The Story Behind George Michael’s Cowboys and Angels
The Background of the Song’s Creation
In 1990, a year after the split of the Wham! band, George Michael released his second solo album titled “Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1”. Cowboys and Angels, one of the songs included in the album, was written by George Michael himself. The song immediately became a fan favorite and would eventually reach #45 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Meaning of the Song
Cowboys and Angels is a ballad that talks about two individuals with contrasting personalities. The cowboy symbolizes a daring and adventurous soul while the angel represents someone who is pure and innocent. The song speaks of the struggles of two opposing individuals trying to find common ground despite their differences.
George Michael talks about how the cowboy wanted freedom to do whatever he pleased. In one line of the song, he says, “Cowboys and angels they all have the time for you,” implying that even though both the cowboy and the angel are different, they are willing to spend their time with the other party.
The lyrics go on to talk about how the cowboy’s lifestyle would eventually cause him to distance himself from the angel. However, the chorus gives the listener a ray of hope that the two can still meet, and even though their connection may seem fragile, it may also be everlasting.
The Song’s Interpretation
The song could be interpreted in many different ways, and this is one of the reasons why it has stood the test of time. It may represent a relationship between two individuals with different personalities, but it could also symbolize a relationship between a person and his/her ambitions. The cowboy could be interpreted as the ambitions that one pursues while the angel represents the purity of the person’s character. The song encourages people to pursue their dreams while staying true to their values.
The Music Video
The music video for Cowboys and Angels was directed by George Michael himself. The video has a gothic feel to it with Michael wearing a long black coat with a hood while walking through dark, abandoned-looking streets. The video also features a scene in which Michael is standing in front of a burning house watching it burn down. This scene could be interpreted as the cowboy’s dream burning down.
The Legacy of Cowboys and Angels
Cowboys and Angels has become one of George Michael’s most iconic songs. It is a song that connects with people on many different levels, and the message of the song is still relevant today. The song has been covered by many artists, including the baritone singer Josh Groban and Robbie Williams.
Conclusion
In summary, Cowboys and Angels is a song that talks about the importance of finding common ground between two opposing individuals while staying true to one’s values. The song also encourages people to pursue their dreams while being aware of the consequences of their actions. The music video adds to the eerie, yet beautiful, feel that the song creates. Cowboys and Angels has become one of George Michael’s most iconic songs, and its message continues to connect with people from different walks of life.
