First Time Hearing George Michael - “Praying For Time” Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@jeannieschmidt2217]

OMG - I am so THRILLED that somebody has found this song to react to. It's one of George's very BEST - and so underrated. This and One More Try (official video) are my top two George songs.

[@rowanmayfair9249]

Thanks! It's a close tie for my favorite song along with A Different Corner.

[@herminiahernandez1512]

I bought the cassette when it came out and when it was overplayed went and got the CD. It's my favourite of George's albums. It's very serious and emotional.

[@edwinconcepcion724]

This is on the same level as Imagine by John Lennon. He talks about how F*CKed the world is.

[@damianbrink5081]

That's nice. My top two are Cowboys and angels and Praying for time. But One more try is very good as well

[@rowanmayfair9249]

@Edwin Concepcion um.... you may want to look deeper into Imagine. It's a gorgeous song but I think you may have read into it wrong as most do.

[@PeterJPickles]

The lyrics are exceptional.

[@TheCdavy]

Released in 1990…still relevant to this second…in my opinion the greatest male vocalist ever✌🏻

[@ASMRyouVEGANyet]

It's a fact, not an opinion.

[@karenp4667]

George was so ahead of our times. I believe he wrote this in the 90s , but damn we are living these times right now.

[@Julieroo28]

It came out in 1990, so he was 27 when it was released.

[@etude79]

Yes, this song was ahead of its time, but I'm sure before him something like this happened...it's just that as the years go by, history repeats itself because people will never learn to change their ways.

[@k.t.5405]

we ALWAYS been living these times., dude....since the days of the Pharaohs

[@tsblonde510]

Yes, the song was popular amongst the soldiers overseas during the Gulf War.

[@razberrysky12]

​@RandomShartSo horribly sad but true. Let's you and me start to end it right now. Lots of less screen time and more time thinking and talking to people!!!

[@vmooreg]

In the chorus, Michael sings, "It's hard to love, there's so much to hate / Hanging on to hope / When there is no hope to speak of." Here, he reflects on the fact that in a world where there is so much suffering and inequality, it can be difficult to maintain hope and a sense of optimism. Overall, "Praying for Time" is a powerful and poignant song that speaks to the challenges of the world we live in and the need for greater empathy and understanding towards those who are struggling. The song encourages us to take a step back, reflect on our values and priorities, and work towards creating a more just and compassionate society. 😊

[@ritchiec6317]

1990. Listen without prejudice. His masterpiece. George Michael is a LEGEND. My favorite album by him

[@daz_n]

An incredible song even more relevant today. The tales that came out after he died of his anonymous generosity just proved what an amazing human being he was. Secret donations to pay for a couples' IVF treatment, a cheque to clear a stranger's debt after he overheard her crying in a café, massive donations to charities and working undercover at a homeless shelter. RIP George.

[@shaunfinch1190]

He paid for all a student nurses' fees when he found out she had been waiting on him in a restaurant to pay off the debt she . Legend

[@DaeronK]

One of my favourites from George, beautiful and so relevant. An exceptional song writer and singer.

[@zenpuppy6025]

It’s my favorite song by George Michael. He has such an amazing voice. Gone to soon RIP.🥹

[@tylerhackner9731]

One of his best. Emotional and powerful yet understated

[@_blueskies]

Pure perfection. Deeply moving, profound lyrics that speak about socioeconomic disparities, losing faith, climate change, and the wages of sin. Because of the religious references in the song, I've always interpreted "praying for time" as meaning wanting more time to delay answering for the sins, or choices, humanity has made.

[@michaelasay8587]

Climate change.... omg

[@_blueskies]

@@michaelasay8587 It’s one way to interpret “The wounded skies above say it’s much too late”

[@usmc6004]

​@@_blueskiesThat's exactly what he was talking about.

[@barr790]

This is my favourite George Michael song, it's relevant even today. Beautiful song "all gods children crept out the back door" love your reactions guys ❤️💙

[@airalex2215]

I'm 25 and George it's my idol, this is my favourite song. Thank you❤

[@chief45kc2572]

This whole album is amazing.

[@adz_b]

More George please 🙏🏻 👍🇬🇧😍

[@loristone9242]

His music transcends time. Especially this song. Beautiful, haunting and unforgettable. R.I.P. George Michael 🖤

[@russellsearch7925]

This song was not about time per-say but rather the excesses of celebrity, the huge wealth gained and held onto by the rich and famous. There is all this trouble in the world and poverty, but all that the rich celebrities care about is making more money to buy more stuff FOR THEMSELVES! Truly great artist at the peak of his power. RIP George.

