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Michael Picasso Lyrics

Once upon a time
not so long ago
people used to stand and stare
at the Spider with the platinum hair
they thought you were immortal

We had our ups and downs
like brothers often do
but I was there for him
he was always there for me
and we were there for you

How can I put into words
what my heart feels?
it's the deepest thing
when somebody you love dies

I just wanted
to give something back to you
gift to gift
Michael, Michael Picasso good night

You used to love our house
you said it was relaxing
now I walk in the places you walk
I talk in all the spaces you talk
it still hasn't sunk in

Are the words real
that come into my head
on a morning walk?
do the shadows
play tricks with my mind?

For it feels like
nothing has changed
but I know it has
Michael, Michael Picasso
good night

Heal me
won't you
heal me?
nothing lasts forever
set me free

Heal me
won't you
heal me?
I'm the one who's left here
heal me
heal me
heal me

You turned into a ghost
surrounded by your pain
and the thing that I liked the least
was sitting 'round Hasker Street
lying about the future

And we all sit
in a room full of tears
on a windy day
and I looked out
but none of these words seem right

I just wanted
to give something back to you
gift to gift
Michael, Michael Picasso
good night
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Cover art for Michael Picasso lyrics by Ian Hunter

This is an emotionally raw and honest song about how it feels to lose a dear friend and comrade in arms way too young. It's about Mick Ronson, who died of liver cancer in 1993. I presume the name Michael Picasso is fictional, though the reference to the famously creative painter is obvious.

This week I am going to the memorial of a longtime friend who just passed away suddenly. I would like to sing this song for him there - it would absolutely bring down the house. But I know I will still be way too choked up to do that then. Maybe someday, after I work through a few more Stages Of Grief.

Ian Hunter is the last man standing, now having outlived every one of his old bandmates. I watched my dad do that too over the course of 90 years. If you live long enough you eventually become a man from another time, with everyone of your generation on the other side and no one left to attend your memorial. Only when you die young could an inspired and talented friend of long standing be able to write a song like this for you.

It's hard to believe it's been almost a quarter century since Ian released 'Rant'. Time marches on and on, and the guy still tours a little bit from time to time. He's a rock 'n' roll legend. Rock on Mr Hunter!

[Edit: Correcting grammar, adding one morw thought.]

Positive
Subjective
Sadness
Grief
Loss
Friendship
Memorial
Nostalgia
Cover art for Michael Picasso lyrics by Ian Hunter

This song is a tribute to Mick Ronson and describes Ian's feeling on his friend's death. Very beautiful and very sad.

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