Elton John - Rocket Man *DayOne Reacts*

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[@frikster5176]

The inspiration for Bernie Taupin's lyrics, however, was the short story The Rocket Man, written by Ray Bradbury. The sci-fi author's tale is told from the perspective of a child, whose astronaut father has mixed feelings at leaving his family in order to do his job. It was published as part of the anthology The Illustrated Man in 1951.

[@axiomist4488]

Thanks, I didnt know that. Im a fan of Bradbury since being a teen, in mid 60s and I also love many of Elton's songs, this one being in the top, of course, but I never knew they were both connected in this piece .

[@rickgibson4641]

Rocket man is a metaphor for feeling isolated from your loved ones during times of separation due to your responsibilities and obligations associated with job/ career. The song became very real to me as a deployed military member half way around the world , you feel very out of touch and isolated from your own life.

[@penderyn8794]

Well meaning Military men are brave and honourable....but we need to avoid dying in meaningless state schemes. Individuals and families are the things I will defend .... All the rest is power games

[@Mark-EFMB-Combat-Medic]

Yes sir @rickgibson4641, I certainly agree with your comment. I was also deployed overseas for eighteen months in the early 1980's. In my case Erlangen West Germany - 1/94th FA MLRS - which was roughly 5,700 miles from home and anyone I trusted, loved, cared about or genuinely cared about me. "Feeling Isolated", In my case, began when being aggressively and continually commanded to resolve or ignore impossibly difficult problems I encountered and to ONLY report the successful events I personally achieved, precipitated my feelings of isolation. "Feeling Isolated" has been a significant problem for me since that time. My aspirations of becoming the man and specific professional I joined the military to become, ended 5,700 miles from home. However, hearing this song tonight momentarily softens those and other feelings.

[@24davidsmith]

Well said and SPOT on!

[@batmanforpresident9655]

Elton John is one of the greatest musical geniuses of the 20th century. His best hits include: "Tiny Dancer", Daniel", "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word", Island Girl", "Philadelphia Freedom", "Levon", "Nikita", "Believe", Mama Can't Buy You Love", "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road".

[@ponymon4283]

His masterpiece was "Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding".

[@brenthenderson3983]

Etc, etc.

[@TheObserverIsTheObserved]

And the soundtrack to "The Lion King"

[@davemcbroom695]

I remember singing to this to the tinny am radio in our '74 Volkswagen at the top of my lungs. Good times.

[@rubbersole79]

Released in April 1972. About the time we started to extricate ourselves from Vietnam.

[@brasco96wired67]

it's a song about the pitfalls of superstardom. "I packed my bags pre-fight zero hours 9am and I'm going to be high as a kite by then", is a very telling line.

[@RM-ks8pp]

Great song by Elton. Brings back great memories from back in my high school day listening to this song on the radio. Another track I like from Elton is Curtains. Peace lovely lady...

[@mikecaetano]

Hard to top 70's era Elton John. My best friend in sixth grade had a dog named Rocket. We used to laugh at how the dog would perk up his ears whenever we played this song.

[@danjoda755]

Interesting interpretation Angela, and as usual, a great reaction. If you'd like more I'd this vibe, I think you'd appreciate Elton John's "Mona Lisa's and Mad Hatters". The metaphors are subtle, but it's a BEAUTIFUL composition. 🥰🌹✌️🕊️😇

[@dennisparkin690]

One of my favorite Bernie/Elton songs. The simple harmony alone blows me away every time. Then you got the words and the music. Sick.

[@markkauder1288]

I would almost say it is his best. The lyrics and mandolin slay me.

[@danjoda755]

@@markkauder1288 One of my favorite at home jams was laying my acoustic guitar over Elton's piano. Everybody I played that for seemed to like it well, and it always put me in a great head space. 😇✌️🕊️

[@tommythompson9565]

Elton John's double album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is a really good album. Though being a double album, no song on it is a filler. He had hit after hit in the 70's. Whether a ballad or an upbeat pop song, he was and still is an amazing musician.

[@Peter-oh3hc]

It means whatever you are feeling when you hear it. Just listen and let your mind wander. See where it goes. Wow, that came out more hippie than I intended

[@ptrlxc]

Far out

[@danalynch8889]

It is about a spaceman traveling to Mars and then back.

[@tjmeyer4469]

I just saw him last night in Vegas for his Farewell Tour. 5th time seeing him, and at 75 years old, still a great performer and voice.

[@jamesallen278]

You know you are so insightful. You see things I never thought about. You just may be right. It was about life on the road and not in space. And used it just as a metaphor. I never thought of that before. Love your reactions because you seem to get it.

