Elton John Daniel (1973) REACTION

[@musemoon]

FUN FACT: Bernie Taupin has said that "Daniel" is the most misinterpreted song. "Daniel" is about a wounded Vietnam veteran who didn't want the 'hero' attention he received in his small Texas hometown.

[@trvlaqwst7570]

David Rose didn't know that, thanks... It really changes the song for me, makes it even more poignant 🔥

[@debrasimmons2682]

David Rose Yes then he moved to Spain

[@redpammy]

I did not know this either. I think it explains the song more than all other interpretations ... it is also more meaningful than all the rest. Thank you.

[@musicairplanes4884]

I love learning what inspired a writer to write a great song. It adds another layer to the equation.

[@jocelynhaeberle1401]

Never would have come up with that on my own!🤯

[@neilmartin99]

‘Daniel’ had been the most misinterpreted song that we'd ever written. The story was about a guy that went back to a small town in Texas, returning from the Vietnam War. They’d lauded him when he came home and treated him like a hero. But he just wanted to go home, go back to the farm, and try to get back to the life that he;d led before. I wanted to write something that was sympathetic to the people that came home. Daniel song lyrics (chorus) Oh, Daniel, my brother, you are older than meDo you still feel the pain of the scars that won't heal?Your eyes have died, but you see more than IDaniel, you're a star in the face of the sky

[@andrewwells3367]

Elton writes the music, Bernie Taupin writes the lyrics.

[@RayRay-zt7bj]

Never an argument between them. What a great team they were!

[@tonybruce4411]

Spot on

[@KenBreadbox]

That's why Elton John is like creme brulee. Goes better with a burny toppin'.

[@happycrimson]

@@KenBreadbox Lol. Nice one, Ken. :D

[@maryfromabluest8]

I guess that’s why they call it the blues, I’m still standing.

[@missgmoma]

maryfromabluest8 yes, ‘I guess that’s why they call it the blues’ is my favorite Elton song 💖

[@fleetskipper1810]

I vote for “I’m Still Standing.”

[@missgmoma]

Fleet Skipper Hi, yes I can see why. The moment it starts I’m instantly into it. It’s definitely a feel good type of song ✌🏻

[@maryfromabluest8]

This song always makes me cry.

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

maryfromabluest8 Me too. I think about my older brother who passed around this time and how much I miss him.

[@sarahkesseler7561]

maryfromabluest8 me too. Makes me think of my brother Daniel who is in the army and in Afghanistan. Hurts to hear this honestly. I also have ptsd so the line “do you still feel the pain of the scars that won’t heal” feels like a punch to the gut honestly.

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

@@sarahkesseler7561 Praying for your brother Daniel and you.

[@dorriestrouf5187]

This reminds me of my brother who passed away in a fire.

[@MegaSteven011]

Me too

[@Lynnwoody1]

Always loved this song, but someone saved my life tonight is my all time fave

[@lisak4367]

@Lynnwoody1 mine too :))

[@melissagibson3306]

Yeah that's a good one.

[@UncleCharlie111x2]

Elton John has so many hits it is ridiculous!! He is one of the best ever!!

[@otisdylan9532]

I recommend "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" for your next Elton John song.

[@prettyboyfloydms]

Otis Dylan.....thats my favorite Elton John song of all time!!!!!!

[@bwannahuntress]

YES!

[@TechnicallyTexan]

That song saved my life in 2006

[@susanelkins3068]

@@TechnicallyTexan can I be so bold if I ask why

[@TechnicallyTexan]

@@susanelkins3068 I was in a marriage that was so bad I was suicidal, but I was also in a religion that brainwashed me into thinking there was no way out. The song helped me understand I was choosing to be trapped, that I was meant for more, and that I could choose life over death and still have freedom.

[@jenniferw7378]

Elton John played this in his Red Piano Tour in Las Vegas in the early/mid 2000s. He would introduce the song “Daniel” by saying something along the lines of, “Many people have asked me what this song is about over the years. I hope this video explains it.” He had a BEAUTIFUL video depicting a solider, Daniel, going off to war and being killed in action (there was no violence; it was done very tastefully). If the video is floating around somewhere on the internet, it is 100% worth the watch.