[@bena2591]

Spot on. "The world is a hateful mess, we should all be praying for time" describes the point well.

[@soulfireonfire6423]

It wasn’t just about celebrities . It was about the huge. gap between all wealthy and everyone else! How it’s never gotten better, we just see it getting worse. But more so the people in charge in governments around the world see it happening and aren’t doing anything about it!! The video of him in studio at that time, he is actually explaining to the person speaking what made cane to his mind, to do such a different song . He said he felt that there comes a time when your s writer that you have write about things that are going on in the world when you finally see what’s going on! Or something to that affect ! I encourage everyone to watch that video ! It also shows him in studio singing it!

[@Niecy70]

Absolutely amazing song by George Michael. I feel like it's basically a song that says we are running out of time to be good people and take care of one another and the planet Etc it's a very moving song and his voice is obviously perfection❤️

[@marcelotto6825]

Every year that goes by, his music should be locked in the time it was created. But for me most of his music is growing with importance. An exceptional artist whose creativity I probably miss more than any other.

[@statnerd9263]

song came out in 1990 from the exceptional album "Listen Without Prejudice" - every song on that album is great; as far as the lyrics for this song, to give context (I was in college at the time) - "your television takes a stand ...." I assumed was referring to the TV commercials at the time such as "Save the Children" where charitable organizations were asking for donation to helping starving children in other parts of the world; followed by the lyric "and you find that was over there is over here ..." since there is poverty here "Freedom '90" is probably the other well known track from this album - an excellent song, but to understand the context you need to reaction to "Faith" including the music video (if you haven't already). "Waiting For the Day" and "Mother's Pride" are also good songs that got some radio airplay at the time. One of my favorite non-singles from that album that I think you would love is "They Won't Go When I Go" which was written by Stevie Wonder.

[@rolybling]

It's his best album, his finest work.

[@stevengartside7257]

There’s another comment on here about you watching the film ‘Last Christmas’ starring Emilia Clarke. I whole heartedly second that. Lots of George Michael songs and this particular song is towards the end and fits in so perfectly.

[@tonyporenshenko425]

George was a true musician

[@SRGots]

This song came out right two weeks before I was turned 16 in the summer of 1990 and when I tell you I played this song repeatedly for days on end, I'm not exaggerating. I had taped it off the radio and was obsessed with it. My parents wanted to kill me because I was blasting it out of my stereo speakers without using my headphones. 😂

[@michaelparsons5299]

George Michael! I have a photograph of me impersonating him when I was 23 years old based on his look from the Faith album cover. I am as straight as an arrow. But I loved that man. What a beautiful soul he was. His songs touched my heart and I keep them close to me, always!

[@radiatelight4100]

My favorite George Michael song. It's a masterpiece

[@dancelover020]

Certainly a masterpiece!

[@scm021374]

"cowboys and angels" is an excellent one you should check out also

[@annak8666]

This song is so relevant today. Brilliant lyrics. Thank you for reacting.

[@wgsips]

Great song and the best artist, love love George! He was also a giver! And had such talent! Sadly gone too soon.. And I guess everyone is praying for time ,as time flies by so fast.. that's why I love to listen to music and watch videos from past times... Thx so much for reacting 🎤🎶💜

[@charmainet2606]

George Michael was ahead of his time and is such an underrated artist. He was exceptionally talented. Praying for Time is my favorite song but my favorite version is to MTV Unplugged version.

[@theresalacey6126]

This is my favorite George song. It's beautiful and timeless. It's as relevant today as it was when he wrote it. He was a beautiful singer, songwriter, musician and human being. ♥️ ❤❤

[@mariaportengen2959]

One of the most beautiful voices! 🎶🎶🎶❤️❤️

[@deckofcards87]

George's "Listen Without Prejudice Vol 1" is a stunning album. He spilled his heart and soul into these songs, even more so on "Older." Losing his partner in the early 90s Anselmo Feleppa had a lot to do with it.

[@surlechapeau]

Asia & BJ, his "Freedom! '90" is next for you!!

[@JosephHuntelvisnspiders]

So glad you did this. Everyone needs to hear this song and listen without prejudice. Profound words and still relevant today. RIP GM.

