Elton John, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road- A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

[@bradsullivan2495]

"Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" is the opening song from this album and is an 11-minute epic that needs your reaction.

[@baronvonsatan]

Seconded. Can I also say that guitar tone has fascinated me for decades?

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

@@baronvonsatanOne of the greatest tones ever!

[@PhalseProfit13]

Agreed

[@KJ-4321]

⁠it’s an incredible piece of art!

[@moonbubbles3046]

@@goldenageofdinosaurs7192truth!!

[@sanandaallsgood673]

Elton and Bernie had an incredible relationship. Starting as friends, Bernie had a TON of lyrics that had no music to go with them. When he showed them to Elton, Elton sat down at the piano and almost as if being given a gift, the music flowed out creating all these amazing songs!

[@briankuczynski4375]

"Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" is my favorite EJ song.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

I’d have to say it’s in my top 3, though there are so many.

[@NebulizerChi]

I've been listening to EJ for half a century but only really heard it for the first time within the last month or so, and it ranks right up thereabouts

[@margarethorrall8621]

I think I'd pick "Your Song" but it's a tough choice.

[@TheodoreWeiser]

"A tool for everybody else's ambition." That is a nice turn of phrase, and it cuts right to what this song is about

[@marekkozub8957]

That is a great album. It contains many great songs.

[@uwillbe]

“Someone Saved My Life Tonight” is my favorite Elton John song of all time, the lyrics resonate with me to this very day.

[@ChristopherSchildroth]

Mine as well.

[@Karmakatt6]

@@uwillbe check out the 76 Edinburgh concert on KZbin. He does a killer version.

[@uwillbe]

@@Karmakatt6 Thanks for the suggestion, I’ll check it out!

[@Karmakatt6]

@@uwillbe enjoy!! The entire concert is truly spectacular!! ✌️

[@michaelfrank2266]

Owned that album soon after it came out. I can not praise Elton John enough.

[@SpaceCattttt]

I don't find this song particularly predictable. The chord progression is highly unusual for a "simple" pop song, and the key change in the chorus is totally unexpected. It all works beautifully, of course, but after listening to music for over 40 years, I can honestly say that I've never heard another song quite like this one.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

It’s weird, as I’ve listened to this song since it was released & this is the first time it occurred to me how Beatle-esque the the last part of the chorus is. Then right after that, she mentioned John Lennon & I realized it wasn’t just me. It’s times like that when I realize how influential a band they were.

[@SpaceCattttt]

@@goldenageofdinosaurs7192 Perhaps you're thinking of the long "Aaaaaahs" in "A Day in the Life"? That's what it's always reminded me of.

[@AyyyGabagool]

@@goldenageofdinosaurs7192 The way it resolves a few times to that higher note is VERY Beatles.

[@jdenino6022]

I don't think I've ever heard another male singer cover this song and come close to the way Elton John sang it. Maybe one has, I just haven't heard one yet. His voice is fantastic on this song.

[@SpaceCattttt]

@@jdenino6022 I guess he wrote what he could sing?

[@john9508]

Terrific song and great backing from Nigel Olsson, Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray and the wonderful Ray Cooper. I am glad I am old enough to have listened to all these songs when they were released

[@trumanburbank6899]

The youngin's have no idea how huge Elton John was in his heyday.

[@jdenino6022]

@@trumanburbank6899 He had a great run of 7 #1 albums back in the 1970s where people had to go to a record store to buy it on Vinyl, 8 track tape or cassette tape. That was real work to get an album back then and he sold around 300 million albums or is it albums and 45s..my first 45 record was Crocodile Rock, it was a big hit with kids. EJ could turn water into wine back then.

[@tismeDenis]

Me too.... A wonderful experience of listening then all the way up to now & onwards ❤

[@WayneFalco]

The baseline just hugs you

[@scottmarleneking6298]

Elton John's falsetto was so good and so natural that it opened up his songwriting to tunes that wound beautifully from low to high-- added a lot to his songs.

[@robison5396]

It's a timeless song and arguably represents his best writing.

[@rwellman238]

Tiny Dancer is another great song with subtle nuances.

[@andrewwells3367]

Suddenly shooting up an octave is the surprise for me.

[@Karmakatt6]

At his prime, he was almost unmatched.

[@TheoZoffrok]

Indeed, and I'm surprised Amy doesn't mention it at all, indeed seems to ignore that falsetto leap completely!

