felixvarela1150
@@lolamay44 p
@7seasoflove
@@lolamay44 Lisa didn't sing with him on STL
@LeslieChimes
Best version of "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" ever recorded.
@vincentheideyer4651
Yes
@tashahass8597
George always had a knack for improving old favorites 😊
@TheScouser2112
Couldn't agree more 👏
@deluxedjsireland224
George was brilliant. He really was.