[@brucedillinger9448]

Such a great song. You two find some wonderful pieces that are definitely under the radar. And for that I am thankful. R.I.P George. ✌

[@davidpodner7162]

The acoustic version of this is unbelievable

[@jaquettajones]

His Album LISTEN WITHOUT PREJUDICE is absolutely BRILLIANT - Please react to HEAL THE PAIN from that album - it is Gorgeous!

[@gregharmon3797]

A genius and the greatest voice of the last 40 years

[@zedsded62]

.you should do the whole album 'listen without prejudice' A masterpiece entirely 🙏

[@karinabeck6329]

George was quoted in the September edition of The New York Times regarding this song, he said: “No event inspired the song. It’s my way of trying to figure out why it’s so hard for people to be good to each other. I believe the problem is conditional as opposed to being something inherent in mankind. The media has affected everybody’s consciousness much more than most people will admit. Because of the media, the way the world is perceived is as a place where resources and time are running out. We’re taught that you have to grab what you can before it’s gone. It’s almost as if there isn’t time for compassion.” During MTV’s Rockumentary, George Michael analyzed the meaning of ‘Praying for Time’ and explained why he decided to explore different subject matters on ‘Listen Without Prejudice’ album, he said: “There comes a point where you have to write something which you have not written before and which your interest in any particular topic or subject will inspire you, and that’s why I suppose, eventually, most lyricists do approach wider topics than sex and love, you know? (Lyrics: These are the days of the open hand, they will not be the last, Look around now, these are the days, Of the beggars and the choosers) The ‘open hand’ to me represents the vast numbers of people, specifically in this country, who are actually on the poverty line or below the poverty line, which is something that’s going to go on and I like the idea of ‘beggars and the choosers’ because you take a phrase, what’s the phrase, ‘beggars can’t be choosers,’ and you completely change it. In other words, ‘the beggars and the choosers’ and nothing in-between, which was really my point, because it does seem to be not that much in-between these days. (Lyrics: This is the year of the hungry man, Whose place is in the past, Hand in hand with ignorance, And legitimate excuses) That verse is really about the fact that the hungry men of today are completely, where there is a full knowledge of them, people know what’s going on, in this country and abroad, and the legitimate excuse of yesterday was that ignorance and that’s gone, obviously. So, in other words, the hungry man today is a well-known fact.” (Lyrics: I guess somewhere along the way, He must have let us all out to play, Turned his back and all God’s children, Crept out the back door) He continued: “I’ve always liked the term ‘God’s children,’ somehow as though we were that innocent, in a way, and the idea being that we ran out on God, in a sense - ‘crept out the back door’ - and because of that we’re left to make our own decisions. ‘We’ll take our chances because God stopped keeping score,’ like saying there’s no one here to pull back the reins so we have to make our own decisions.”

[@scottvanhille5688]

Great song, he performed this on American Idol when Paula Abdul was one of the judges. Timeless classic. Song suggestion: Seal--Prayer For The Dying.

[@debbieseymore481]

Such a beautiful gift from God he was blessed with. Gone to soon. 😢😢😢

[@prmediagroupdk]

Have you guys seen his grave? Its litteraly just a simple stone without his name on in a far away corner at the graveyard. Just next to his mother and sister. Such a megastar... burried so humble ❤ Gave almost all his fortune away to sick and homeless people... without letting anyone know that it was him who supported them❤❤

[@Kate-b5j]

This record was perfection. I remember hearing it and recognizing instantly that as a complete work-- it was one of the greatest records ever made in popular music. George was an extraordinary artist. Britain loves this man! ❤️

[@ryanfeit1420]

Please react to "One More Try". This song is so beautiful and one of George Michael's best songs. If you can it would be great if you could watch the official video. I love you guys!!!

[@topherberry1569]

If you haven't watched the movie "Last Christmas" from 2019, you should watch it.All of the songs on the soundtrack are all George Michael songs. That movie is so good, but so underrated!

[@craigmarkowski7156]

Asia you'll be glad to hear that George Michaels will be inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame in November ! I know I'm excited !

