Beech Tree News Network

Famous Last Words

Have you ever wondered about the last words of a historical figure before they left this earth? Okay, maybe I find weird things interesting.  In any event, I’ll be covering a few of those this week.  For instance, Sir Winston Churchill’s last words were “I’m bored with it all”.  Being born into the family of the Dukes of Marlborough at Blenheim Palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire in 1874 gave him prime position to become a prominent member of British upper class.  

In WWII, his leadership and "we shall never surrender" oratory is widely credited with having a pivotal role in the allies' winning of the war. In addition to his statesmanship he was wide-ranging in his talents and interests and was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1953. He invariably tops the list in 'Greatest Britons' polls. However, the path to greatness wasn't as straightforward as the above account might suggest. He had a lifelong speech impediment and suffered with depression, which he named his 'black dog'. Despite a distinguished military career he wasn't well liked by his colleagues when he entered politics. He changed sides in his party allegiance more than once and was generally regarded as an unreliable maverick and upper-class waster.

It was his fierce criticism of Neville Chamberlain's appeasement of Hitler that brought Churchill back to the centre of British politics, after a period of isolation and virtual exile. His oratory and forceful personality gained him the position of Prime Minister when Chamberlain resigned in 1940. From that point onward Churchill formed the reputation for which he is now best remembered. The allies won the war and he remained as Prime Minister until 1945. He regained that role again in 1951 and served until 1955. Churchill died of a stroke in 1965, aged 90. 

His position in the British national psyche is so significant that his story didn't end with his death. His funeral was also unique. His was the largest state funeral up until that time and tens of thousands of people attended with hundreds of thousands more watching on television worldwide. It is best remembered for the unexpected tribute paid by dock workers who lowered the jibs of cranes in respect as Churchill's coffin passed along the River Thames by barge.

Princess Diana’ final words before the car crash were “My God, what’s happened”? Michael Jackson’s last words were a reply to his choreographer when he left his final rehearsal.  His choreographer said “I love you”.  Michael replied “I love you more”.  

The Beatles' huge fame in the 1960s drove them from performing on stage, where the audience's screams were so loud that they couldn't hear themselves play. Off stage, things were little different and no member of the group was able to appear in public without being mobbed. 

Lennon was told by David Bowie that life might be easier for him in New York, where celebrities were more often left alone. In a BBC radio interview on 6th December 1980, Lennon made this remark about his move to the USA:

"That's what finally made me stay here... Yes, you can walk on the street."

Two days later, and after firing his bodyguards, Lennon was shot in the street by Mark Chapman. 

When the singer was leaving his apartment Chapman gave him an LP, which he duly signed. When Lennon returned home later in the day, Chapman shot him four times in the back. He staggered into the building, said "I'm shot" twice and collapsed. 

Source: John Ono Lennon, Volume 2, Ray Coleman, 1984.

Elvis’ final words in his last 1977 concert? “I hope I haven’t bore you”.  You most certainly haven’t.  Frank Sinatra’s final words he spoke to his wife, who was at his bedside before he died, were “I’m losing it”.  The final words of writer Hunter S. Thompson’s suicide note in 2005 were “relax, this won’t hurt”.  

https://www.phrases.org.uk/quotes/last-words/index.html