[@frankpentangeli7945]

I almost never analyze lyrics ... it's not my cup of tea. So I had never considered your interpretation of this song as a metaphor for life on the road. Makes total sense. Good call, Angela! Anyway, this entire album (Honky Chateau) is simply astounding. Elton could do nothing wrong in this era, starting with the Elton John album, through Tumbleweed Connection, Madman Across the Water, Honky Chateau, Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Caribou and Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. A sequence of masterpieces, all within a span of about FIVE YEARS, which in itself is mind boggling! I think the only ones who came close to this prolific output of magnificent art were The Beatles. Beautiful music! What's even more incredible is that after receiving the lyrics from Bernie Taupin, Elton generally wrote each song in less than an hour. If that doesn't make one feel unworthy, I don't know what would. 😁

[@cajunsushi]

I always took it literally,like being an astronaut not understanding the science.

[@Orange6921]

@@cajunsushi I think the metaphorical side of it is too perfect not to be intended on some level. Though you can clearly see the literal and metaphorical perspectives. They are both there.

[@geraldblaney9764]

Your feeling the story .whether its as it was meant when written does not matter. The experience of the story shows the power in the singer. Elton does this magnificently

[@Peter-oh3hc]

Heard this for the first time when it came out. Watching your face was like listening to it for the first time again. Thank you. This was wonderful

[@arabiasantigo4870]

I been hearing this song since the 1970's & I never thought of your interpretation it makes sense...I always thought of him the 🚀 Rocket man being lonely in outer space

[@kesleycottrell1416]

Elton John's music is magic. It not only tells a story but some how it takes the listener on the journey with him.

[@charlesf2804]

Glad to see the lyrics up on screen. There were some lines of this song I didn't get. "Burning out his fuse up here alone" is one. It sounded like something else before. Maybe I needed a better stereo. But you gave me another way of looking at this song. Even if your analysis isn't what they meant when they wrote it, it's entirely plausible in my view. Good insight.

[@MrRondonmon]

It means he is all alone in space as he is having his meltdowns, so to speak. Fuses protect the main energy source, so, an space walker, (lol) he has to go through his problems all alone. Its about being in space, Bernie has admitted a short story about an astronaut inspired him.

[@stepnan1]

I've been listening to this song for years, and I never thought of your interpretation. It's the best I've ever heard. Thank you.

[@dggydddy59]

In my opinion Elton's early period is easily his best. The days of Friends, Levon, Your Song, Rocket Man, Love Song, Harmony, etc. Just Wow!! The early 70's were really unbeatable in terms of how many fantastic songs you heard on the radio every single day, day after day.

[@Facelessman42001]

"High as a Kite" was a metaphor that we ALL understand what it means. 😉

[@tonym362]

When this came out, Elton was scheduled to play in the Detroit area. About 6 of us got tickets, for the astronomical price of $4.50. The tickets sold out in 2 hours. My dad thought I was crazy to pay so much to see a singer. 🤷‍♂️ Great concert & show.

[@glennburch1081]

Saw Elton John in Virginia Beach about 6 years ago. He couldn't hit those hight notes anymore........ BUT HE ABSOLUTELY CRUSHED THIS SONG! A great entertainer. Have always favored his self-entitled record released in 1970 (Your Song, Take Me to the Pilot, The King Must Die + others) Thanks for reacting.

[@grahampreston5153]

Just one of my all time favourite tracks. Just beautiful perfect harmonies, gorgeous sumptuous.

[@JC-tq8gm]

You could be right about the meaning, but I've always thought it was just saying that no matter how special others thought you were, most people are just going through the motions and would rather just be home. I love this song and this time period for Elton John was his best. Song recommendation: Sammy Johns- Chevy Van (definite road trip song)

[@lindapansoy3787]

I love Teachers.. SOmetimes you get that 1 special teacher that gets you. They aren't all bad. WE just need to teach our children well...

[@txrojas]

I always loved the oxymoron “in fact it’s cold as hell”. Great reaction!

[@robertpearson8798]

Not to question your honesty but it’s hard to believe that there’s anyone who’s never heard this song, it’s such a pervasive tune.

[@gabrielmcdonnell8699]

Well, it is 2022 and Angela isn’t a Baby Boomer/Gen Xer and Elton John isn’t in everyone’s wheelhouse and there are old songs that are popular to many that another faction aren’t familiar with and then there’s a tune like “Sweet Caroline” that’s known to, say, Gen Z-ers who love baseball but the NFL/NBA may not know it.... 🤷‍♂️

[@Jagangela]

It is simply crazy to think that everybody know this song.

[@YN97WA]

Great reaction, young lady, to an epic song. I just saw Elton at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara. At 75, he can still bring the house down. I really enjoy your videos. 👍👍

[@bigsteve9279]

I think you have a good perspective on this… I never thought about it like this in nearly 50 years 🤔 You’re good! 🥰

[@trevortamboline279]

So much fun watching your reaction... brings back memories of when I first discovered this masterpiece.

[@Zebred2001]

Well, I would say that it's a pretty straight up song about the emotional experience of the titular space man but definitely the emotions resonate because we apply it to more down-to-Earth experiences we know ourselves. Doubtless Elton related to it too!

[@debjorgo]

I think it's just about being an astronaut. The metaphor is there, but it's more about his life in general.

