You Have Been Loved

Album: Older (1996)
Charted: 2
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • George Michael wrote this song about his lover, Anselmo Feleppa, who died of an AIDS-related illness in 1993. The beginning of the song describes Anselmo's mother, who visits his grave, while passing by the school he attended. The first chorus has Anselmo's mother saying goodbye, telling him "You have been loved." The ending chorus has Anselmo dying, telling George, "You have been loved." The line, "If I was weak, forgive me; but I was terrified," refers to the trauma George felt during Anselmo's decline in health.

    While an intense song about grief and death, it also involves a spiritual struggle - while Anselmo and his mother both say that God is not dead, George counters their comments, challenging God, "What's the use in pressing palms, if you [God] won't keep such love from harm? It's a cruel world. You've so much to prove." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Stephanie - Naselle, WA

Comments: 1

  • George Lista from FethiyeWho composed the music.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"

Jonathan Edwards - "Sunshine"They're Playing My Song

"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.

Ramones

RamonesFact or Fiction

A band so baffling, even their names were contrived. Check your score in the Ramones version of Fact or Fiction.