George Michael, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in 1963, was one of the most celebrated pop artists of his generation, renowned for his soulful voice, sharp songwriting, and boundary-pushing artistry. He first rose to fame in the early 1980s as part of the duo Wham!, delivering global hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Last Christmas.” Transitioning into a solo career, Michael achieved even greater success with his 1987 debut album Faith, which sold over 25 million copies worldwide and produced classics such as “Father Figure” and “Faith.”
Over the course of his career, he sold more than 100 million records, won multiple Grammy and Brit Awards, and became known for tackling themes of love, identity, and social issues in his music. Beyond his artistry, Michael was admired for his philanthropy and activism, often performed quietly and generously. His untimely passing in 2016 left a lasting void in the music world, but his legacy as one of pop’s most gifted and influential voices endures.
George Michael’s 1987 single “Father Figure” is a sultry, introspective masterpiece that highlights his evolution from pop star to sophisticated solo artist. From the opening notes, the song envelops listeners in a moody, atmospheric soundscape, blending soulful vocals with a sleek, minimalist production that emphasizes emotion and intimacy. Its lyrics explore desire, protection, and complex relationships with a maturity that marked a new chapter in Michael’s career. “Father Figure” became a global hit, earning critical acclaim and chart success while cementing George Michael’s reputation as one of the era’s most talented and versatile performers.
The track remains a defining example of his ability to combine pop sensibility with emotional depth.
The song peaked at No. 11 in the UK Singles Chart on 16th January 1988.
| A-Side | Father Figure (5:36) (George Michael) Produced By George Michael |
| B-Side | Love’s In Need Of Love Today (Live) (4:42) (George Michael) Produced By George Michael |
| Genre | Rock, Pop |
| Release Date | January 1988 |
| Label | EPIC |
| Catalogue Number | EMU 4 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 9th January 1988 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 11 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 04 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [4 Weeks] – 9th January 1988 – 30th January 1988 |
Officially Released Versions
Father Figure (Single Version) (5:36)
Versions On Spotify
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Lyrics
That’s all I wanted, something special
Something sacred in your eyes
For just one moment to be bold and naked
At your side
Sometimes I think that you’ll never
Understand me (Understand me)
Maybe this time is forever
Say it can be, woah-woah, oh
That’s all you wanted, somethin’ special
Someone sacred in your life
Just for one moment, to be warm and naked
At my side
Sometimes I think that you’ll never
Understand me (Understand me)
But somethin’ tells me together
We’d be happy, woah-woah, baby
I will be your father figure (Oh, baby)
Put your tiny hand in mine (I’d love to)
I will be your preacher, teacher (Be your daddy)
Anything you have in mind (It would make me)
I will be your father figure (Very happy)
I have had enough of crime (Please let me)
I will be the one who loves you
‘Til the end of time (Of time)
That’s all I wanted, but sometimes love can be mistaken
For a crime
That’s all I wanted, just to see my baby’s
Blue eyes shine
This time I think that my lover
Understands me (Understands me), hee
If we have faith in each other
Then we can be strong, baby
I will be your father figure
Put your tiny hand in mine (My baby)
I will be your preacher, teacher
Anything you have in mind (Hee)
I will be your father figure
I have had enough of crime
I will be the one who loves you
‘Til the end of time
If you are the desert, I’ll be the sea
If you ever hunger, hunger for me
Whatever you ask for, that’s what I’ll be
So when you remember the ones who have lied
Who said that they cared, but then laughed as you cried
Beautiful darling, don’t think of me, because all I ever wanted
It’s in your eyes
Baby (Baby, baby)
And love can’t lie, no
Greet me with the eyes of a child
My love is always tellin’ me so
Heaven is a kiss and a smile
Just hold on, hold on, and I won’t let you go, my baby
I will be your father figure
Put your tiny hand in mine
I will be your preacher, teacher
I’m everything you have in mind, baby
I will be your father figure
And I have had enough of crime
So I am gonna love you
‘Til the end of time
I will be your father (I will be your)
I will be your preacher (Father)
I will be your father (I’ll be your daddy, oh)
I will be the one who loves you
‘Til the end of time
Written By George Michael
