Elton John- Empty Garden (Hey, Hey Johnny)

[@karlphillips4465]

I saw Elton John in concert many years ago. During the show a young lady entered the stage with a bouquet of flowers mid-song. Security rushed to remove her but Elton swung around on the piano bench and grabbed her by the hand. He had her sit with him on the bench while he finished the song. She just leaned her head against him the whole time. It was the classiest gesture I ever saw anyone ever do during a performance. A true Gentleman and what a talent. Thank you Reginald Dwight. You are one of the best.

[@carlosvipe2765]

Hi there! What show was it? Is it on youtube? That's a real talented singer!

[@amiller5885]

Nice story, thanks for sharing.

[@bentonlee316]

Beautiful!!!

[@joefederico1150]

À

[@joefederico1150]

1

[@EllerySan]

Being a John Lennon fan, listening to this song for the first time made me cry... I fell in love with it, and now I can't stop listening to it.. Such a sad song.. But John will always be remembered for the wonderful music he made both with the Beatles, and without The Beatles. Rest In Peace Johnny.

[@KellyLudwin]

You're a true fan and dedicated. It's got to hurt . Hopefully, you will be okay some day.

[@errenkelly6019]

probably my favorite elton song and the most underrated

[@geolinkin6579]

Yeah, that says a lot since he has so many...my fav, too! It's a masterpiece that means so much to so many people!I still grieve John!

[@sashawright434]

my father loves this song miss u dad love u so much hope ur having fun in heaven

[@rick188888]

Absolutely. Another great, underrated one is "The Measure of a Man" from Rocky V soundtrack.

[@williamessex3518]

@@geolinkin6579 I agree. "Masterpiece" is not a term to be thrown around, but this song is the clear definition of a masterpiece. It's so well written and so beautifully sung by the great Elton John!

[@geolinkin6579]

Especially since it was written in a time when music was generally great to begin with. (60's, 70's, some 80's)

[@MrAirForceOne68]

I'm not an emotional guy, but this beautiful, haunting tribute brings me to tears every time. What a GD shame - what a deplorable waste of one of the worlds greatest talents - and a beautiful, altruistic soul. Now, more than 30 years since his assassination, Mr. Lennon is missed as much as he ever was.

[@grantcraig2699]

very well said, was going to say the same sort of thing when i read this, you said way better than i could have

[@brendanfletcher5216]

Kevin Edmondston "I'm not an emotional guy"....why not? You see to be quite good at it

[@melissamiller5178]

This has been a favorite song of mine since I was teenager in the 80's, though I only recently discovered it was about John Lennon (I must've been living under a rock). The Beatles are my favorite band so it all ties together for me. This song will always hold a special place in my heart.

[@TVTruther]

Kevin, you didn't mention those behind the GOP-Dem cabal were the ones who killed Lennon, but thankfully you never voted for the Powers that did that..right? you never voted for a Bush, Obama, Hillary? If you did vote for any GOP-Dem cabal disciple your a hypocrite and Johnny will agree with me.

[@igorandre1980]

Kevin Edmondston me too!

[@NomNomJaden]

33 years ago today, we lost our beautiful John Lennon. R.I.P. you beautiful gardener. I love you and always will. I played this song on repeat many restless nights dreaming of you. I hope you will always know what you mean to me, for you're my inspiration. I hope you're having a sweet journey in heaven, you man of peaceful thoughts.

[@Medic-kr4gn]

NomNomJaden It will son be 38 in December and may Mark David Chapman rot in hell !

[@lattarowell3158]

I love what you said I have always thought that but didn't think anybody thought that to. 😇

[@nicklive66]

He would have turned 80 last month. 40 years gone so fast😢

[@SpoonsInDaHouse]

OMFG... Where would we be without magnificent song writers like Bernie Taupin? Forget that, where would Elton be without him? He wouldn't be half the man/star that he is today.

