Careless Whisper — George Michael Lyrics
Soundtrack: Baby Mama
Careless Whisper Song Lyrics
I feel so unsure,
As I take your hand and lead you to the dance floor.
As the music dies...
Something in your eyes,
Calls to mind a silver screen,
And all those sad goodbyes.
Chorus
Im never gonna dance again,
Guilty feet have got no rhythm.
Though its easy to pretend,
I know youre not a fool.
I should have no better than to cheat a friend,
And waste the chance that Id been given.
So Im never gonna dance again,
The way I danced with you.
Chorus
Time can never mend,
The careless whispers of a good friend.
To the heart and mind,
If your answers kind...
Theres no comfort in the truth,
Pain is all youll find.
Repeat chorus
What am I without your love?
Tonite the music seems so loud,
I wish that we could lose the crowd.
Maybe its better this way,
Wed hurt each other with the things we want to say.
We could have been so good together,
We could have made this last forever...
But now, whos gonna dance with me?
Please stay.
(alternatively):
And now its never gonna be
That way...
Repeat chorus
Now that youre gone...
Now that youre gone...
Now that youre gone...
Was what I did so wrong?
So wrong that you had to leave me alone?
Track Listing
Colbie Caillat
Collective Soul
Talking Heads
E Sloane
Diana Ross and Lionel Richie
Marshal Crenshaw
UB40
G. Love
Ricky Martin
George Michael
Cyndi Lauper
Rob Laufer
Joan Jett and The Blackhearts
Beastie Boys
Mr. Cheeks
Shut Up Stella
Sean Paul
Chris De Burgh
Paul Oakenfold
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
Katy Perry
Flattop Tom
The Boy Least Likely To
Gwen Stefani
Hotel Lights
Zach Gill and Jack Johnson
Written by Mildred J. Hill, Patty S. Hill
The Ronettes
Song Details and Overview
- Featuring Artist(s): George Michael
- Producer(s): George Michael, Jerry Wexler
- Composer: George Michael, Andrew Ridgeley
- Writer: George Michael, Andrew Ridgeley
- Release Date: July 24, 1984
- Musical Instruments: Saxophone, Synthesizers, Guitar, Drums
- Label: Epic Records (UK), Columbia Records (US)
- Musical Genre: Pop, Sophisti-Pop
- Album: Make It Big
- Track #: 5
- Language(s): English
- Mood: Melancholic, Reflective
Exploring the Meaning of "Careless Whisper"
This iconic ballad, penned by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, delves into the themes of guilt, regret, and the pain of lost love. The narrative revolves around a protagonist who has committed an act of betrayal, leading to the dissolution of a deep emotional connection. With the haunting saxophone melody underscoring its poignant verses, the track encapsulates a sense of emotional fragility and self-awareness.
Meaning and Annotations
- [Verse 1] The opening lines set the tone of regret and unease, as the protagonist reflects on their guilt and the impending consequences of their actions. The imagery of the "dance floor" symbolizes fleeting happiness overshadowed by looming sadness.
- [Chorus] The repetition of "I'm never gonna dance again" conveys the weight of guilt, where the protagonist feels unworthy of joy or freedom due to their betrayal. The use of "guilty feet" is a metaphor for the inner shame that inhibits them.
- [Verse 2] This section explores the irreparable damage caused by the protagonist's actions. The phrase "careless whispers" signifies betrayal cloaked in secrecy, and "no comfort in the truth" highlights the pain of facing reality.
- [Bridge] The bridge portrays an intense longing for reconciliation, with lines like "We could have been so good together" revealing the depth of the loss.
- [Outro] The repeated "Now that you're gone" captures the despair of abandonment and the realization that their actions have left them alone.
Similar Songs
This track resonates with a number of other compositions that explore themes of guilt, regret, and romantic loss. Here are a few:
- Against All Odds by Phil Collins – Another heart-wrenching ballad of lost love and yearning.
- Every Breath You Take by The Police – A haunting exploration of obsession and separation.
- Without You by Harry Nilsson – A classic lament over love that can never be reclaimed.
- Sorry by Justin Bieber – A modern take on seeking forgiveness in a relationship.
- Yesterday by The Beatles – A reflection on regret and the longing for past happiness.
Chart Performance and Awards
- "Careless Whisper" topped the charts in over 20 countries, including the UK and US.
- Certified platinum in multiple regions, it solidified George Michael’s status as a global icon.
- Rolling Stone listed it among the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time."
Quotes
"I was 17 and didn’t really know much about anything—and certainly not about relationships."
George Michael on writing "Careless Whisper."
"The saxophone riff was something I had been playing around with since I was about 15."
George Michael
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