“Jesus to a Child” is a deeply emotional and hauntingly beautiful ballad by British singer-songwriter George Michael, released in January 1996 as the first single from his third studio album, Older. Written and produced by Michael, the song is a heartfelt tribute to his late partner, Anselmo Feleppa, who passed away in 1993 from an AIDS-related illness. It stands as one of Michael’s most personal and poignant compositions.
The lyrics of “Jesus to a Child” express profound love, loss, and gratitude. The song’s title metaphorically frames Feleppa as a guiding light, symbolizing a selfless and pure love akin to a divine gift. Musically, the track is a lush and melancholic bossa nova-inspired ballad, featuring a gentle rhythm, rich orchestration, and a soothing melody. The arrangement is understated, allowing Michael’s emotive vocal performance to take center stage. His delivery is filled with vulnerability and sincerity, drawing listeners into the depth of his emotions.
“Jesus to a Child” was a commercial and critical success, reaching No. 1 in several countries, including the UK and Australia. In the United States, it peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.