17th December
Last Christmas
George Michael (1963 - 2016)
arr. Danielle Perrett and David Gough
This song was released by George Michael and his Wham! Partner, Andrew Ridgeley, in December 1984.
Because George Michael also participated in the Band Aid single ‘Do They Know it’s Christmas?’ He found himself at both number 1 and 2 in the UK singles charts concurrently.
This might have made anyone less generous a serious profit, but all the Band Aid profits were sent to Ethiopia for the no. 1 hit and George Michael also donated his profits to charity for his no. 2 for which he not only wrote and produced but played all the instruments too.
Although the song did reach no 1 in other countries, it was not until New Year’s Day, 2021 that it finally reached no 1 in this country.
The song has had many cover versions and I suppose our humble Advent Calendar version is adding to that list!
REFRAIN (x2):
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart
But the very next day, you gave it away
This year, to save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special
VERSE 1:
Once bitten and twice shy
I keep my distance, but you still catch my eye
Tell me, baby, do you recognize me?
Well, it’s been a year, it doesn’t surprise me
“Merry Christmas, ” I wrapped it up and sent it
With a note saying “I love you, ” I meant it
Now I know what a fool I’ve been
But if you kissed me now, I know you’d fool me again
REFRAIN x2
VERSE 2:
A crowded room, friends with tired eyes
I’m hiding from you and your soul of ice
My God, I thought you were someone to rely on
Me? I guess I was a shoulder to cry on
A face on a lover with a fire in his heart
A man under cover but you tore me apart
Ooh, ooh, now I’ve found a real love
You’ll never fool me again
REFRAIN x2
A face on a lover with a fire in his heart (I gave you mine)
A man under cover, but you tore him apart
Maybe next year, we’ll give it to someone
I’ll give it to someone special (special!)
So long!
Recorded on David Concert Harp
Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Ibanez Musician Electric Bass Guitar