Hand to Mouth (song)
Encyclopedia
"Hand to Mouth" is a song written by George Michael
that was recorded for his 1987 album Faith
. It was the B-side
of single "Faith
", which was the best-selling single of the year 1988 in the USA.
The song is known for its political motivation and Michael's gratitude to America
. The mood of the song is low-key throughout, except for brief moments of solace in the beginning of each chorus.
"Hand to Mouth" soberly tells two stories of lives denied the American Dream
: one who finally blows his top and shoots at people, the other a woman who has no one to turn to and becomes a prostitute. The criticism of Reaganite America is strong here:
"I believe in the gods of America.
I believe in the land of the free.
But no one told me
that the gods believe in nothing,
so with empty hands I pray."
This track features one of Michael's highest vocals; he said in his autobiography that the song was meant to be a single replacing his biggest hit "Faith" but due to negative publicity of his friends, he gave up the idea.
It was later covered by the American folk singer and songwriter Joan Baez
on her album Speaking of Dreams
.
George Michael
George Michael is a British musician, singer, songwriter and record producer who rose to fame in the 1980s when he formed the pop duo Wham! with his school friend, Andrew Ridgeley...
that was recorded for his 1987 album Faith
Faith (George Michael album)
Faith is George Michael's first solo album, released in October 1987 via Columbia Records/Epic Records. The album has won several awards including the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1989. To date, the album has sold over 25 million copies worldwide, and received diamond certification from...
. It was the B-side
A-side and B-side
A-side and B-side originally referred to the two sides of gramophone records on which singles were released beginning in the 1950s. The terms have come to refer to the types of song conventionally placed on each side of the record, with the A-side being the featured song , while the B-side, or...
of single "Faith
Faith (George Michael song)
"Faith" is a #1 song, written and performed by George Michael, released as a single on Columbia Records, from his 1987 Faith album. According to Billboard magazine, it was the top-selling single of the year in the United States in 1988....
", which was the best-selling single of the year 1988 in the USA.
The song is known for its political motivation and Michael's gratitude to America
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The mood of the song is low-key throughout, except for brief moments of solace in the beginning of each chorus.
"Hand to Mouth" soberly tells two stories of lives denied the American Dream
American Dream
The American Dream is a national ethos of the United States in which freedom includes a promise of the possibility of prosperity and success. In the definition of the American Dream by James Truslow Adams in 1931, "life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each...
: one who finally blows his top and shoots at people, the other a woman who has no one to turn to and becomes a prostitute. The criticism of Reaganite America is strong here:
"I believe in the gods of America.
I believe in the land of the free.
But no one told me
that the gods believe in nothing,
so with empty hands I pray."
This track features one of Michael's highest vocals; he said in his autobiography that the song was meant to be a single replacing his biggest hit "Faith" but due to negative publicity of his friends, he gave up the idea.
It was later covered by the American folk singer and songwriter Joan Baez
Joan Baez
Joan Chandos Baez is an American folk singer, songwriter, musician and a prominent activist in the fields of human rights, peace and environmental justice....
on her album Speaking of Dreams
Speaking of Dreams
Speaking of Dreams was a 1989 album by Joan Baez that mixed personal compositions like the title song with political statements like "China", which was inspired by the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989...
.
Personnel
- George Michael - vocal, producer
- Chris Porter - engineer
- Ian Thomas - drums
- Andy Duncan - percussion
- Shirley Lewis - background vocals
- Chris Cameron - organ, piano, keyboards
- Robert Ahwai - guitar
- Deon Estus - bass