Morris "Moe" Greene is a fictional character appearing in Mario Puzo's 1969 novel The Godfather and movie. The character's name is a composite of real Las Vegas mobsters Moe Dalitz, or possibly Moe Sedway, and Gus Greenbaum. However, both Greene's character and personality are actually based on Bugsy Siegel: his affiliation with the mob in Los Angeles, his involvement in the development of Las Vegas, and his flamboyant tendencies. Greene is portrayed in the movie by Alex Rocco.
Moe Greene is introduced in The Godfather as a renowned Jewish mobster and former executioner for Murder Incorporated. He is credited with the development of gambling and entertainment in Las Vegas and bringing the interests of the most powerful organized crime organizations in America to Nevada. Greene is in business with Don Vito Corleone, who bankrolls the creation of Greene's first hotel-casino. In return, Greene takes the Don's son Fredo under his wing during the war between the Five Families in New York, due to the intervention of West Coast Don Anthony Molinari. Although Fredo is greatly influenced by both Greene and the city, family heir Michael Corleone disapproves of the effect it has on his brother, whom Greene reportedly chastised and slapped around in public.
Oh, American Rose you put a thorn in my side
Can’t you see that the plane is leaving but
I just can’t take the ride
Oh no I can’t fly back to England now
I got your breath in my blood too strong
And I knew that night down in Tennessee
I was fated to sing this song.
Down on my knees after Memphis
Nowhere to run
Just the sad country music on the radio driving me on
Down on my knees after Memphis
And feelin’ so small
Like a faded country star
When there’s no hope left at all
Oh I’m down, down on my knees