[@AyyyGabagool]

@@Karmakatt6 Bro was really born with some of the greatest vocal talent in history. Having such an incredible voice and piano skill is such an overpowered musician combo!

[@BillGraper]

You should definitely listen to his song "Harmony." It's from the same album. It has one of the most beautiful, melodic chorus' you're ever going to hear.

[@ladyshar42]

that is one of my favorite Elton songs. If our oldest had been a girl, the name we had picked out was Harmony after that song, lol.

[@eggman7527]

What a lovely song! Magic!

[@playlester]

The lyrics fit Bernie Taupin's sensibilities. It is amazing how Elton John`s music fits Taupin`s lyrics so well. John's urbane glamor with Taupin's roots. A unique long term phenomenon.

[@thomassharmer7127]

One of the skills of great popular song lyric writing is to take personal thoughts and sentiments and make them universally relatable. The other, of course, is to compose beautiful melodies that are memorable yet original and distinctive, and carry the lyrics effortlessly, as you say. The Taupin/John partnership, especially from this period, is undoubtedly one of the great songwriting teams of the modern era.

[@XOMoon]

Remember that although Elton John is singing the words, it was Bernie Taupin who wrote them. I think it was him who was tiring of London (with its streets paved with gold) and wanting to return to his native (rural) Lincolnshire.

[@PeterMoore66]

And Bernie's genius was to take that desire to return to a relatively unknown region of England and filter it through US/Hollywood tropes, so making the lyrics more resonant to more people.

[@randolph795]

Yes absolutely. That’s what I was going to say!

[@Inverse_to_Chaos]

I believe Taupin wrote most of Elton John’s lyrics around the latter’s life events, though there are exceptions.

[@YerpDerp17]

I remember when I graduated in 2005 my parents got me my first pair of audiophile headphones and amp. I remember hearing this song for the first time, and it made me cry. I can't even fully explain why, but this is my personal Elton John song. And he has 3 full albums worth of hits, so that is saying a lot. lol I just find the melody, even without the lyrics, to be so wonderful. It's fleeting, nostelgic and a mixture of hope/regret. It always gets me to reflect and to feel hopeful. Thank you for reacting to this beautiful song. I hope you and anyone who happens to read this has a wonderful/positive day or night!

[@jeffwatts1126]

He has more than 3 great albums, from top to bottom

[@dianecourtney2724]

Thank you

[@lee_1292]

thats the year i was born! good music is timeless, isnt it? thanks for sharing, have a good one! :-]

[@riffhammeron]

Yes. One of the great headphone songs. Amazing production and an amazing heartfelt message

[@edwardbanane9643]

I heard it the day before here in Toronto because my highschool friends sisteer worked at A&A Records.

[@coldlakealta4043]

not Sam the Record Man?

[@Karmakatt6]

Producers have said the Elton John has a unique ability to harmonize his vocals specifically to match his piano playing. Apparently, thats extremely rare.

[@kurtilein3]

Over the decades, his voice came down by maybe around an octave, as you can hear for example in his red piano Las Vegas residency, but it still works beautifully. He re-wrote and re-worked everything to his new, lower voice. For quite a few songs, i actually prefer the more contemporary recordings with the deep voice.

[@souldreamer9056]

Actually, during the ‘main sequence’ early albums, his band (Nigel, Dee, etc) had quite a free hand in making the instrumental and vocal harmony arrangements.

[@marcusjaybrode2129]

As a musician, I have no idea what you mean. Of course his vocals match his piano chords. 🧐

[@Karmakatt6]

@@marcusjaybrode2129 watch the BBC version of classic albums live of GBYBR. You're welcome. 😕. I believe the reference wasn't to chord structure or pitch but to phrasing and timing. But as a musician, you no doubt considered that.

[@marcusjaybrode2129]

@@Karmakatt6 - but you did say that his vocals “HARMONIZE” to his piano playing. (Harmony has nothing to do with timing or phrasing. Of course, as a musician, you already knew that.)

[@margarethorrall8621]

Very, very few people are great musicians, great singers and great poets. Elton John is one of the best of those few.

[@tomward6689]

But it's Bernie Taupin who was the poet. Elton was the singer and musician.

[@FrankieTheDog-ps9ik]

"A tool for everyone else's ambitions." Great analysis here. Always enjoy Amy's reactions!

