About the song
“Jesus to a Child” by George Michael is a profoundly moving ballad released on January 8, 1996. It serves as the lead single from his third studio album, “Older,” which came out later that year on May 13, 1996. This song is often considered one of George Michael’s most heartfelt and introspective works.
“Jesus to a Child” is a tribute to George Michael’s late partner, Anselmo Feleppa, who passed away in 1993 due to an AIDS-related illness. The song’s lyrics are imbued with deep sorrow and longing, capturing the pain of loss and the enduring power of love. Michael’s emotive vocals and the song’s lush, melancholic arrangement combine to create an atmosphere of profound reflection and reverence.
The title itself, “Jesus to a Child,” metaphorically expresses the idea of unconditional love and comfort, akin to the solace that Jesus is believed to provide to a child. The imagery in the lyrics is poignant and evocative, with lines like “Kindness in your eyes / I guess you heard me cry / You smiled at me / Like Jesus to a child” highlighting the compassion and understanding that Feleppa brought into Michael’s life.
Upon its release, “Jesus to a Child” received widespread critical acclaim and became a commercial success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart and number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. The song’s emotional depth and sincerity resonated with many listeners, further cementing George Michael’s reputation as a masterful songwriter and performer.
Socially and culturally, the song played a significant role in raising awareness about the AIDS epidemic and the human impact of the disease. At a time when there was still much stigma surrounding AIDS, George Michael’s openness about his loss and his dedication of the song to his late partner helped to humanize the issue and foster greater empathy and understanding.
“Jesus to a Child” also marked a turning point in George Michael’s career, showcasing a more mature and introspective side of his artistry. The song’s success and the intimate nature of the “Older” album as a whole allowed Michael to transition from a pop icon to a more revered and respected figure in the music industry.
In conclusion, “Jesus to a Child” is not just a song but a deeply personal tribute that encapsulates grief, love, and remembrance. Its melancholic beauty and emotional honesty continue to touch the hearts of listeners, making it a timeless piece in George Michael’s illustrious career.
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Lyrics
Kindness In your eyes, I guess You heard me cry You smiled at me Like Jesus to a childI’m blessed I know Heaven sent And Heaven stole You smiled at me Like Jesus to a childAnd what have I learned From all this pain I thought I’d never feel the same About anyone Or anything againBut now I know When you find your love When you know that it exists Then the lover that you miss Will come to you on those cold, cold nightsWhen you’ve been loved When you know it holds such bliss Then the lover that you kissed Will comfort you when there’s no hope in sightSadness In my eyes No one guessed Or no one tried You smiled at me Like Jesus to a childLoveless and cold With your last breath You saved my soul You smiled at me Like Jesus to a childAnd what have I learned From all these tears I’ve waited for you all those years And just when it began He took your love awayBut I still say When you find love When you know that it exists Then the lover that you miss Will come to you on those cold, cold nightsWhen you’ve been loved When you know it holds such bliss Then the lover that you kissed Will comfort you when there’s no hope in sightSo the words you could not say I’ll sing them for you And the love we would have made I’ll make it for twoFor every single memory Has become a part of me You will always be My loveWell, I’ve been loved So I know just what love is And the lover that I kissed Is always by my sideOh, the lover I still miss Was Jesus to a child