About the song
Kris Kristofferson, a name synonymous with heartfelt country music, crafted a profound and enduring tribute with his song, “They Killed Him.” Released on his 1986 album Repossessed, this powerful ballad pays homage to a pantheon of iconic figures whose lives were tragically cut short.
In “They Killed Him,” Kristofferson weaves a narrative that transcends the boundaries of time and place. By invoking the names of Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, Jesus Christ, John F. Kennedy, and Robert F. Kennedy, he creates a poignant tapestry of individuals who dedicated their lives to making the world a better place, only to be silenced by violence.
The song’s lyrics are both simple and profound, allowing the listener to connect with the universal themes of loss, injustice, and the enduring power of hope. Kristofferson’s evocative imagery and heartfelt delivery transport us to a place of deep reflection, inviting us to consider the lasting impact of these extraordinary individuals.
It’s fascinating to note that Johnny Cash recorded “They Killed Him” in 1984, showcasing the song’s immediate resonance with other legendary artists. Bob Dylan also covered the song in 1986, further solidifying its status as a timeless classic.
While the song’s subject matter is undeniably somber, there is an underlying message of hope and resilience. Kristofferson’s tribute serves as a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, the spirit of these individuals lives on. Their legacies continue to inspire generations, and “They Killed Him” ensures that their stories will never be forgotten.
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Lyrics
There was a man named Mahatama Gandi
He would not bow down he would not fight
He knew the deal was down and dirty
And nothing could make it right away
But he knew his duty and the price he had to pay
Just another holy man who tried to be a friend
My God, they killed him.
Another man from Atlanta, Georgia
By name of Martin Luther King
He shook the land like the rolling thunder
And made the bells of freedom ring
With a dream of beauty that they could not burn away
Just another holy man who dared to make a stand
My God, they killed him.
The only Son of God Almighty
The holy one called Jesus Christ
He healed the lame and fed the hungry
And for his love they took his life away
On the road to glory where the story never ends
Just the holy Son of Man we’ll never understand
My God, they killed him.
There was a man named Mahatma Gandi
A man named Martin Luther King
The only Son of God Almighty
The only one called Jesus Christ
On the road to glory where the story never ends
Just the holy Son of Man we’ll never understand
My God, they killed him.
There was a man named Mahatma Gandi
A man named Martin Luther King
The only Son of God Almighty
The only one called Jesus Christ
On the road to glory where the story never ends
Just the holy Son of Man we’ll never understand
My God, they killed him.