[@michaelevans205]

This one (the album too) is part of the fabric of my teens. I really am not a devoted Elton fan but whenever I hear anything from this album I am immediately transported to the mid-1970s, boarding school, and Spartan conditions. Goodbye Yellow Brick road was an aid to survival!

[@Heathcoatman]

I like Elton, but like you I'm not a die hard. I prefer stuff with a little more edge. However, my older sisters were huge fans of Elton and I probably heard this album 1000 times in my youth. Definitely brings back many memories. This album and Madman Across the Water.

[@richardkelleher1711]

I hope you are happy, I've had "Yellow Brick Road" stuck in my brain for a week now since I watched this video. It switches briefly to the them from "Arthur", but keeps switching back to Elton. Thanks for doing these videos, I always enjoy the music and your commentary.

[@tomratcliff3755]

Wow, I had no idea it was 73. Damn I've gotten old. Seems like just a few years ago that it was new music.

[@nepesilva2284]

Man, this song never fails to bring tears to my eyes. There’s a nostalgic quality to it that makes me think of younger days. I’m sad they’re gone, but happy I got to experience them.

[@gtjacobs]

For me, the other Elton John song on a level with this one is "Someone Saved My Life Tonight"

[@007shlomo]

totally beyond doubt "Someone Saved my Life Tonight" is Elton greatest song. I would love to watch Amy listen to Van Morrison's "Snow on San Anselmo"

[@EchoesDaBear]

Great reaction! This is my #1 Elton song, and from his best album IMHO. So, SO many amazing songs on it - pure perfection! Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, Benny & The Jets, Candle In The Wind, I've Seen That Movie Too, Saturday Night's Alright, Harmony...really not a bad song! Only problem...this song is too short!

[@robbflynn4325]

One of the greatest truth drops!

[@Merseyrock]

Performance-wise, off this track, I especially love the piano arrangement; I can listen to it by itself...it plays like a nocturne/etude ❤

[@richpeltier9519]

I use Elton as my example of someone who appears to be writing directly from their heart, without a care for artistic acceptance, yet is still incredibly relatable. He doesn't seem to be pandering, or writing for the audience (whether or not he is, is another discussion unto itself and barely relevant), but simply using music as a form of artistic expression. All while being universally relatable and successful. IMO what he achieved in his career is the truest measure of artistic success. The movie Rocketman, based on his life and music suffered from bad reviews. I believe the people who didn't like it, did so for predominately the same reason. It wasn't shot like a movie, but rather like a Broadway show. The songs are all there, but songs from one time period are used to express ideas from another and stuff like that just didn't hit with audiences. If viewed from the "proper" perspective, it's incredibly entertaining and compelling. Plus the music is handled very well. His last show in LA was recorded and is streaming on D+. He brought back many of the musicians he'd worked with over the decades and even reminded people how awesome Kiki Dee is. I highly recommend it for anyone who likes his music.

[@kenhavens9559]

One of my favorite albums of all time, is Elton John's "Live in Australia". You would love "60 Years On", "I Need You to Turn To" and "Tonight". I think they represent the perfect fusion of orchestra and pop/rock music.

[@Andy-l6y]

The album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is a masterpiece. Please listen to “Funeral for a Friend-Love Lies Bleeding” off of this album. I would be very interested in your opinion once breaking down this song!

[@larryk731]

He played this at the end of his Goodbye yellow brick road tour as the final track. I saw him at Metlife stadium 2 years ago and it was amazing- a perfect ending to a near perfect concert.

[@randomname4726]

I tried to go to that concert twice. The first time he was sick, the second time the city flooded. So sad I missed out.

[@chrisallen8250]

My Father's Gun, brilliant, one of his best sing along choruses.

[@LeeKennison]

Another great Elton John song with many more really good ones left for you to check out. I agree that this has a timeless feel. You made a good thematic association with Lennon's "Watching the Wheels" that hadn't occurred to me before. For me the yellow brick road is a reference to the famous 1939 movie and musical "The Wizard of Oz" with Judy Garland, with the yellow brick road representing the road from Kansas to the land of Oz in the movie, and from the simple life in Kansas to the life of fame and fortune in the song. In both cases returning home to the simpler less fantastical life in Kansas, for as the movie says: "There's no place like home." Great reaction!

[@cynthiagauthier8897]

I was surprised Amy didn't mention it. May be she doesn't know the movie, nor the musical ?

