The defiant song George Michael wrote after he almost lost his life

June 28, 2024, 10:28 a.m.

“Was it science that saved me or the way you prayed for me?”

In 2011, pop icon George Michael almost died after a month-long hospital stay in Vienna, where he battled pneumonia.

George admitted that he was “on the edge” for a while and, after his recovery, said it was “the worst month of my life.”

In an emotional press conference in front of his London home, the “Faith” singer addressed his fans and said that for him there was still “a lot to live for”.

“They basically spent three weeks keeping me alive… I’m incredibly lucky to be here. Someone here still thinks I have some work to do,” the star added.

It was an experience that understandably left George deeply shaken. He said he was “very weak” at the time, but added that he felt “incredible.”

Fortunately, he made a full recovery and was able to return to the studio and the stage after having to cancel a number of concerts during his illness.

In an act of defiance against death, George wrote the life-affirming dance anthem “White Light” the following year.

Inspired by his near-death experience, George uses imagery to depict the light at the end of the tunnel.

Referring to his months-long battle with pneumonia, he sings emotionally: “Was it science that saved me or the way you prayed for me? Either way, I thank you, I’m alive.”

On the one hand, he thanked the medical staff who had ensured that George would be with us for a few more years, and on the other hand, he composed the song as a thank you to his fans.

George’s “favourites” supported him and sent him their best wishes throughout his ordeal, and to mark the 30th anniversary of his first chart appearance with Wham! (that was “Young Guns” in 1982), George released “White Light”.

In the accompanying press release, George wrote: “I am truly blessed and ‘White Light’ is my thank you to everyone who has contributed to my success. And I mean everyone, including the press!! Long may it continue.”

George Michael – White Light (Official Video)

Supermodel Kate Moss takes center stage alongside George in the music video for “White Light,” finally getting the chance to appear alongside the pop icon.

She had previously admitted that she was devastated after missing out on a role in George’s 1990 video for “Freedom,” and that her wish had come true.

George tweeted at the time: “Oh, and by the way, in the video a certain supermodel (our Kate) saves my life.”

“We shot two endings, one with the Heimlich maneuver… and one where she gives me full CPR. Mouth-to-mouth.”

“Not really,” Michael joked. “But honestly, she’s my savior, at least in the movies.”

George deeply enjoys his new life, singing “I’m alive and I want to do so much more” while dancing in a hedonistic club throughout the music video.

Although he wanted to showcase his joy of life with “White Light,” his decision to perform the song at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London was not particularly well received.

Although he performed “Freedom,” George was criticized for preferring to promote his new material rather than playing a classic hit.

He didn’t let the negativity bother him, responding, “This was my only chance on television to thank all of you for your loyalty and your prayers, and I took it. And I don’t regret it.”

However, George’s decision did not harm the song’s reputation: it reached number 15 in the British charts, making it his last own song in the charts before his tragic death on Christmas Day 2016.