Rod Stewart

Lyrics

[Intro]
Oh yeah

[Verse 1]
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?"

[Interlude]
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do

[Verse 2]
Leavin' home on a Greyhound bus
Cast out by the ones he loves
A victim of these gay days it seems
[Interlude]
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do

[Verse 3]
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

[Interlude]
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do

[Verse 4]
The last time I saw George alive
Was in the summer of '75
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
[Interlude]
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do

[Verse 5]
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

[Interlude]
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do

[Verse 6]
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
'Cause youth's a mask but it don't last
Live it long and live it fast"
Georgie was a friend of mine
Oh yeah
[Interlude]
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do
Do-do-do-do-do-do-do

[Outro]
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

When it comes to making music, few can argue against Rod Stewart’s ability to craft engaging and emotional pieces. And one of his most notable works, The Killing of Georgie, Pts. 1 & 2, is no exception. This song tells the tragic tale of a man named Georgie who faced discrimination after coming out to his parents as gay. Despite this hardship, he worked tirelessly to achieve success in New York, only to meet a horrible fate at the hands of another.

About The Killing of Georgie, Pts. 1 & 2

The Killing of Georgie, Pts. 1 & 2 is an emotional ballad recorded by Rod Stewart and released in 1976 as part of his album ‘A Night on the Town.’ The song points out the heartbreaking reality of what LGBTQ+ individuals often experience at the hands of their own families and society. One of Stewart’s closest friends, who inspired the song, was George Alcorn.

Born and raised in a conservative household, Georgie Alcorn struggled to fit in society as an openly gay man in the 1970s. His family rejected him when he opened up about his sexuality, leaving him with no other option but to leave town. He went to New York City, where he found joy and acceptance in the community and built a successful life for himself as a costume designer and stylist.

Despite the freedoms he found in New York, Georgie’s life tragically ended on August 5, 1975. He was attacked while walking home from a show and murdered. The death of Georgie came as a shock to Stewart who was inspired to create this beautiful yet melancholic song, that he named ‘The Killing of Georgie, Pts. 1 & 2,’ as a tribute to his dear friend.

With this song, Rod Stewart delivered a message of support and acceptance to those struggling to gain acceptance in the community. The song addresses crucial themes such as prejudice, hate, acceptance, and the cruel reality of the world we live in.

At just over six minutes long, the song takes listeners on an emotional journey, opening with a slow and somber piano melody that sets the tone for the story. The lyrics are heart-wrenching, depicting the struggles Georgie faced throughout his life.

The first part of the song explored Alcorn's childhood and his struggle to come out to his parents. The second part tells about his journey to New York and his success there, but unfortunately, his life was cut short by his unexpected murder.

The song is remarkable for Stewart’s ability to convey the message through his beautifully crafted lyrics and emotionally-moving tune. The melody seamlessly transitions between the two parts and concludes with the tragic ending of Georgie’s life.

The song, however, hasn't sparked too much controversy, despite its daring message and the fact it was created during a time when being gay was considered taboo and frowned upon. It only cemented Stewart’s status as an advocate of the LGBTQ+ community and his commitment to using his voice to bring attention to important issues plaguing them.

In the years since this iconic song release, society has made significant progress in reaching new levels of acceptance and inclusivity, but there is still much work to be done. The Killing of Georgie, Pts. 1 & 2 is an important reminder of the struggles that many LGBTQ+ people face, both historically and in the present day.

In closing, whenever we listen to The Killing of Georgie, Pts. 1 & 2, we can't help but get emotional at the beautiful tribute Rod Stewart made to his dear friend Georgie. This song is a timeless piece of music that has gone on to inspire and touch the hearts of many over the years. George Alcorn’s story may have ended tragically, but his legacy lives through this remarkable song and the change it has brought about.

• Release Date: June 18, 1976
• Artist: Rod Stewart