[@LeeKennison]

@@cynthiagauthier8897 I'm guessing that she hasn't seen it, otherwise I think she would have mentioned it. Hopefully this will motivate her into checking it out, perhaps on her movie channel. I think she would really enjoy it since it is such a great movie, which I haven't seen myself in decades, so I need to go back and watch it again sometime. If she covers it on her movie channel that might be enough to motivate me into watching it again.

[@LeeKennison]

@@cynthiagauthier8897 Lol, I replied to your message in my notification feed. I thought you were referring to Simon and Garfunkel's "Mrs. Robinson" and the movie "The Graduate." The funny thing is that this same reply applies to both.

[@cynthiagauthier8897]

@@LeeKennison sorry, I should have been more precise in my comment. I was referring to "The Wizard of Oz" only. ;)

[@cynthiagauthier8897]

@@LeeKennison I didn't know she have a movie channel. Can you give me the link or the name of it, please ?

[@bgt54rfvcde32wsxzaq1]

I've listened to this song for 50 years and this is the first time I have understood the lyrics. THANK YOU 😊

[@WoodyGamesUK]

When you talk about the subtle melody changes that prevent it from being too predictable, you should mention the more important element: the key change between chorus and melody.

[@rayjennings3637]

A process most of us go through at some time. Getting out of the rat-race and focussing on self! Some of us manage to achieve that objective whilst others find they can't do without the rush of competitive living or complying with the desires of others! I managed to kick that into touch some 16 years ago and I've not regretted my decision one bit. It's not been easy with no regular pay cheque but my soul thanked me for it!

[@dogsmusicbookstravelscience]

I completely relate, and good on you! I grew up in suburbia but my disillusionment with it all kicked in early so I left the urban world far behind soon after leaving school. Spent the next couple of decades far off the beaten paths: Antarctica, subantarctic islands, working on ships & yachts, participating in expeditions to lesser-known parts of Africa, working as farmhand and doing field work for agricultural research, wildlife programs, shoestring backpacking, etcetera - somehow finding the means not to starve thanks to skills I picked up along the way. Health problems slowed me down eventually and forced me back to my more urban roots to at least prolong my life for a while. Anyway, I love literature & music related to these themes and I tip my hat to anyone who can break away and find joy in the beautiful world out there. I am yet to meet anyone who has ever regretted doing that.

[@rayjennings3637]

@@dogsmusicbookstravelscience Fair play to you, Jaco. My hat's off to you. You're living a life that's so much more fulfilling than most and now you have the time and wisdom to enjoy what's important to you and your family. I have to admit that even when I did put it behind me, I did play to my skills and picked up the odd free-lance job doing what I did as a full-time design engineer. These little jobs came from people I'd known in other companies over the years so that was good. Some temping work here and there - digitising paper archives, doing background security checks prior to the London Olympics, some dog-walking! The quirkiest work I did was as a rigger/handler with a hot-air balloon company - setting up at the launch site, following the track of it and dismantling after landing, that was great fun! Life is even more fun though, now I've formally retired. I'm in the process of compiling as much of a photographic record of churches in Southern England as I can, for a multi-county family history society. All at my pace and in my own way! If only life could have been like this 60 years ago when I left school at 16 but it probably could have been but I just didn't see it! The best thing of all though is that I'm still married to the lady I married in 1970 and she's been my bedrock all that time. The most patient and supportive lady I could ever want beside me!

[@ono1dij]

This song is so perfect that I always have tears waiting to fall

[@kendallneason3645]

Such a beautiful song. I love to sing this one. Elton John is so gifted as his lyricist partner Bernie Taupin. Thanks for using your magic ear for music to point out intriguing sounds and lyrics! Love your reactions! Interesting that your interpretation of the lyrics melds with the movie The Rocket Man about Elton John and this song being used as the turning point in his life and freeing himself from past experiences and trauma.

[@PrixtoTNT]

What an amazing coincidence. I started listening to this song one day before you uploaded this video. Crazy!

[@elliedogify]

many great covers of this song especially the one by Sara Barellis (live at Atlanta)

[@TheoZoffrok]

The Sara Bareilles version is one of the best covers I've ever heard.

[@victorjohnson7512]

"come down in time" was off the Tumbleweed Connection album (1970). That is my favorite Elton John album. Bernie and Elton made it a western themed concept album with track like "my father's gun". Which is an emotionally moving ballad about the US civil war.

[@gbsailing9436]

As was "Tired Old Soldiers"...