[@robertogarcia2551]

This has been my favorite Elton John song of all time. I may have been in the 5th grade when it came out. Now I'm 46 and I still love it so much! Robert from Texas.

[@jeannerleclaire]

Robert we were in 7th I am 46 also. 82 this was popularity

[@victorgittens5137]

Roberto Garcia it is also my favorite i live in Nassau Bahamas and i always play this tune

[@Medic-kr4gn]

jeanne leclaire Elton went into a creativity slump after " Blue Moves " and his next few albums were not really good until " The Fox " , where he seemed to be getting the life and soul back into his voice . He is full of both in this song , wow !

[@SpoonsInDaHouse]

Medic 1962 ..... If it wasn't for Bernie Taupin, there would be no Elton John..... Always remember that!

[@nnick2253]

4th grade!

[@marksapienza3832]

Don't know many singer-songwriters that could bring a grown man to tears. 😓

[@tinamccoy563]

one of the best of Elton's songs!

[@davidmckenzie-h9b]

The thoughts when I hear this song, 65 now, I was an Army MP in Korea when it came out and my cousin Donnie was killed by a train in 96 and I think of him with the words in this song and I cry, he was my friend! Thanks for the song Elton.

[@jeffreylawrence3292]

I love George’s “All Those Years Ago” and Paul’s “Here Today”. Both lovely tributes with warm, honest moments (“living with good and bad, I always looked up to you”, “what about the night we cried, because there wasn’t any reason left to keep it all inside”). But Empty Garden is the one that just tears me up every time I hear it. What an amazing song

[@8rr725]

+Jeffrey Lawrence Same with me

[@limbod4312]

Going on 38 years and gosh how it still hurts. You lose a family member and you fill the void with time. Yet, still John et. al. were welcomed into our homes and our lives daily and the words meant so much to us as it wove in to the fabric of our minds and emotions. I am 63 now and it took me weeks to save save up the $6.99 for the Plastic Ono Band album. Hell man, at 15, the words hit met deeply (my dad didn't much like the fact that fuck was used). They mean so much to us. Find someone like Lennon who stuck his neck out with the protests at the time. All they do now is lend songs to ads. Happy upcoming 78th birthday man. Still great to see your old mates Paul and Ringo out there. Peace!

[@kathyblack1149]

THANK YOU ELTON FOR THUS BEAUTIFUL SONG 🎵 ❤️ 💕

[@rachelfeliciano9409]

what a beautiful amazing song it means the world to me my gardener of 36 years passed away in January.... he loved this song so much and when I listen to it it describes him the man he was I will always love you honey you will always be in my heart!! 💔❤💔❤❤

[@MyelinProductions]

Empty Garden ~ Elton John What happened here As the New York sunset disappeared I found an empty garden among the flagstones there Who lived here He must have been a gardener that cared a lot Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop And now it all looks strange It's funny how one insect can damage so much grain And what's it for This little empty garden by the brownstone door And in the cracks along the sidewalk nothing grows no more Who lived here He must have been a gardener that cared a lot Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop And we are so amazed, we're crippled and we're dazed A gardener like that one, no one can replace And I've been knocking But no one answers And I've been knocking Most all the day Oh, and I've been calling Oh, hey hey Johnny Can't you come out to play And through their tears Some say he farmed his best in younger years But he'd have said that roots grow stronger if only he could hear Who lived there He must have been a gardener that cared a lot Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop Now we pray for rain and with every drop that falls We hear, we hear your name And I've been knocking But no one answers And I've been knocking Most all the day Oh, and I've been calling Oh, hey hey Johnny Can't you come out to play And I've been knocking But no one answers And I've been knocking Most all the day Oh, and I've been calling Oh, hey hey Johnny Can't you come out, can't you come out to play Johnny, can't you come out to play in your empty garden Johnny, can't you come out to play in your empty garden Johnny, can't you come out to play in your empty garden ... Songwriters: Bernie Taupin / Elton John Empty Garden lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

[@nairborges9779]

Obrigada ♪♫♫

[@ginog9684]

Let's not forget props to Sir Elton's lyricist Bernie Taupin, who so eloquently captured the feelings of loss and tender memory with his words.

