Hand to Mouth (song)

Infobox Song
Name = Hand to Mouth


Artist = George Michael
Album = Faith
Released = 30 October 1987
track_no = 6
Recorded = 1987
Genre = Pop, Rock
Length = 4:36
Writer = George Michael
Label = Columbia
Producer = George MichaelExtra tracklisting
Album = Faith
Type = studio
prev_track = Hard Day
prev_no = 5
this_track = "Hand To Mouth"
track_no = 6
next_track = "Look At Your Hands"
next_no = 7

"Hand to Mouth" is a song written by George Michael recorded for his 1987 album "Faith". It was the B-side of single "Faith", which was the best-selling single of the year 1988 in the USA.

The song is known for its political motivation and Michael's gratefulness to America. The mood of the song is low-key throughout, except for brief moments of solace in the beginning of each chorus.

"Hand To Mouth" soberly tells two stories of lives denied the American Dream: one who finally blows his top and shoots at people, the other a woman who has no one to turn to and becomes a prostitute. The criticism of Reaganite America is strong here:

"I believe in the gods of America""I believe in the land of the free""But no one told me""that the gods believe in nothing""so with empty hands I pray"

This track features one of Michael's highest vocals; he said in his autobiography that the song was meant to be a single replacing his biggest hit Faith but due to negative publicity of his friends he gave up the idea.

It is later covered by the American folk singer and songwriter Joan Baez on her album Speaking of Dreams.

Credits

*George Michael; Vocal, Producer
*Engineer; Chris Porter
* Ian Thomas - drums
* Andy Duncan - percussion
* Shirley Lewis - background vocals
* Chris Cameron - organ, piano, keyboards
* Robert Ahwai - guitar
* Deon Estus - bass