[@lovepower6727]

an awesome album which i remember fondly as a british kid living in spain in 1973 - when i hear it I'm back there - the hooting owl is so british and, as i grew older, on continued to live abroad, it made me feel connected to a place id been removed from. The track Daniel from the same album, of course, makes me think of leaving Spain, a place I loved so much as a child. Still makes me cry whenever I hear it - "must me be clouds in my eyes".

[@jdenino6022]

"Daniel" is from another one of Elton John's albums, an earlier one. I think it's from "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player" along with his other big hit off of that album "Crocodile Rock" the hit #2 and #1 respectively. Sir Paul McCartney's song (forgot which) kept Daniel from hitting #1 on Billboard.

[@muratomar6502]

The farewell party in my high school, I danced with a beautiful girl 😁

[@gbsailing9436]

"Ticking" is a tragic story that Bernie and EJ wrote, but Amy, EJ is SUCH a HUGE rabbit hole to go down. Can I suggest you listen to it?!? EJ, He is such a huge artist and has influenced and enriched the lives of billions of people the world over for 50 years. His impact on modern lives could not be calculated or even estimated. The album, from which this song is from is a HUGE album with EVERY song a fantastic piece of song writing. It was a double album and really cemented Elton's career and personality as a rockstar at the time. This song on the album moves straight into the next song which is an exercise in creative poetry by Bernie; "This Song Has No Title". The Album should be listened to in its entirety so gain the awesome feel for the work. Can I suggest you do and release the songs individually on YT?

[@rustyaxelrod]

As a big fan, age 13, when this was on the radio, it felt like a masterpiece. It’s simplicity is apparent to me now, I haven’t listened to it for many years but I still found it quite enjoyable. There was a time I thought there could not be a “better” song than Bennie And The Jets. Magical times to my young ears. Than you for a nostalgic listen to an old favorite. 👍

[@stuarthein3444]

Although both the EJ songs you listened to this weekend are great songs and big hits, I would rank them behind Funeral for a Friend/Love lies Bleeding, Grey Seal, All the Good Girls Love Alice, and Saturday Night's Alright (for Fighting) as the best songs on the album. Funeral and Saturday Night both are strong rockers, which EJ was early in his career.

[@032Eagle]

This is one of my personal favorites, it really 'takes me back.' Really good analysis of this tune.

[@WindmillChef]

Musical mastery. The music writing contains many staples, conventions, principles of classical music composure but transformed into modern music in a way that I believe few would be able to accomplish. It doesn't overemphasize either way, one does not recognize really old or new composure. And 1973 is merely 20 years after rock 'n roll and less than 10 years after rock music became popular. Many modern music convictions have not developed yet. Bernie Taupin not only refers to times of the past, with the farm and owl and frog, yellow brick road paints a very nostalgic picture. And Amy, is that not what the melody writing tries to compliment with the swaying harmonic back vocals, and yes, that includes the predictabilities and repeats. Nostalgy, the song takes me back to The Sound of Music and Winnie the Pooh's 100 acre woods, but in a more adult fashion. It has whimsical elements, likened to "a few of my favorite things", lemon drops are now hauling owls. The jangling guitar sounds like wind chimes. Further,...hey this is Elton John, it is a piano piece to the core. What is this song in 1973? Is it rock, like Led Zeppelin? No. Is it modern style folk story telling music like Bob Dylan or Joan Baez? Noop. Is it 70's harmonic soft rock, like Little River Band or The Eagles? Noop. Is it more sophisticated like progressive rock? Noop. Is it all Britania like The Beatles or The Kinks, Not at all. Elton John stands completely alone here where few can go. It is not my favorite song, not even my favorite Elton John song (I do love it) and I am a fan, but this is musical mastery, the simplistic sound of it is just part of its meant aim.

[@carolhayward7369]

Sara Bareilles covers this song beautifully. Hint hint. There's a video of her doing it live.

[@fromchomleystreet]

10:20 What you expected (assuming your culturally conditioned psychoacoustics are like most people) was a resolution to the tonic note F in the lead vocal, over a resolution to the tonic triad (F major) in the harmony. Instead, you get a surprise key change up a minor third to the key of Ab, via a classic ii/V/I transition. The pivot chord is the Bb which arrives with the beginning of the word “road”, and which functions as both the minor iv chord in the verse key of F (in which context it’s a borrowed chord from the relative minor key of Fm), and the ii chord in the new key of Ab.

[@wonmoss0206]

"Breaking the Waves" cemented this as my favorite Elton John song.