[@bryanbonventre9680]

what an incredible song, a true tribute in its greatest form to a friend.

[@janwilson8094]

Wot a beautiful song bernie and Elton empty garden no one can come out to play only if their spirit is with you through God and jesus love jan xxx💕

[@petergarcia589]

I lost my best friend around this time. This song means more to me than anyone even dared to understand.

[@21silvermoon]

This song reminds me of my older brother, Anthony who died motorcycle accident before l went off to college. He was so popular and so many friends the church couldn't hold all the people. RIP! I finished college too!

[@neon340]

35 years have gone by, and the hurt is still there...RIP John Lennon

[@lattarowell3158]

I'm with you all the way ☺💞

[@johnwalls7170]

All we are saying....

[@Sumer61]

2019, crying I remember where I was that sad night.

[@MrsCaptJack]

@@Sumer61 Me too.

[@petergarcia589]

I will never forget.

[@imanamusic2011]

That man can write a song.

[@arnaud170991]

actually he writes all the music but he dosent write the lyrics

[@MrPigdawg]

Bernie taupin

[@johnpellegrino6701]

Elizabeth Mwanga - Elton John has never written a song in his life. He writes the music. Bernie Taupin writes his lyrics but I still love Elton John especially this song.

[@scottellingson5678]

That would be Bernie.

[@SpoonsInDaHouse]

john pellergrino ... Not exactly true.... Elton has written _some_ of his songs but not many... However none of those songs, have been as popular as the ones written by Bernie. *If it wasn't for Bernie Taupin, there would be no Elton John!*

[@skillsetter1017]

Missing John Lennon as well. I get chills just knowing Elton and Lennon were friends. Sweet of Taupin and Elton to dedicate this to Lennon.

[@kitsnow5307]

Top of the line tribute to my favorite and talented guy Johnny Lennon. Miss you so much. Thanks Elton.

[@JesseTheMindless]

Song was played at my cousin John's funeral, who died of cancer at 36. There was not a dry eye in the house...

[@johndee3868]

lost my father when i was quite young. big john the gardener. rest in peace pops. miss ya

[@jenniferggreer457]

sorry for your loss.

[@SpiritusMundi4EVER]

Hang in there, John. His spirit and legacy live within you always...

[@davefrance3721]

Me too. But he lives on in the music. Tells me things he couldn't say when he was here.

[@swamivicky]

i don't think i have ever listened to this song without crying. just a fan, i still grieve (sp?). i can only imagine the loss for those lucky enough to have called him friend. thank you, elton john, and all those who helped create this song. it gives a voice to the pain. but isn't that what music for? to give voice to the things we feel?

[@lisalieb2611]

This such a I tribute to you song. It's so beautiful with a sad tone to it. Thanks for it. Elton John

[@dkblack3461]

A moving, timeless gem. I can never get through it without tears.

[@kevinwillert2860]

Even as a child at the time, I knew the tremendous heartache this was to everyone. Why? I will never understand someone's motivation to do this to another human being. Especially someone as important to our eyes and ears. RIP Mr. Lennon.

[@superman11978]

Great song. The garden left after someone who was into nature and gardening passes is such a tragic symbol, Elton was ingenious to center the song around it.

[@detroitrockscity]

You know its a master piece when the music has touched your soul, then proceeds to do it to your 15year old son the same way. My son teared up when I intoduced him to this song.

[@RobertoGarcia-jj3nh]

My favorite song of all time!

[@DaveWollenberg]

Bernie and Elton's tribute to John Lennon. Hit #13 in Billboard, 5-29-82. God bless you, bigdog, for postin' it. Thanx! Have a blessed weekend! RIP, Johnny.