[@Julieroo28]

“And charity is a coat you wear twice a year…”

[@thomasdalgaard4747]

George Michael Said: I wanted to write a McCartney song, and it was “Heal the pain”. And I wanted to write a John Lennon song, and it was “Praying for time”. Amazing album. Was planned as two albums, where vol. 2 would be more of a Dance album, but he chose not to do promotion for vol. 1 and vol. 2 was not released. The single “Too funky” was intended for vol. 2. He wanted to make an artistic change from the Faith image. And boy, did he. This album and Older are his best in my opinion.

[@soldrvic]

GM was an exceptional artist, song writer and his songs always had deep meanings. Left us too early..RIP

[@jad4680]

great song! great artist!! about destroying ourselves and the planet "the wounded sky's above" through greed and the pursuit of money and self interest and caring less about our fellow humans who have nothing,bringing on disaster sooner for future generations and our children. this song is deep and heavy make no mistake these lyrics are important. "COWBOYS AND ANGELS" FOR REACTION great song. ; )

[@mallaka8]

Exceptional song. Just so ahead of its time. Lyrically brilliant and so so thought provoking. It shows the heart of the man. Miss him so much.

[@AnthonyL0401]

This song is a heartbreaker of hard truths

[@rosemiller2990]

Please discover his entire catalog of music. Just like this one has surprised you. There are many more that you’ll be touched by. He left us an amazing body of work.

[@darrenwestbury8569]

cowboys and angels is another good tune from Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1

[@josearroyo4424]

I loved how she kept shaking her head and he was just rocking back in forth,she couldn't grasp that, It's hard to love, there's so much to Hate.

[@nickkahler673]

Yes! Such a gem.

[@rouguy1972]

George the best❤

[@craigmarkowski7156]

That's a beautiful very deep song ! "Charity is a coat you wear twice a year" ! You can't come back cuz you have no children to come back for ! Wow ... Back in the early 2000's George used to live in Dallas with his then partner !

[@michelelombardi4352]

Every album is a masterpiece. He is so missed. ❤

[@rosemiller2990]

This is such a stunning piece of work. Absolutely beautiful and the lyrics are so poignant from the day he wrote it through today. It’s almost as if he knew what the state of the world would continue to be like. I watched him sing this live with an orchestra at Palias Garnier.His voice was so angelic.❤

[@scm021374]

I love this 1. Listen without prejudice is just as good or maybe better than his faith album.

[@rolybling]

It's way better than Faith, streets ahead in terms of his songwriting and musically much more mature. My favourite is Waiting For That Day, it's a masterpiece.

[@jenturner8076]

Thank you for doing this one ❤

[@darranbewick5292]

Another top tune.

[@mallaka8]

Such a profoundly beautiful song that shows the heart and intelligence of the man.

[@patrickcooper1157]

Hi I'm a new viewer, i love your chemistry together, i maybe wrong but i also think this song is about social decline, love watching you both x

[@sassypatty2666]

Great reaction…❤❤❤RIP George. He was such a generous man

[@Robosapien-jj1zy]

The greatest song ever written. I miss you George x

[@betagombar9022]

Hiya, you should give the live version of Praying for time a watch. It's on the MTV unplugged session from 1996 that George did, the whole session is amazing 💜

[@AzDesertFoxx]

This song makes me cry every time I hear it. The line "when charity's a coat you wear once a year" gets me every time.

[@leslapins7617]

The time mentionned on this song is abt the fact that humanity until here has scrapped everything and maybe we have not time to arrange things until we dissapear. This is why we should pray for time, we need time to fix everything that humanity made wrong till today.

[@thefullnomad6543]

Incredibly relevant song that’s 30 years old but coulda been written yesterday. It’s about greed, the climate crisis, and the politics of outrage. The “praying for time” is about the fatalist way so many people feel about the climate and environment. “The wounded skies above say it’s much too late.” George was ahead of his time.

[@Alex-vk1qt]

What is the Holocene? I agree with you on everything else.

[@edwinpreston8159]

Top 5 singer of all time....total kudos!!

[@revampenglish]

He quoted in the New York Times. It's my way of trying to figure out why it's so hard for people to be good to each other. I believe the problem is conditional as opposed to being something inherent in mankind.

