In the early hours of Christmas morning, 25th December 2016, George Michael died at his home in Goring-on-Thames, aged 53.

He was found dead, lying in bed, by his partner. ‘I went round there to wake him up and he was just gone, lying peacefully in bed.

Everything had been very complicated recently, but George was looking forward to (his Last) Christmas.’

Last Christmas was written and produced in 1984 by George Michael, and has been covered by many artists since its original release.

In subsequent years, the song managed to reach the UK Singles Chart on a regular basis

1985: Reached number 2 (13 weeks)

1986: Reached number 6 (7 weeks)

1989: Reached number 45 (4 weeks)

2007: Reached number 14 (5 weeks)

2008: Reached number 26 (5 weeks)

2009: Reached number 34 (4 weeks)

2010: Reached number 53 (4 weeks)

2011: Reached number 26 (4 weeks)

2012: Reached number 34 (4 weeks)

2013: Reached number 36 (4 weeks)

2014: Reached number 28 (3 weeks)

2015: Reached number 18 (5 weeks)

2016: Reached number 7 (5 weeks)

2017: Reached number 3 (5 weeks)

Last Christmas
I gave you my heart
But the very next day you gave it away.
This year
To save me from tears
I’ll give it to someone special.

Once bitten and twice shy
I keep my distance
But you still catch my eye.
Tell me, baby,
Do you recognize me?
Well,
It’s been a year,
It doesn’t surprise me
(Merry Christmas)

I wrapped it up and sent it
With a note saying, I love you,
I meant it
Now I know what a fool I’ve been.
But if you kissed me now
I know you’d fool me again.

Oh, oh, baby.

A crowded room,
Friends with tired eyes.
I’m hiding from you
And your soul of ice.
My god I thought you were someone to rely on.
Me? I guess I was a shoulder to cry on.

A face on a lover with a fire in his heart.
A man under cover but you tore me apart, ooh-hoo.
Now I’ve found a real love, you’ll never fool me again.

A face on a lover with a fire in his heart (I gave you my heart)
A man under cover but you tore him apart
Maybe next year I’ll give it to someone
I’ll give it to someone special.

Special …
Someone …