The Killing of Georgie
The Killing of Georgie is a song written and recorded by Rod Stewart. It was released as a track on his album A Night on the Town in 1976.
Karl Pilkington has on numerous occasions named the song as one of his favourite songs as it "tells a story". The song tells the tale of a homosexual man, the titular Georgie, who is killed in New York City by a gang. Based on his belief that gay people stay out later than heterosexuals, Karl has suggested that perhaps Georgie wouldn't have been killed if he hadn't been out so late.
Interestingly, Karl maintains that Georgie is Scottish even though there is absolutely no indication of this in the lyrics. The lyrics even imply that he is from the USA as Greyhound Buses are a large US based inter-city bus service.
Trivia
While listening to the song on 27 April 2002, Ricky Gervais wonders if the song is based on a true story. The song is in fact based on a true-life story of an acquaintance of Rod Stewart, Georgie, who was killed in New York City. Although the lyrics state that Georgie died in 1975, this was for done for rhyming reasons only, his death actually occurring in 1974.
Lyrics
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's 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