George Michael – Praying for Time

About the song

Released on August 13, 1990, “Praying for Time” stands out as a poignant and reflective piece from George Michael. This track is the lead single from his second studio album, “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1”. Known for his ability to blend pop sensibilities with deeper, often socially conscious themes, Michael uses this song to address issues of inequality and societal neglect.

The song’s lyrics paint a grim picture of the world, emphasizing the disparity between the rich and the poor and highlighting the growing indifference to the suffering of others. With lines like “It’s hard to love, there’s so much to hate,” and “Hanging on to hope when there is no hope to speak of,” Michael’s lyrics resonate deeply, reflecting the anxieties of the time. The early ’90s were marked by economic uncertainty and a growing awareness of global issues, and “Praying for Time” captures this sentiment perfectly.

Musically, “Praying for Time” is characterized by its sparse arrangement and somber tone. The production is minimalistic, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. This approach was a deliberate departure from the more polished, pop-oriented sound of Michael’s earlier work with Wham! and his debut solo album, “Faith”. By stripping back the production, Michael ensured that the message of the song was delivered with clarity and emotional weight.

George Michael chose not to appear in the music video for “Praying for Time”, a decision that further emphasized the song’s message over his image as a pop star. The video features only the lyrics displayed on a black screen, drawing the viewer’s focus entirely to the words and their meaning. This artistic choice was a bold move, especially during an era when music videos were a crucial promotional tool.

The song’s impact extends beyond its initial release. “Praying for Time” has been covered by various artists, each bringing their own interpretation to its powerful message. The song’s enduring relevance is a testament to George Michael’s ability to address universal themes of justice, compassion, and the human condition.

In the context of George Michael’s career, “Praying for Time” marked a significant evolution. It showcased his growth as a songwriter and his willingness to tackle complex, often uncomfortable subjects. This shift was not without its challenges, as the commercial reception of “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1” was initially lukewarm compared to the massive success of “Faith”. However, the critical acclaim for “Praying for Time” and the album as a whole affirmed Michael’s artistic integrity and cemented his legacy as a thoughtful and influential musician.

In conclusion, “Praying for Time” remains one of George Michael’s most compelling and introspective works. Its release in 1990 captured the socio-political climate of the time, and its themes continue to resonate with listeners today. By focusing on the song’s powerful message and minimalistic production, George Michael created a timeless piece that challenges us to reflect on our society and our role within it.

Video

Lyrics

Oh-oh, yeah
Mmm
To-do-do, oh-oh

These are the days of the open hand
They will not be the last
Look around now
These are the days of the beggars and the choosers

This is the year of the hungry man
Whose place is in the past
Hand in hand with ignorance
And legitimate excuses

The rich declare themselves poor
And most of us are not sure
If we have too much but we’ll take our chances
‘Cause God’s stopped keeping score
I guess somewhere along the way
He must have let us all out to play
Turned His back and all God’s children
Crept out the back door

And it’s hard to love
There’s so much to hate
Hanging on to hope
When there is no hope to speak of
And the wounded skies above
Say it’s much, too much, too late
Well, maybe we should all be praying for time

To-do-do, oh-oh
Mmm, whoa-whoa, yeah

These are the days of the empty hand
Oh, you hold on to what you can
And charity is a coat you wear twice a year
This is the year of the guilty man
Your television takes a stand
And you find that what was over there is over here

So you scream from behind your door
Say what’s mine is mine and not yours
I may have too much but I’ll take my chances
‘Cause God’s stopped keeping score
And you cling to the things they sold you
Did you cover your eyes when they told you
That he can’t come back ’cause he has no children
To come back for?

It’s hard to love
There’s so much to hate
Hanging on to hope
When there is no hope to speak of
And the wounded skies above
Say it’s much too late
So maybe we should all be praying for time

To-do-do
Oh-oh, yeah