[@bethshadid2087]

Thanks I'll try to find it as I was always told it was about his brother who died young 🤷

[@debbiechang5781]

Elton John and Bernie Taupin were a musical force of nature with their songwriting. Elton wrote the beautiful music and did the arrangements and Bernie wrote the lyrics. It was a match made in heaven.

[@RoryVanucchi]

This song and Don't Let the Sun go Down are two of his best

[@monicamad1285]

The duet with George Michaels is excellent.

[@RoryVanucchi]

@@monicamad1285 think he played it in the last week or two

[@monicamad1285]

@@RoryVanucchi 👍

[@bethshadid2087]

I like his remade version of Candle in the wind for Princess Diana 💗

[@lonedinosaur13]

Check out Elton and George Micheal doing this song at Freddie Mercury tribute If you haven’t. Will give you chills. Definitely should react to it

[@bkm2797]

Yes, it's Bernie Taupin, I believe all the music from the 70's, 80's,90's, are of this incredible duo.

[@cocod594]

Just love this song! Elton John is so amazing!

[@gaylelucas6295]

Bernie wrote the lyrics , Elton composed the music

[@MehOMy]

There were a few peppered in there that Bernie did not write: Little Jeannie and Mama Can’t By You Love are 2 off the top of my head.

[@aldenadkins3006]

Someone save my life tonight, Bennie and jets, and Levon 3 of his greatest in my opinion

[@sharilynbratton6476]

My only son Daniel died 5 years ago this month, so this song has a different, very personal meaning to me. The lines 'Lord how I miss Daniel, I miss him so much' and 'Oh God it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes' always chokes me up, and the part ' I can see Daniel waving goodbye,' sigh. Couldn't listen to this the whole first year after his death without crying for hours.

[@fleetskipper1810]

So so sorry to hear about your son’s passing.

[@sharilynbratton6476]

@@fleetskipper1810 Thank you, Sept 14 will be the 5th anniversary of his death. So I am always thinking of a new way each year to honor his life, he was 31 when he died.

[@jayakers708]

So sorry for your pain...

[@jannaromine5908]

This is one I always called "haunting" I saw him back then in Mobile, Ala. Beautiful night!

[@janiemarshall7928]

"Someone saved my life tonight" by Sir Elton John is a must. Yourauntie.

[@texaslyoness8537]

A beautiful song for sure. 🌹

[@karenkoe7096]

You're right. Elton's voice was great in that video.

[@rebeccasciutto2722]

It was for his brother. My best friend died in a car accident 5/21/73 and this song came out at the same. I think of my friend Tom every time I hear it. Tom had just turned 21.

[@molsongrrrl]

My favorite Elton song! Great choice!

[@stephaniewhite5644]

Mine too!

[@danielwalker7479]

I was named after this song :)

[@tjerwin1]

I love to see the reactions from the younger listeners because I am 60 myself. I grew up with this music and many others from the 1970's. Elton is just an amazing talent. This song reminds me of my brother that passed three years ago this month and is only two years older than me. I miss him every day RIP my brother.

[@CaroleMcDonnell]

Love love love this song!!!!Thanks!!!

[@rhiahlMT]

I was driving cross country on July 4, 2016 when SiriusXM was playing the top grossing pop artists of the 1970s on the 70s station. I thought number one will be the Eagles. They played the Eagles and I kept thinking who can it be for number 1 before the light bulb went on. Elton John grossed more than the artists in the number 2 and 3 spots. No one got close to him.

[@libraryfiles4470]

SOMEONE SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT EJ

[@RoryVanucchi]

Elton had a great band.

[@wpollock1]

This is the studio version musically (none of the band are really playing), but the vocals are live - and Elton nails it. That is not the "studio" vocal. "Dont Shoot Me Im Only the Piano Player" is such an underrated album! On that album, Elderberry Wine or Blues For Baby and Me are the "sleepers"...

[@nouse230]

Well spotted. His main vocal is indeed live, and it's an amazing delivery. One giveaway that it's not the studio vocal is the "you're eyes have died" the first time, where he changes the phrasing a tiny bit, and it therefore doesn't match the phrasing of the backing vocal on the tape.