[@bobby6900]

Elton sings notes perfectly. What a gifted musician. RIP John

[@kevinbfree9263]

This song still makes me cry.

[@8rr725]

+Kevin B Free Me too.

[@jaysnana2879]

Allll the x

[@mppaiges]

John was the voice I grew up to and I understand why Elton hurts when he (rarely) sings this live John would be 72 this October, and I'm sure he and Paul would have made up and played some Beatles songs live, even Yoko would have approved...fuck we need him, miss you so much John and this is a beautiful childlike search for a missing friend...rest peace John love

[@heatwave9275]

Such a great way to remeber john lennon 😔😔

[@wellingtoncarvalho2972]

Linda...linda...simplesmente linda demais. Musicas que eternizaram toda uma geracao, anos 70 80 e 90. Quem viveu esta época morre de saudades. Época que dancavamos com rostinho colado nas discotecas, dançavamos passinhos e arrebentávamos nos embalos de sabado a noite com as meninas, era conquistas e nada mais que isto, sempre com muito carinho e muito respeito. Obrigado a voçê que postou este video com esta bela e inesquecivel musica que mais se parece com uma poesia, pois nos trouxe a memória uma época que jamais esqueceremos. Um beijao a todos que assim como eu viveu esta geração...

[@sileidesilva6012]

Gurgel Bunitão é recíproco, também curti muito essa época 😍😍

[@superben790]

I dedicate this song to both my mom Deborah Connor and John Lennon. They met at the Dakota Apartment on the elevator back in 1979 in New York City, it's a real true story!!!!! It was a great blessing for my mom to meet John for the first time had a good chat about life!!! God bless you mom and John, Rest In Heaven John Lennon 1940-1980 Deborah Connor 1954-2017

[@manueltubens6057]

Sir Elton John is a extravagant artist. He's been performing since 1950, & all his albums have gone gold, platinum, or double platinum. 1 of the best musician that came from Thr United Kingdom.

[@sirusbones]

Such a sad song. The world will never forget the genius of John Lennon!

[@ronie80s8]

Such an honourable tribute . Today its 40 years without johny

[@slikchik58]

Elton amazes me....thank you for this masterpiece of music and lyrics...we miss John RIP, such a senseless death, still cry to this day.💕🌹🙏

[@TheSquirrelloncrack]

This man is hurt... This man has been hurt in some way. I love your Elton john.

[@user-dt3rz2lz7q]

When you listen to John Lennons song, Dream which l feel was a premonition of sorts, then this song, you can really almost see their souls. Entwined for all eternity. Both hauntingly beautiful songs. Genius. We all must feel blessed to have been in this lifetime at the same time as them. Everything happens for a reason. Although l was never specifically a John Lennon fan l was distraught when he died. I am still not over it I dream of him all the time. Sometimes l see George Harrison with him. I hear My Sweet Lord playing. John told me to build a garden of love and they will come. (I am now an avid gardener and adore nature) He used the word, Spirits. He talks of Spirits dancing in his song Dream. Elton sees a garden when he remembers John and wrote about it. John's message simply GIVE PEACE A CHANCE.🐞🐝🦋💐 Ps. My beautiful Grandmother Mary, named after the Virgin Mary, she would always remind me, said...If you can't build a bridge and get over it, then build a garden and he will come to you. Who??? My guess is as good as yours. God bless you, John Lennon.💝

[@petersawatsky9069]

Best Lennon tribute by far. Beautiful. Emotional.

[@HomeDepot20TS]

I've admired this song a long time because of the tribute to Lennon but it's recently brought me some comfort. My neighbor - a gardener - was killed by her brother in June. Feels so odd walking outside and her not being out there tending her flowers and what have you.

[@samspade8612]

Another "Day The Music Died" so sad!!! Beautiful lyrics/melody, thank you Bernie & Elton.

