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antonyh
12-14-2007, 10:20 AM
The Killing of Georgie by Rod Stewart

It was 1976. It was two years before the assassination of Harvey Milk. Rod Stewart released a song talking about gay people and about hate crime. That took courage.

The song peaked at number 2 in the UK singles chart in September 1976.

Here is The Killing of Georgie:

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In these days of changing ways
so called liberated days
a story comes to mind of a friend of mine

Georgie boy was gay I guess
nothin' more or nothin' less
the kindest guy I ever knew

His mother's tears fell in vain
the afternoon George tried to explain
that he needed love like all the rest

Pa said there must be a mistake
how can my son not be straight
after all I've said and done for him

Leavin' home on a Greyhound bus
cast out by the ones he loves
A victim of these gay days it seems

Georgie went to New York town
where he quickly settled down
and soon became the toast of the great white way

Accepted by Manhattan's elite
in all the places that were chic
No party was complete without George

Along the boulevards he'd cruise
and all the old queens blew a fuse
Everybody loved Georgie boy

The last time I saw George alive
was in the summer of seventy-five
he said he was in love I said I'm pleased

George attended the opening night
of another Broadway hype
but split before the final curtain fell

Deciding to take a short cut home
arm in arm they meant no wrong
A gentle breeze blew down Fifth Avenue

Out of a darkened side street came
a New Jersey gang with just one aim
to roll some innocent passer-by
There ensued a fearful fight
screams rang out in the night
Georgie's head hit a sidewalk cornerstone

A leather kid, a switchblade knife
He did not intend to take his life
He just pushed his luck a little too far that night

The sight of blood dispersed the gang
A crowd gathered, the police came
An ambulance screamed to a halt on Fifty-third and Third

Georgie's life ended there
but I ask who really cares
George once said to me and I quote

He said "Never wait or hesitate
Get in kid, before it's too late
You may never get another chance
'Cos youth a mask but it don't last
live it long and live it fast"
Georgie was a friend of mine

Oh Georgie stay, don't go away
Georgie please stay you take our breath away
Oh Georgie stay, don't go away
Georgie please stay you take our breath away
Oh Georgie stay, don't go away
Georgie, Georgie please stay you take our breath away
Oh Georgie stay

andrewlittle
12-14-2007, 04:00 PM
Never been one for Rod Stewart - and here he still shows the left over glazed eyes he acquired during his Small Faces days - but this is one song I have never heard or seen before.

I had to close my eyes, which is the only way I've ever been able to listen to Rod - but, when I did, I heard a passion in his voice that isn't apparent in his face.

Great song for that time especially - quite courageous and powerful.

antonyh
12-14-2007, 04:12 PM
Never been one for Rod Stewart - and here he still shows the left over glazed eyes he acquired during his Small Faces days - but this is one song I have never heard or seen before.

I had to close my eyes, which is the only way I've ever been able to listen to Rod - but, when I did, I heard a passion in his voice that isn't apparent in his face.

Great song for that time especially - quite courageous and powerful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQyp83jWuvc

Here is a version you can listen to with your eyes open :lol:

Here is a critical look at the song on Utube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TsI0-yyagw

I have to say that I disagree with the conclusion of this commentary. I feel like the song is just as fresh today as it was 30+ years ago.

andrewlittle
12-14-2007, 04:18 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQyp83jWuvc

Here is a version you can listen to with your eyes open :lol:

Here is a critical look at the song on Utube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TsI0-yyagw

Okay - that one was just - umm, mesmerizing - that's it, mesmerizing.