[@zg8694]

Loved this son when I first heard it when I was a child. Called one of my sons Daniel.

[@haroldlee1989]

Elton John is a legend; his music is soooooooo amazing; he's rocked since the 70's; pure talent

[@cw5451]

“Funeral for a Friend” is the best Elton John song! I hope you react to that one at some point. ☮️

[@bobdelp2023]

HE'S GOT A HUGE CATALOG JAY SO! :) HE PASSED UP THE BEATLES AND MICHAEL JACKSON LIKE 10 YEARS AGO FOR THE MOST NO.1 HITS, IT'S CRAZY, AND THIS WAS ONE OF UM!

[@joeterp5615]

This is my favorite Elton John song. It’s just so perfectly put together. Each element is just blended so darn well. It’s a subtle masterpiece. Just a great all-around song. Chilling out listening to this in the car at night in the last few hours of a long drive down the highway... love it. Maybe other more rock’n tunes to start a long road trip... but for me, this is the one of those great tunes to relax with during those peaceful late hours on the road, when you can get lost in your thoughts without a care in the world, just singing along...

[@cindyermis9625]

All through my high school years there was nothing but Elton John number one hits one after another for months on end 😍

[@ocheltree1]

Elton writes the music to Bernie's words. A partnership that has lasted all these decades. Great reaction as always, Jovaughn, thx.

[@DJBilodeau]

Can you imagine a 14 year old boy, a knocked out Elton John fan with the name Daniel felt when hearing this? That boy was me, and it was like he literally wrote a song to me! Of course that’s not what the song’s about, but you have to love musicians who can write words that leave open limitless interpretations. This is one of the songs Elton John will always be remembered for.

[@woodysthoughts4032]

My very-close cousin, Daniel, passed away a few months ago. I wasn't there to wave goodbye, but I did listen to this song several times, remembering all the times we had when we were young.

[@goingtothewell]

Bernie wrote the words and gave them to Elton to create the melodies. Amazing collaboration!

[@SuperPlacido1]

One of my favorite singer of all time! Try Bennie & the jets by him, one of my favorite by him! Continue like this!

[@JM-rl1hf]

This is a great one. You’re on a roll tonight.

[@debrasimmons2682]

My very first concert Yellow Brick Road

[@elizabethyow2232]

"Madman Across the Water" "Levon" "Indian Sunset" are just some of my favorite Elton. Love Love Love

[@lorivassallo8643]

Levon is one of Elton's best songs...underrated...Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, one of the best albums ever...

[@debflannery6972]

I've been a huge fan of Elton, hard for me to listen to this song, my son "Daniel" passed from cancer at 40 yrs. old almost 3 yrs. ago, a great tribute to my son!

[@sfbayareagirl]

How can you not tear up listening to This song? I still do. 😭

[@dipsydoodle7988]

I would really love to see your reaction to the epic masterpiece, Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding. It's 11 minutes long, but you will not regret it. Just the audio from the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album would be perfect.

[@rhondam5079]

Yes.. You can close your eyes and relax with this song. He's so talented

[@cariaus3758]

Elton has such an amazing voice so powerful & effortless.

[@kathyhayward2228]

My sons name n he was in the air force so this song played out in his life. Born in 77. Elton John sang it in 73.

[@RJohnson2024]

1973. My senior year in high school. Check out all the super cute girls dancing. Just like what I saw everyday. This is one of my all time favorite songs. Thanks JV for bringing back some classics! JV, his name if Bernie Taupin. : )

[@shesingsalldaylong8737]

His voice leaves me breathless! ❤️❤️❤️

[@paulrevererider7392]

A beautiful song . No other word

[@laurakali6522]

“Madman Across the Water”...the original long album version is a must.....

[@curtisscissons563]

Great album. Right up there with "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"

[@moonbubbles3046]

Oh god yes. It has so much incredible tension and has such brilliant lyrics.