[@johns8596]

johnny, cant you come out to play..heartbreaking

[@debracaples9431]

Elton and Bernie have given us so many memorable, stirring songs but this is my favorite of all. I heard he'll only perform it when he plays Madison Square Garden, though. Hey, hey, Johnny.

[@Medic-kr4gn]

This song is a sad song to me because it reminds me of the friends, family and pets I have lost over the years . I am still hurting very much over the loss of my grandfather and grandfather .

[@SpiritusMundi4EVER]

Treasure their memories and carry on as best you can. When you're time comes, hopefully you will be reunited with those you love.

[@songwind7284]

Dear Medic Sorry for your loss. Hope you are receiving comfort at a very sad time in your life. If you remember your dreams, maybe you are receiving dreams with your grandparents visiting you in them; hope you can hear, see, and feel the bonds of a lovely connection with them still. Take lots of care.

[@PaulDinningVideosforCats]

I love this song

[@Music4allofU]

So do I Paul A beautiful tribute to John Lennon from Elton.

[@chaosdemonwolf1]

tomsmusicforallofyou It was?

[@luiseugenio5615]

chaosdemonwolf1 Yes

[@joannepoole2434]

I've always believed that anything which is truly written from the heart is beautiful. I love this song because it encapsulates the fact that some grief is so desperately intense, that it makes children of us.

[@ginashamon4347]

Such a sober song, from Elton, & Bernie for another musical genius.... Lennon

[@dianneellis6316]

Elton -one of the greatest singer. Thank you for the music

[@jonathanboote3691]

Such a great song, with beautiful, heartfelt lyrics from Bernie. One of EJ's best songs of the 1980s and a wonderful tribute to his fallen friend and idol. RIP

[@vickistarnes8753]

I listen to this song a million times & I could listen to it a million more !!! RIP John !!! Thanks Elton for such a great tribute to John !!!

[@sauquoit13456]

On this day in 1982 (April 17th} Elton John performed "Empty Garden {Hey Hey Johnny}" on the NBC-TV program 'Saturday Night Live'... One month earlier on March 14th, 1982 it entered Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart at position #79; and on May 23rd it peaked at #13 {for 2 weeks} and also spent 13 weeks on the Top 100... Was track one of side two on his sixteenth studio album, 'Jump Up!', the album reached #17 on Billboard's Top 200 Albums chart {the album did peak at #1 in New Zealand}... One other track from the album also made the Top 100 chart, "Blue Eyes", it peaked at #12... R.I.P. Mr. Lennon {1940 -1980} and Mr. John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, celebrated his 67th birthday one month ago on March 25th...

[@dina113east]

"a gardener like that one, no one can replace." "if only he were here today." Today 10/9/17 is John Lennon's birthday. He would have been77. To his fans the loss still stings. Forever, the world will miss him.

[@groverjohnson2909]

10-9-18 still knocking Still calling.

[@ajdiraddo7472]

God I love this song...

[@marieappollo270]

❤️MY HEART IS CRYING!!!

[@luisafanador5342]

Just lost my brother-in-law at the age of 59 and I dedicated this song to him

[@showtuneful]

What a truly great commemorative song by a great songwriting team. Such great lyrics by Bernie Taupin and inspired music by Elton... who took the death of his contemporaries hard.

[@alexandriarose1967]

I haven't heard this since I was 14 almost 9 years ago..this song is beautiful, sparkly, heartfelt and the music almost sounds innocent and childlike in my opinion

[@scottmichael620]

always loved this song....tears.

[@came6939]

This is sincere art. Of a very personal love.

[@czerinabutterflyprincess3463]

This song always touches my heart

[@undamageddestiny]

RIP John Lennon.

[@Rugger1214]

Greatest tribute to John Lennon, ever!!! This is a great song!!!

[@jackiesmusic423]

This song just straight up moves me,I get this feeling in my stomach...a tinge of sadness, still after all these years...R.I.P. John.

