4 Final Songs Performed by Legendary Artists

Though they may not have known it, the four artists below had extremely apt final songs. Find out what send off these legendary artists had, below.

4 Final Songs Performed by Legendary Artists

1. “American Girl” – Tom Petty

Tom Petty‘s final show was on September 25, 2017. To round out that soon-to-be-historic performance, Petty ran through a particularly energetic rendition of “American Girl.” Given this song’s stature in Petty’s discography, it seems an apt send off for the rock legend. Check out the performance, below.

Well, she was an American girl

Raised on promises

She couldn’t help thinkin’ that there

Was a little more to life somewhere else

After all, it was a great big world

With lots of places to run to

And if she had to die tryin’, she

Had one little promise she was gonna keep

[RELATED: Ex-Heartbreakers Drummer Among Tribute Performers at Tom Petty Fan Gathering in Petty’s Hometown]

2. “Can’t Help Falling in Love” – Elvis Presley

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” would often close out Elvis Presley’s performances. That remained true right up until the end of his life. Despite his health declining, Presley still managed to woo the crowd with this heartfelt number. It sounded as rich as it did when Presley was in his heyday.

Wise men say

Only fools, only fools rush in

Oh, but I, but I, I can’t help falling in love with you

Shall I stay?

Would it be, would it be a sin?

If I can’t help falling in love with you

3. “We Are the Champions” – Freddie Mercury

What better song to help close out Freddie Mercury’s triumphant touring days than “We Are the Champions”? His final performance of this song was as exuberant as any. Post Mercury’s death, this performance nearly brings a tear to the eye. It feels almost prescient. Mercury took his health into account and thus gave this performance everything he had.

We are the champions, my friends

And we’ll keep on fighting till the end

We are the champions

We are the champions

No time for losers

‘Cause we are the champions of the World

4. “Changes” – David Bowie

One of David Bowie’s final songs turned out to be a duet. Joined by Alicia Keys, Bowie delivered a staple performance of one of his staple songs: “Changes.” Bowie’s star power didn’t waver an inch prior to his death. This duet with Keys proved as much.

Still don’t know what I was waitin’ for

And my time was runnin’ wild

A million dead end streets and

Every time I thought I’d got it made

It seemed the taste was not so sweet

So I turned myself to face me

But I’ve never caught a glimpse

How the others must see the faker

I’m much too fast to take that test

(Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images)