Dion Songs - Abraham, Martin and John Lyrics

Dion - Abraham, Martin and John

Dion - Abraham, Martin and John Lyrics and Youtube Music Videos

Album: Dion
Released: 1968

Abraham, Martin and John Lyrics

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

Didn't you love the things that 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

Writer/s: RICHARD HOLLER
Publisher: REGENT MUSIC CORPORATION
Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Abraham, Martin and John

This song is a tribute to those involved in the battle for civil rights. The title refers to Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy. The last verse in the song refers to "Bobby" - JFK's brother, Robert Kennedy. Everyone mentioned in the song has died ("has anybody here seen my old friend...") and this is symbolized by their progression over a hill.

This has been covered by the Brothers Four, Ray Charles, Kenny Rogers, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Mahalia Jackson, and Moms Mabley. (thanks, Brett - Edmonton, Canada, for above 2)

This was written by the rockabilly singer Dick Holler (who also wrote the novelty hit "Snoopy Vs. The Red Baron"). Dion had just recovered from heroin addiction and was offered this as a possible comeback song. It made it to #4 on the Hot 100 and reestablished Dion in the music business.

Bob Dylan performed this on his 1980-81 tour. (thanks, Marti - Lynnwood, WA, for above 2)

Whitney Houston covered this song at her 1997 Washington DC concert, "Classic Whitney." It was filmed and turned into an HBO special. (thanks, David - NYC, NY)

Initially, Dion detested the song, but he has since come to understand its legacy, telling one interviewer, "I realized that what these four guys had in common was a dream... It was like they had the courage to believe that a state of love really can exist."

Dion claimed to have received over 4,000 letters thanking him for recording this song. (thanks, Bertrand - Paris, France, for above 2)