[@allisonreed7682]

Yes, I agree 💯 percent! But after he hears the long album version, the BBC live version with the cool free jazz break is so indulgent and worth watching, as well. That song is a masterpiece. 💙

[@joshburgess1495]

The version with Mick Ronson is great too!! Both versions are special with their own unique qualities 👏

[@Mick1975e]

Yes, agreed. My favourite Elton John album

[@williamjackson982]

Elton John is my all time favorite singer 👨‍🎤.Having listen 👂 to music 🎶 for our fifty some year I have heard a lot of great 👍 singers..To me Elton John is the all greatest.

[@samuelmregister]

What a distinctive, powerhouse vocalist.

[@TexasMagnolia]

Just listening to vintage Elton John....should check out: Border Song (Holy Moses) Burn Down the Mission

[@trinaortiz9195]

Absolutely love Elton John! One of my favorite songs by him!

[@ayseclark-carter8744]

Awwwww Jay so sorry i missed this on the day not been well. But thank you so much this is my all time favourite song of his just beautiful. Sacrifice is also a great song. Love it. Stay safe bless respect Jay 😊😊💖💕💖

[@richardvincelette9741]

A classy classic that will never die. Such a beautiful song❤️

[@kayeaton1691]

Another classic music

[@ArthurRChan]

If I had to choose only one Elton song, "Daniel" would be it. I can't imagine how Bernie Taupin can write such beautiful lyrics, hand them over to Elton, and then for Elton to come up with such incredible music. Truly a match made in heaven.

[@debbiedobles40]

Elton John was such a huge part of my life♥️ any song really moves me♥️

[@holyspacemonkey]

Beautiful! I love his voice. Check out “I’m Still Standing”! That’s probably my favorite. Hard to pick!

[@kristinakilby6798]

I cant listen to this song without tears in my eyes.

[@zumbagirl6559]

Love me some Elton John! I can't think of a song I don't love by him and if you haven't seen his movie..oh man..speaks volumes!

[@theresalacey6126]

He is so good live. A true talent.

[@douglascatti]

elton john " little Jeanie " another great one

[@charleenhagerty1180]

One of my favorite songs from Sir Elton John Jay I Love Your Channel And Your Reactions Keep Them Coming Thank You For Reacting And Bringing Joy To So Many People God Bless You May The Lord Keep You Safe And Well

[@dalebaker9109]

Yet another bit of greatness from Elton, so much of his early stuff is just top seat music. Love it.

[@kjnm8113]

This and Your song are absolute masterpieces.. Daniel is so beautiful, always makes me cry

[@ddiamondr1]

First Elton John song I ever heard. Elton wrote his music. Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics. This song still brings tears to my eyes. Beautiful song. If you want to see about Elton's life check out the movie 'Rocket Man'. Love your reactions!

[@HocusPocusFocus69]

This was a part of the soundtrack of my youth! Great memories!

[@notsure64]

Love and hearts; what a great song!

[@jamesdignanmusic2765]

"Tiny Dancer" should be high on your list of Elton John songs to react to. A classc.

[@JayveeTV]

I’ve done that one

[@Dr_KAP]

@@JayveeTV as you can see by my profile pic I’m Elton obsessed.. live and breathe Elton!! The best ever performance- and it’s hard to pick just one- is Burn down the Mission live at the Royal Opera House. Never just accept a reaction to a song- when it comes to Elton he’s been singing these songs for 50 years so you have to make sure you listen to the version of Elton that you want- some songs got better with age while others were best when he was young. His best deep soul voice is from the late 80s onward while at his falsetto was best early 70s

[@resin3100my]

Elton is a deep,deep rabbit hole,Jay.There aren't many of his songs that you can go wrong with.When a musician is Knited by the Queen of England,you know they have a long catalogue of great music.One of my favorites is "Candle in the Wind".

[@geraldbarras7785]

This song is definitely a mellow moment in time. Great for relaxation

[@jamuga60]

I get very emotional when I hear this song..................................................it means a lot to me.

[@MrRondonmon]

Elton felt the song was too long so he threw the main verse away that showed Daniel was a Vietnam Vet coming back from the War. He said, hey, you had the HOOK, that's all you needed, so he discarded the one verse that told what the song was about, written by Bernie. Bernie said, hey, it worked out. LOL.