[@robinraan]

I know I love this song, and I am amazed that you can explain why . Thank you, Amy

[@timnotbrianmay]

A GREAT SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP, FOR SURE!!!!!!!!!! Bernie wrote all of the lyrics, and Elton wrote all of the music! All of the time! SPECTACULAR!!!!!!!!!!

[@grahamokeefe9406]

Elton did write the occasional lyric. Next to Bernie's they're kind of disappointing.

[@yinoveryang4246]

In my mind this has always been Eltons greatest song, 1973, although there's plenty of other good ones. Really sophisticated, and beautiful melody. Its also got a lyric that's truly great. Their process was the Bernie Taupin would come up with a lyric, and then Elton would write the music to fit with the lyric. I think in many ways Eltons career has certain parallels with Queens. Musically, they did their best music in the 70's. And then during the 80's they were tremendously successful, financially and career-wise. But achieved this making a somewhat more stripped-down music. Making surefire hits for a wider audience. They all had the talent to pull this off.

[@jamesmcclain5005]

This song is when I became an Elton John fan.

[@madmanasaurusRex]

Elton John should go into your Simon and Garfunkel bucket of soft rock with great composure and meaningful lyrics. A lot of great rock artists to explore with Sir Elton being one of the top-tier examples. ❤

[@jeffwatts1126]

And he can rock out with the best of them as well

[@grilledspaghetti]

Am I the only one that had this song as a constant earworm in my last 6 months in the Army? It fits so well although I didn't have a plow back home. Lol😅

[@boedude8496]

across all of the genres since the big band era i would say most everyone has at least one elton john song in their top 10-15. his voice and style and overall presence are unsurpassed. that being said, if you haven't yet, i would ask that you give a listen to locomotive breath by jethro tull. he is phenomenal as a musician as well as a performer.

[@comeconcon569]

Sir Elton John was knighted by the Queen for his contribution to Britain's music industry.

[@PhalseProfit13]

I love your channel so much thank you

[@deanroddey2881]

If I had to pick one Elton song, I'd probably have to go with "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me", in terms of being a fairly perfect example of song writing and arrangement, excellently performed. But of course he has an almost bottomless catalogue of amazing tunes. He, Bernie (his lyricist), and his band were extremely prolific in the 70s. I was in my teens at the time, and he was just ubiquitous on the radio at the time.

[@kurtilein3]

He had a 4% global market share of all record sales for a while. That simply does not happen, it is unreal. People think Taylor Swift is a big deal, well, she only got a 1.8% market share, and that only in the USA. That simply will never happen again.

[@armandoparra8488]

Amy, you're absolutely right about finding similarity between Lennon's "Watching the Wheels" and GBYBR. Just take into consideration that Elton and Bernie wrote this song in 73, while Lennon composed "Watching the Whels in 1980, so it was actually Lennon who emulated Elton's style. Congrats for your channel, I really enjoy it..

[@jdenino6022]

Elton John covered "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" with John Lennon on backing vocal and playing "reggae guitar" credited as Dr Winston O'Boogie. He also covered Lennon's song "One Day At A Time" he also played piano on Lennon's #1 hit song, "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night."

[@enta2]

Love your reactions and the reviews. I think it will be interesting for you as a musician to listen to Elton's 60 Years On, The King Must Die, and Talking Old Soldiers from 1970 and I'd love to hear your opinion 🥰

[@magusscorpiones9276]

Spot on analysis. According to an interview with Bernie Taupin I saw, this was one of the only songs he co-wrote with Elton John that reflected his own person feelings, specifically in contrast to John's opulent, flamboyant lifestyle. Taupin was quite content to let John have all the limelight, as fame came with many challenges for him personally.

[@dogsmusicbookstravelscience]

That is true. There are many images that cross my mind when I think of Elton John, but working a plow is not one of them! From the few public appearances I've seen of Bernie Taupin, I can see him being in his element on some land, looking after the soil and crops, far away from red carpets and photographers. It's quite remarkable how they combined so well musically, and how Taupin could write lyrics for hundreds of songs as if he lived in Elton's head.

[@ceebee491]

Yr analysis absolutely nailed this song.

[@vonVile]

Amy, I hope you go back to David Bowie for a weekend. IMHO his two greatest songs are "Space Oddity" and "Life On Mars?".

[@HugoGindraux]

You may want to listen to The Greatest Discovery you will enjoy the Harp and Violins.

