♫ Abraham, Martin and John ♫

Posted on by under music, Racism & Bigotry, Social commentary

Most nights when I post my music post, I am feeling in the need of something upbeat, or something Motown to calm my frazzled nerves and remind me of a seemingly happier day.  Tonight, however, I am feeling more … introspective.  Looking back at what might have been … and what was.  So, instead of light and happy, or sad and sappy, tonight I give you …

A tribute to the memory of four assassinated Americans, all icons of social change: Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, and Robert F. Kennedy.  This song was written in response to the assassination of King and that of Robert Kennedy in April and June 1968, respectively.  More than 50 years … can it really have been so long ago?  I remember it … truly as if it were just a few weeks ago.  As I listen to this song, I cannot help but choke … remembering … the hope these men brought us … how I wish they were here today … 😢

The original version was recorded by Dion Francis DiMucci, better known simply as Dion.  Although the song has been recorded by many of my favourites such as Ray Charles, Kenny Rogers, the Brothers Four, Marvin Gaye, Bob Dylan, Whitney Houston, and Smokey Robinson, to name a few, the Dion version remains my favourite.  And so, I bring you, in honour of four truly great men whose lives, because they were great, because they worked tirelessly for equality for all, were cut far too short …

Abraham, Martin And John
Dion DiMucci

Has anybody here seen my old friend Abraham,
Can you tell me where he’s gone?
He freed a lotta people, but it seems the good die young
But I just looked around and he’s gone.

Has anybody here seen my old friend John,
Can you tell me where he’s gone?
He freed a lotta people, but it seems the good die young
But I just looked around and he’s gone.

Has anybody here seen my old friend Martin,
Can you tell me where he’s gone?
He freed a lotta people, but it seems the good die young
But I just looked around and he’s gone.

Didn’t you love the things they stood for?
Didn’t they try to find some good for you and me?
And we’ll be free,
Someday soon it’s gonna be one day.

Has anybody here seen my old friend Bobby,
Can you tell me where he’s gone?
I thought I saw him walkin’ up over the hill
With Abraham, Martin and John.

Songwriters: Richard Holler
Abraham, Martin And John lyrics © Regent Music Corporation, Stonehenge Music

20 thoughts on “♫ Abraham, Martin and John ♫”

  4. What an evocative song. Sends shivers. (Even more so because none of these men were saints but they still tried their best for others)
    The account I heard was the song was originally written with Abraham, Martin and John and then with the assassination of Bobby Kennedy the last verse was added.

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  7. I’d heard of Dion this side of the pond of course but not this record which I would probably have liked.. I wouldn’t have loved it though because the Master Marvin Gaye caught my ears with his beautifully orchestrated piece.and for me that was it. Four families who made the ultimate sacrifice for their Country, one family twice. You’d think that would be enough to ensure the country was fine but no, men of evil still want to do the country harm for their own ends. Tell them it stops HERE !
    Cwtch

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    • As much as I love Marvin Gaye, his version of this just doesn’t resonate as much as Dion’s. But, I did consider putting both on this post, but it was late and I was tire. Yes, you would think we would have learned, and some did, but … it’s been half a century now and people seem to have forgotten. I’ve been trying to tell them it stops here, but not many are listening. Sigh.
      Cwtch

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