Hand to Mouth (song)

"Hand to Mouth"
Song by George Michael
from the album Faith
Released	30 October 1987 (1987-10-30)
Recorded	1987
Studio	PUK Studios, Denmark Sarm West Studios, London
Genre	Sophisti-pop
Length	4:05
Label	Columbia (US) Epic (UK)
Songwriter(s)	George Michael
Producer(s)	George Michael

"Hand to Mouth" is a song by English singer-songwriter George Michael from his debut solo studio album, Faith, released in 1987. It appears as the sixth track on the album and was not released as a commercial single. Despite its non-single status, the song is frequently cited in analyses of Michael's work for its stark socio-political commentary, addressing themes of poverty, violence, and systemic disillusionment, particularly as they related to the political climates of the 1980s. The song marked a notable thematic departure for Michael, moving away from relationship-focused lyrics towards broader societal critique.

Background and composition

Written and produced by George Michael, "Hand to Mouth" arrived amidst high anticipation for his debut solo album following the global success of Wham!. While much of Faith delivered polished pop and soul hooks, "Hand to Mouth" presented a more challenging and explicitly political statement, surprising some critics and fans.

The song unfolds through vivid character sketches of people grappling with poverty, violence, and desperation. A vigilante man and a woman turning to prostitution serve as metaphors for systemic failures in capitalist societies. The song’s title refers to the condition of living paycheck to paycheck—surviving with no economic security.

Michael later confirmed in a 2010 interview that the song was "all about Thatcher and Reagan really," directly critiquing the socio-economic policies of both the UK and the US at the time.

Musical style

"Hand to Mouth" blends synth-based textures with live instrumentation, creating a moody and melancholic atmosphere that enhances the bleak lyrical content. Critics have categorized the track as political pop and Sophisti-pop, with its layered organ, sparse percussion, and subtle guitar elements drawing comparisons to socially conscious works by artists like Peter Gabriel and Bruce Springsteen.

Critical reception

Though never released as a single, "Hand to Mouth" has been widely praised in retrospective reviews for its thematic boldness and mature songwriting. Scholars and music writers often cite it as an early sign of Michael’s artistic ambition to move beyond his pop idol image.

Live performances

"Hand to Mouth" featured in setlists during the Faith Tour (1988–1989), often serving as a reflective interlude amid more upbeat tracks. A rare performance was also documented during a 1996 televised rehearsal for Greek television, reinforcing Michael’s enduring connection to the track.

Legacy

Although not a commercial hit, "Hand to Mouth" is regarded by fans and critics as a hidden gem in George Michael’s discography. It is frequently mentioned in biographies and critical essays as a turning point in his artistic development—foreshadowing the political and personal depth found in later works like Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1.

The song's themes of economic struggle, social inequality, and the disillusionment of the marginalized remain acutely relevant decades after its release, contributing to its enduring resonance. Analyses of the song published in the 21st century often connect its lyrical content to contemporary issues of poverty and systemic injustice, demonstrating its timelessness as a social critique.

Personnel

Personnel credits for "Hand to Mouth" are drawn from the liner notes of the Faith album and verified session information:

• George Michael – lead vocals, keyboards, bass guitar, production
• Chris Porter – engineering
• Hugh Burns – guitar
• Andy Duncan – percussion

Note: Album liner notes sometimes provide general credits; specific roles per track are verified through detailed session information where available.