[@kenhavens9559]

Yes! The version of this on "Live in Australia" is beautiful 😊

[@chaddubois8164]

Elton John's music will last.

[@kurtilein3]

For sure. He had a 4% global market share of record sales for a while. That is just sick. Noone else ever did that again. For comparison, Taylor Swift has a 1.8% market share, but that is USA only, not globally. 4% global market share is just totally bonkers.

[@craigwells3655]

Elton and John Lennon were close friends. I think Elton may have even been the godfather of one of John's boys. Props to Bernie Taupin, for his lyrics. In a way, it is his voice we are hearing.

[@kurtilein3]

He named himself Elton John as a nod to John Lennon.

[@bluehuerue6893]

@@kurtilein3 No, Reginald Dwight named himself after Elton Dean, a saxophonist associated with the band Soft Machine, and after singer/bandleader ''Long'' John Baldry. Both were musicians ''Elton'' had performed with.

[@johntousseau9380]

I saw him in Tacoma, WA for his farewell tour. This was his last song he did.

[@Inverse_to_Chaos]

Considering the amount of times I’ve played this song this summer, I’ve got very used to the abrupt change, but I now recall when the vocal phrasing and abrupt shift to the chorus caught me off guard. Just the right amount of spice in an otherwise ‘formulaic’ composition.

[@jdenino6022]

Lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin, Elton John's songwriting partner/lyricist. Bernie isn't actually a musician, he does have a very good ability to put lyrics together. They've been writing songs together for over 50 years. Bernie writes or types out lyrics on a sheet of paper, sends them to Elton and Elton will come up with the music for the song usually in a half an hour or less. Unique partnership between those two. Bernie Taupin did grow up on a farm in Lincolnshire, England. Elton and Bernie both answered an ad in the NME music paper for talent and they were put together by a man named Ray Williams and the rest is history.

[@davemurray3920]

My favorite is "Tiny Dancer"

[@comedyriff5231]

It’s interesting that you draw a connection between Elton John’s "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and John Lennon’s "Watching the Wheels." They actually became good friends in he mid 70s. Elton John played piano on Lennon’s hit "Whatever Gets You Through the Night" and also contributed backing vocals. This collaboration highlights a rare moment where Lennon embraced a more straightforward pop sound. After the initial Beatlemania era, Lennon’s work tended to lean towards more complex and introspective themes.

[@musicremaster_]

This track is very important in musical history.

[@skilletpan5674]

Why?

[@grahamokeefe9406]

Elton is probably one of the more technically accomplished rockers out there. On the songs where he really gets to show off his piano skills (Honky Cat, etc) he really rips. A lot of those Elton/Bernie songs have that natural feel to them.

[@Trendyflute]

There's so many good Elton songs to delve into! While I'd say GYBR is his most consistently strong album from beginning to end (especially impressive for a double album), IMO a lot of his most interesting songs are on albums before GYBR, like _Take Me To The Pilot, Where To Now, St. Peter?, Burn Down The Mission, Madman Across The Water,_ and _Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters. Tiny Dancer_ is a must too! I'd like to think the lyrical content of this song (going back to my plow, hunting the toad, etc.) is referencing his hit _Honky Cat_ from the previous year which is a fun one too.

[@normanrose2711]

Great job as always . I am not a huge fan of Elton but this song is great. I hope you have his song Funeral For a Friend on your list.

[@thethegreenmachine]

I have that album. It's a good one.

[@splitimage137.]

Speaking of the Yellow Brick Road: Has anyone here seen The Dark Side Of Oz? Put the soundtrack from Pink Floyd's The Dark Side of the Moon with the visuals of The Wizard of Oz, and many coincidences occur.

[@nottherealrashnar]

I've done it a few times. It didn't quite live up to the hype....at least the hype I had built up in my head. There are a few odd coincidences, however.

[@vpgnto]

beyond the yellow brick raaaaaaaaa aaaaaaaa aaaaaa

[@alexbadre]

You really should listen to the sara berellis version live in detroit

[@Dan-C-71]

Another song that could be a similar theme is “Solsbury Hill” by Peter Gabriel. It’s about a spiritual experience he had on Little Solsbury Hill, near Bath in the UK, when he was contemplating leaving Genesis.

[@julianwatts-o2r]

Madman Across the Water is also one of his best and also a good contrast from the songs you have heard so far

[@bruah_]

looking forward to your construe of Arch Enemy's majestic works

[@DonaldWoods-h5r]

Taupin is disillusioned with fame. Goodbye yellow brick road.