[@shaunawatson2312]

I went to a six yr olds funeral called Daniel and they played this song. It still fucks me up.

[@Bipbop66]

This song always reminded me of my brother, Dennis. Great song....

[@saraheart2804]

I just love this song. It was the subject of my 5th grade art project. A big eye with an airplane for a teardrop. HaHa. I remember it like it was yesterday.

[@kathyjam2482]

Bennie and the Jets another great song.

[@AlexPoff]

"Ticking" is a phenomenal Elton John song!

[@allisonthomas721]

beautiful song still brings tears to my eyes whenever i hear it x

[@allisonyoung4007]

👋Beautiful song~ I was 10 hearing this on the radio~

[@Isleofskye]

1973 Holiday: the Isle Of Wight just off The Southern English Coast: Daniel, Where Is The Love, Honky Cat, Run To Me, Journey (Duncan Browne ) and Walk In The Night are the songs I remember while laying on the Beach as a 19-year-old......47 years have flown by...

[@cynthiacharles3344]

Sir Elton John...Love this song.

[@RayRay-zt7bj]

I never knew until now that this song was really about a Vietnam Vet either, as David Rose mentioned in a previous comment. Although it does bring back memories of my Dad. When I got my first Elton John Tape, Honky Chateau, I played this song and my Dad who didn't like much of the loud music of the time loved listening to Daniel. It wasn't long afterward that I found out that he had an older brother named Daniel who died at the age of 8 of illness, 42 years before I was even born. My Dad was only a little more than a year old at the time. He probably didn't really remember Daniel but I'm sure he heard stories about him over the years. A few years back, a cousin of mine posted a photo of a gravestone, engraved with Daniel, another but younger sibling of my Dad, a girl, who passed away from illness at age 10 and their father was above them in the 3rd photo. I forget which one of the 2 children it was but the illness was from the Spanish Flu. Tear up almost every time hear this song. It is my favorite Elton John song. and also another of my top 100 of all time. I would say top 50 but I must have over 100 songs in my top 50.

[@MrVato53]

This is part of the Peak of Elton John and Bernie Taupin music colaboration. They were brought together my a Record company. Bernie wrote lyrics and Elton the music. Ton of music and hits. Elton put the Bernie Taupin words to music he wrote and sang the song and the rest is history.

[@josephdelia9517]

My second cousin gave me an album for my birthday and it was Rock of the westies by Elton John and my favorite song on that album was Island Girl. A song I wish you would listen to .

[@lowrider4266]

One of my top favs. Thanks. Enjoy, know you will.

[@heidi6063]

Such a beautifully sad song...I cry everytime

[@shandac1027]

Elton is pure genius. Wrote the music within hours of getting lyrics from Bernie Taupin Funeral for a Friend/ Love Lies Bleeding Someone Saved my life Tonight Blues for Baby and Me

[@soniab8109]

Probably my favorite Elton John's song. I will never get tired of that one.

[@decal2756]

Lyrics by Bernie Taupin & music by Elton John on literally almost all of Elton's songs. One of my favorite Elton tunes is I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues. Somewhere down the line you should watch the entire concert of Elton at 60 live at Madison Square Garden. Amazing concert that will blow your mind. I have seen Elton live a number of times...always great...he's a consummate pro!

[@ericdavies5986]

One of my favourites.. A treat, thanks!

[@sarahlouise7163]

such a beautiful tune

[@vincentjoyce5100]

My favorite Elton.

[@atrixma]

BENNY WROTE THE LYRICS, SENT THEM TO ELTON AND ELTON WROTE THE MUSIC. ENDLESS HIT PARADE. ESSENTIALLY

[@jamespasifull3424]

*Bernie

[@drieuxkoeppel8152]

His longtime collaborator is BERNIE Taupin. Not Benny.

[@willow0828]

Love Elton John, love his music...however, this has always been my favorite Elton song.

[@TheMike_I]

70s Elton!! Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding (album version) is a masterpiece

[@joelliebler5690]

Great song one of his most touching.