[@uninvited35]

This song is a masterpiece!!!And a food for thought…

[@teensymom1420]

George was really disillusioned by celebrity culture and those were had money with no connection to the real world. When he sings about having too much but you'll take your chances, and charity is a coat you wear twice a year he is talking about those that have so much but are selfish and unconcerned with the plight of others. Of course I think it is something we can all take on board. He said there was no one event or person who inspired the song. He said it was his way to try and figure out why it was so hard for people to be good to each other. One thing George never had a problem with was being good to others. As we learned after he died, he gave so much to charities that would not have been able to carry on without his help. And he did most of this anonymously because he did not want to take the credit for it. There are so many celebrities these days that are getting famous for being charitable where more money is going into their pockets than the charities. George donated large sums to children's charities, HIV/AIDS charities, cancer charities, food bank charities and on and on it goes. Famously he was watching a game show on TV one day when a couple was on who were trying to win money to continue IVF fertility treatments. George called and talked to the producer and told him that he would pay for couple to have two rounds of treatments but only if he did not tell them who had donated the money. The couple only learned of George's generosity after his death. When they had their little boy they named him Seth George.

[@mandyhargraves8589]

A genius at work he wrote this while recording it. Amazing ❤

[@pv-mm2or]

Praying for time is the most prophetic song George ever recorded. Hold back the speed the world is traveling, on its way to self destruction, pray for the time to put things right, before its to late.

[@carollittle1059]

He could sing a telephone book and sound great.

[@carloscastro9138]

One of those Great song by George Michael you will not hear on the radio a 10 plus lyrics . ( and there are many more with excellent well crafted lyrics like this )

[@stevenblock9712]

Like your other listeners, I am so appreciative that you found and played this very special song. I discovered it when it was in the movie. "Last Christmas".

[@shaunfinch1190]

Listen deeply to the words he sings...... truth.

[@jockmcque3018]

Excellent song, and topical looking around now. Instantly singable. Could be an anthem eventuallly

[@modulator7861]

Not bad for a "Pop song". Funny, I’ve never really thought of George Michael as “deep”, but this song is really brilliant. On one hand, it’s an absolutely beautiful tune - yet it leaves the listener in a totally contemplative mood - and without being smarmy.

[@ginaneumannbush8136]

George Michael was a genius,, listen to his song "Monkey" I think you will like it.

[@PeterJPickles]

Listen to A different corner, about the love of his life that died, another stunning song.

[@Julieroo28]

You mean “Jesus to a Child” and “You Have Been Loved”.

[@teensymom1420]

A Different Corner was written way before met Anselmo. Jesus to a Child is about Anselmo. You have been loved is about Anselmo's mother. Most of the Older album is about Anselmo in one way or another. All three are amazing songs.

[@PeterJPickles]

@@Julieroo28 Yeah wrong song ha ha :)

[@PeterJPickles]

@@teensymom1420 My bad, you are correct :)

[@Julieroo28]

@@PeterJPickles Still a good one!

[@nikkikat1325]

This song has some deep Christianity notes. Its not just about time passing by too fast…it’s about people feeling that they have been rejected by God

[@S1MPLECAVEMAN]

Monumental song

[@lindapasqualino9144]

You should also hear him sing live in the 90s. He sang Papa was a Rolling Stone.

[@brucedillinger9448]

Would you consider reacting to THEY WON'T GO WHEN I GO by George? It's a cover of a Stevie Wonder song and is vocally powerful. ✌

[@todstapleton3911]

Amazing song. George Michael at his best

[@derrickthompson2664]

I accidentally saw this thread but this song is one of my favorites by George Michael. Its a sad commentary on this world even today 34 years later

[@usmc6004]

One of my favorite GM powerful & true song. The rich declares themselves poor. The wounded skies above say it's much to late. Talking about climate change.

[@carollittle1059]

Loved him, gone too soon, RIP

[@camrondirossi3249]

George Michael did a lot for charity in England and he was on some sitcoms in england as well and hes quite funny

[@alesiaking5578]

You have to imagine driving with this song blasting in your Camaro with the T-tops off in East Tennessee mountains with the love of your life in 1990 kissing you as you’re driving with your feet

[@renecasillas1308]

You guys should listen to Faith

[@robinbird7]

I don't see a reaction to George's "One more try" or his duet with Whitney Houston, "If I told you that." Two of my favorites! Highly recommend! ❤️

[@soulfireonfire6423]

Another song relating to the world was Patience! I believe he was referencing war! But George’s statement was, “ if you ever want to know what is going on in my head, just listen to my songs. But if you don’t quite get it, and it relates to you in another way, then I am just as happy and have done my job as an artist!”

[@jenturner8076]

Y’all should do Mothers Pride ❤