[@gerstelb]

Title track to one of the greatest albums ever released. There are so many great songs on it, you might as well just copy-paste the track listing. You mention John Lennon, whom Elton John did consider a friend; they collaborated on “Whatever Gets You Through the Night,” and due to a bet John made with Lennon, the latter appeared at a concert at Madison Square Garden to do three songs: their duet, “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds,” and “I Saw Her Standing There,” (which is actually a Paul song, but what the heck). It turned out to be Lennon’s last live performance. After Lennon was murdered, John wrote “Empty Garden” as a tribute, and would only ever perform live it at MSG. Surprisingly, this is one of the few Elton John songs that has a really worthy cover: Sara Bareilles has done a barebones version on piano that’s just gorgeous.

[@stormy8207]

The Yellow Brick Road was a feature of the movie Wizard of Oz. It brings back ideas of false happiness ie. it looks good but the reality isn't that great. Loved your analysis.

[@markfilla9305]

Great reaction Amy! It's a little ironic that you mention John Lennon multiple times in your analysis given that he and Elton were good friends and several times sang bakup vocals on each others songs. Granted, Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics to almost all of Elton's songs, but one can speculate that he and Lennon had at least one discussion about the topic at the center of this song and Watching the Wheels.

[@sambirch6784]

I think it's fair to say Elton John has had a complicated life but it's those experiences that have fuelled his best songs. I fear for those musicians/singers who have been groomed by the music industry from a young age and have no varied life experience to draw on for inspiration.

[@josephmilitello647]

Compare Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill," for another moment of decision song. Supposedly it's about him deciding whether to leave Genesis to pursue a solo career.

[@ocayul]

Great idea!

[@Ocrilat]

The difference between the John Lennon song and this is, for Elton and Bernie, it's just a story. At the time, they were at the top...and all the good things were happening. It was later that things got bad. A common error with Elton and Bernie is to think that every song is autobiographical. They didn't write like that. They were telling little self-contained stories, and Elton sang them with sincerity. But they're still stories. Also, this was from the album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. They wrote and recorded 22 songs in two weeks. There was no time to make every song personal. Their creative process was also, to me, odd. Bernie would have written a pile of lyrics. Elton would pick one to work on. He would put it to music in less than 15 minutes. Then he'd take the song and play it on a piano or organ for the band once or twice. The band would listen and figure out on their own what they would do for their 'part'. Then it was off to the studio (they played in the same room, live). They'd mess around for a few minutes, and then just...play the song. Elton would not make suggestions to the other musicians...they were free to do whatever they felt. They'd then play the song a few times till it was right...then off to begin the process for the next song. They would only run through the song between 1-5 times, rarely more (the song 'Daniel' they got in one take. The song on the album was their first attempt). Backing vocals were written/arranged by the band, on their own, again with zero input from anyone. They would on average write, record, and produce four original songs a day. When making their version of Pinball Wizard, Peter Townsend said Elton and the band created and recorded the entire song in less than four hours (including vocals, overdubs, backing vocals, everything). That same year Elton released two full albums. The band: Nigel Olsson drums/vocals Dee Murray bass/vocals Davey Johnstone guitars/vocals With this song I also love how the fills are just perfect. The drum fills are obvious, but even Elton has his little fills with the piano. On it being predictable, my brain is torn between listening to the lyrics and singing, the drumming that almost sounds like a lead instrument, and the bass reinforcing the drumming...kind of. A lot of Elton's songs of this era have a 3-dimensional quality to them that my brain loves. The sound itself makes me think of a wistful memory...like the singer is reliving an event that happened decades ago. I don't know why.

[@chrisallen8250]

Look at Border Song too. Mona Lisas...

[@Andres64B]

Another song with the same feel or message is the theme song to Green Acres 😉

[@B.R.0101]

So Beatlesk! 3:40 In fadct Elton John was a fun of John Lennon and they played together and cooperate for the Walls and Bridges album by John Lennon

[@1MahaDas]

You have to remember that Elton didn't write the lyrics. It was Bernie Taupin who exclusively penned those words. So, the theme and direction of the music would have been at the discretion of Sir John himself, and of course to the Producer. Producers then in 1973 as today, have the power to make or break a band or solo artist. Unless the planets form a fortuitous configuration, it is a terrible though symbiotic relationship.