It was a cold December night

But he was glad inside

The golden beam of the moonlight

Seemed to reflect his pride

He got out of the limousine

And toward the entrance walked

But if he could have only seen

That death the nighttime stalked

When in the cold and restless air

Four ringing shots did sound

The man, before he was aware

Lay bleeding on the ground

The doctors tried to save his life

But he was too far gone

They went outside to tell his wife

That now she was alone

The on-the-scene reporters led

A broadcast 'round the world

"He was a great man," so they said

His life-story unfurled

He once had been a bright young man

Determined to make good

Of fortune a devoted fan

Inside, he knew he could

He was a brilliant Northern Star

Shining bright and true

His loyal fans would travel far

To hear him, not a few

And all who heard his music knew

The songs would never fade

He led a generation through

A troubled, torn decade

But now he's gone, and everywhere

They talk of just one thing

The man who taught them how to care

And taught the world to sing