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 “Careless Whisper” is one of the most iconic ballads of the 1980s, beloved for its unforgettable saxophone riff and heartfelt emotion. Released in 1984 while he was still part of Wham!, the song marked a turning point in his career, showcasing a more mature and soulful side to his artistry. Its themes of love, regret, and heartbreak struck a chord with audiences worldwide, helping it reach No. 1 in over 20 countries, including both the UK and the US. With its smooth production and George Michael’s powerful vocal performance, “Careless Whisper” remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners decades later.
The song peaked at No. 01 in the UK charts on 18th August 1984.
| A-Side | Careless Whisper (5:00) (George Michael) Produced By George Michael |
| B-Side | Careless Whisper [Instrumental] (5:04) (George Michael) Produced By George Michael |
| Genre | Electronic, Pop, Ballad |
| Release Date | July 1984 |
| Label | EPIC RECORDS |
| Catalogue Number | A 4603 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 4th August 1984 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 01 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 14 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [14 Weeks] – 4th August 1984 – 11th November 1984 |
| 12-2-[1]-1-1-2-2-3-5-11-18-20-26-34-38 |
Officially Released Versions
Careless Whisper [Single Version] [5:00]
Careless Whisper [Extended Mix] [6:30]
Careless Whisper [Special Version] [5:34]
Careless Whisper [Instrumental] [5:04]
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
Oh, woah, woah, oh
I feel so unsure
As I take your hand and lead you to the dance floor
As the music dies, something in your eyes
Calls to mind a silver screen and all its sad goodbyes
I’m never gonna dance again
Guilty feet have got no rhythm
Though it’s easy to pretend
I know you’re not a fool
I should have known better than to cheat a friend
And waste the chance that I’d been given
So I’m never gonna dance again
The way I danced with you, oh
Time can never mend
The careless whispers of a good friend
To the heart and mind, ignorance is kind
There’s no comfort in the truth, pain is all you’ll find
I’m never gonna dance again
Guilty feet have got no rhythm
Though it’s easy to pretend
I know you’re not a fool
I should have known better than to cheat a friend (Shoulda known better, yeah)
And waste the chance that I’d been given
So I’m never gonna dance again
The way I danced with you, oh
Never without your love
Tonight, the music seems so loud
I wish that we could lose this crowd
Maybe it’s better this way
We’d hurt each other with the things we want to say
We could have been so good together
We could have lived this dance forever
But now, who’s gonna dance with me?
Please stay
And I’m never gonna dance again
Guilty feet have got no rhythm
Though it’s easy to pretend
I know you’re not a fool
I should have known better than to cheat a friend
And waste the chance that I’d been given
So I’m never gonna dance again
The way I danced with you, oh
(Now that you’re gone) Now that you’re gone
(Now that you’re gone) Was what I did so wrong, so wrong
That you had to leave me alone?
Written By George Michael