[@ginashamon4347]

"somber" song👍

[@robertgunter1632]

I was just a child when I first herd this song. I didn't really understand the meaning of music, but this song gave me chills, still does.

[@spectrum7virkeytroni]

You're right. I don't hear it much on the radio anymore. But I recall it getting quite a lot of airplay at the time -- and of course that's when we all needed to hear it.

[@heleng3973]

Happy birthday John 😢!

[@wendideleoncampbell4174]

Played this song a lot for my mom and dad during the time they were passing and I find it hard to listen to 😇😢😢😢❤️❤️❤️🙁🙁

[@michaelfabyan7248]

When comes to awesome Elton John Is pretty hard to beat he is so awesome one of ideals .

[@citycrusher9308]

Totally original music. No sound alikes

[@charliemanning824]

one of the best and there is many

[@san5sparkle]

I saw it on snl last night!! with Johnny cash as host. wow- still love it.

[@kohlkat2245]

john lennon a great life a great artistv and most of all a great person! we will nvr froget u

[@skillsetter1019]

One of my all time favorites. Elton is the GOAT.

[@denysejohn5327]

I really love this song

[@Sumer61]

Tears are flowing right now. I loved John Lennon forever. :(

[@anthonystewart5131]

All I can say is WOW!!

[@donielwolf2091]

The garden in the song is Madison Square Garden, where Lennon gave his last performance live with John. "Ive been knocking but noone answers" refers to Lennons death. The insect in the song is the assassin who killed Lennon.

[@newmark401]

A great tribute from one musical genius to another.

[@Doobie1975]

How come you never hear this song on the radio as often as Elton's other hits, this is one of his most underrated and obscure tunes.

[@henrygaga7482]

I've never heard this song before. Elton John really has a plethora of songs! This one is amazing!

[@TSFemke]

the gardener is John Lennon. The Garden is his life. The insect is Mark Chapman. The crops is john's career. It's such a sad song. r.i.p. John Winston Lennon 1940-1980

[@jdenino6022]

Madison Square Garden is also the garden. Double meaning, brilliant Bernie.

[@almathias6538]

Such an incredible song never ceases to amaze me every time I hear it. The best, by the best

[@marciameira6319]

Essa música tem uma batida sensacional. 😍

[@som1somwhere13]

This was played at my Uncle Johns funeral RIP, didnt know him well but memorys still linger of him

[@WaterNymph001]

Dear John Lennon, we miss you...we love you...the world needs you even more..

[@eternalsunshineoftheresili1385]

Literally woke up 2 mins ago and had this in my head. This was my favorite song when I was little

[@alexandremaciasmartinez5991]

Esta música marcou minha vida, tempos de adolescência, tempos em que eramos felizes e não sabíamos. Salve o amor, salve as boas lembranças, salve o romantismo.

[@kateviviane1550]

A minha também, saudades!!😍

[@socorrosilva5056]

A MAIS BELA HOMENAGEM À JOHN LENNON ...DE ARREPIAR !!!

[@jaidendeprez1842]

What are you even saying

[@job3167]

lost my best friend 17 yrs ago. miss you, this song is for you Jamey Ann....RIP!

[@kencurtis7322]

Gone, but not forgotten, memories will live on forever.

[@BJane58]

I love this song!! It never got enough radio time--thanks for posting.

[@Wolfwolveswolf]

Excellent words, song, so sad- the rains surely fall...

[@johnbaker6890]

I had forgotten how powerful this song was. Lay down your guns people. Love will overcome the hate.

[@Bat_Punk]

I don't know if this was intentional since the song is about Lennon, but the line "can't you come out and play.." seems to reference Dear Prudence! :)

[@natalieh4354]

Good point 👍

[@scottellingson5678]

Best tribute song to John Lennon bar none!

[@christopherbaker7005]

Sadly, the first time this day has meant anything to me. Rest easy, John.

[@louiecosgrove2137]

RIP John Lennon - The gardener of the Best band of gardener and what a tribute thanks Elton