Killer
Michael George and Queen with Lisa Stansfield Lyrics


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So you want to be free?
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?
Solitary sister
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, no
Never heard nothin' but bad things about him
Mama, I'm depending on you to tell me the truth
My mama just hung her head and said

Papa was a Rollin' Stone
Yeah, wherever he laid his hat was home
And when he died
All he left us was alone
Then my mama she said
(Papa was a Rollin' Stone) oh, my mama said
Wherever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died
All he left us, all he left us
Can you believe he left us
All alone, yeah
All alone, yeah
All alone, yeah





Yeah

Overall Meaning

The song "Killer" by Michael George and Queen featuring Lisa Stansfield is a powerful reflection on the human condition and the desire for freedom, love, and connection. The opening lines of the song ask a poignant question: "So you want to be free?" This question encapsulates the fundamental human desire for autonomy and self-determination. The line "Will you give if we cry, will we live or will we die?" explores the themes of compassion and empathy, asking if we are willing to support each other through difficult times.


The next sections of the song address the pain of a broken heart and the need for healing. "Tainted hearts heal with time, shoot bad love so we can stop the bleeding" speaks to the hurt that can come from unhealthy relationships and the importance of finding ways to heal from past pain. The song then turns to the idea of isolation and loneliness, with the repeated calls to "solitary brother" and "solitary sister." These lines suggest that even when we feel alone, there is still a part of us that wants to connect with others and find meaning in life.


The final section of the song is a poignant reflection on loss and the search for understanding. The reference to "Papa was a Rollin' Stone" is a nod to the classic song by The Temptations, and the lyrics explore the pain of not knowing the truth about a loved one who has passed away. The repeated refrain of "all he left us was alone" echoes the themes of isolation and loneliness that run throughout the song.


Line by Line Meaning

So you want to be free?
Are you seeking the freedom to live life according to your own wishes?


To live your life the way you want to be
Do you want to live the life that you personally desire?


Will you give if we cry
If we are suffering, will you offer help and support?


Will we live or will we die?
Is there hope for our survival or is doom inevitable?


Tainted hearts heal with time
Healing is possible for those whose hearts have been damaged or corrupted, but it takes time to accomplish.


Shoot bad love so we can stop the bleeding
End the toxic relationships that are causing emotional pain and distress.


Solitary brother
Individual who is isolated and alone with their thoughts and feelings.


Is there still a part of you that wants to live?
Do you have any remaining desire or motivation to continue living?


Solitary sister
Female individual who is isolated and alone with their thoughts and feelings.


It was the third of September
Referring to a specific and memorable day in the past.


That day I'll always remember, yes I will
This day will be etched into my memory for all time.


Because that was the day that my daddy died
This day became significant because it was the day when the person's father passed away.


Never had a chance to see him, no
The individual was unable to meet their father before he passed away.


Never heard nothin' but bad things about him
The individual was only exposed to negative stories or rumors about their father while he was alive.


Mama, I'm depending on you to tell me the truth
The individual is relying on their mother to provide them with honest and accurate information.


Papa was a Rollin' Stone
The person's father was a wanderer or had many affairs.


Yeah, wherever he laid his hat was home
His father did not have a permanent home, rather he lived wherever he went.


And when he died
After his father passed away...


All he left us was alone
The only legacy that their father left behind was that of loneliness and abandonment.


Can you believe he left us All alone, yeah All alone, yeah All alone, yeah
It is difficult to believe that their father would simply leave his family behind and abandon them in solitude.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Adam Paul Tinley, Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel

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

@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.



All comments from YouTube:

@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.

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