[@JohnRotonto-ql9ds]

Hey pretty lady! Glad 2 C you're digging elton john. One of the world's living treasures. 🎹🎹🎹🎹

[@mikefetterman6782]

You got it, the same theme as Journey's Faithfully. Road aint no place to raise a family.

[@jerryrandall6888]

Did a little research and apparently lyricist Bernie Taupin was inspired by a science fiction short story by Ray Bradbury. The song sees a future where astronaut is just a common job, and explores the loneliness such a job would have on a person. It was the early 70s the era of the space race. Others have had other interpretations, including battling drug addiction. I believe Bernie Taupin, but your version works just as well. That's the beauty of songs like this - it means whatever you think it means.

[@novanights2chevy597]

Totally plausible interpretation. If you're in a rock band, you gotta rock it, man! Props to Angela! Props to Taupin for the duality!

[@jerickson725]

That is exactly how I interpret it too Angela. Great reaction!

[@marksiracusa6114]

Great reaction and spot on interpretation

[@johnthegreek5836]

Sir Elton John will always be one of my favorite artists

[@maverickblackhorse3068]

Fascinating interpretation of life on the road; many interpretations lean towards substance-addiction too. I think you’re on to something I haven’t considered, but shall reconsider. Thx!

[@number2055]

This song and every song is about whatever the listener interprets it to be about. Angela I just discovered your channel. Keep up the good work. Has anyone ever told you that you look like MJ Acosta Ruiz?

[@tedcole9936]

Yep, I think you’re right, Angela. Also cross-reference David Bowie’s Space Oddity, another metaphorical song about fame…”the stars look very different today…”.

[@pilesovinyl]

Great review Angela, I continue to really enjoy your channel. Thank you for all you do and you make it seem like I'm watching a friend talking to me. You seem to be a great person.

[@bobbrown9158]

Two of my favorite Elton John songs is, Candle in the Wind, about Marilyn Monroe and Goodbye Yellow Road. I can listen to them over and over.

[@Pothos969]

This song was written by Bernie Taupin and came out in 1972. No deep meaning was intended. It is literally about a day when space pilots would be the long-distance truckers of today. This Rocketman runs freight back and forth to Mars 5 days a week. (But I do like your interpretation.)

[@davidboivin7996]

Rocket Man Live at Ephesus. Elton John is the Piano Man.

[@davids5336]

This one, David Bowies' Space Odyssey and Peter Schillings' Major Tom share a very similar theme and give you that 2001 Space Odyssey vibe and that's pretty cool and frightening at the same time!

[@MisterWondrous]

Wow, brilliant! I never thought of it that way, but I bet you are right. Thank you!!

[@PKM.TRAINERELE]

Love your reaction 👏

[@robertbagley9199]

Never looked at it from that point of view Angela, but the more i think about it the more it makes sense, thanks for a great reaction as always. *Even if there was no chair dancing 😛

[@Daveaaaaa]

Elton John has so many good songs! The production of this song was superb. My favourites have to be 'Nikita', 'Tiny Dancer' etc. I enjoyed you saying 'Top Notch' - I thought that was a quintessential English saying but maybe it's common in the States..

[@jerroldjennymichaudzhenmic3966]

So interesting. I never rated this song highly because even though it has a great vibe the lyrics never made much sense to me. Now that I listen to it with the interpretation you have given I find it much more enjoyable. A song with a similar theme is Moonlight Mile by The Rolling Stones.

[@danielbenincasa770]

Saw him live.....

[@ericar1001]

I have always thought it was him on the road

[@arnoldcox9128]

Just an absolute classic

[@avantgardenovelist]

thank you, yt algo. love your channel, thank you.

[@gabrielmcdonnell8699]

Angela, did you like “Cold Heart”, Elton’s duet with Dua Lipa from last year? I like how the “Rocket Man” chorus was worked into the song (really enhanced it). ✌🏽

[@roberttompkins6489]

Maybe his most compelling song. Gives me goosebumps after all these years.

[@rutssy]

Great song

[@vicprovost2561]

Great song,, Elton has many! Try Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, one of his best classics. Thanks for this, always pleasant experience. Enjoy. 🎵🎹🎤🎸🎶

[@bendancar]

I've always had the same interpretation, but I always thought it was just me. Right on, Angela! Of course interpretation is for the audience, not he artist, but I think you are spot on.

[@paulwalker9421]

Angela, you would have to ask Bernie Taupin, who wrote the lyrics. Taupin was Eltons writing partner for years. Taupin lyrics Elton music! Still great song! Thank you!

[@richardmodglin3900]

Check out the live version from June 30th 1984 at Wembley stadium. Its a great live 8 minute plus extended version of Rocket Man and even has a tad of funk later in the song. Great reaction!

[@ticklemeandillhurtyou5800]

It's Elton John's Love letter to NASA and the astronauts who walked on the moon for All mankind

[@stevedahlberg8680]

I know that it is ostensibly based on the Ray Bradbury book, but the way it was presented and realized, of course it's open to interpretation it could be a lot of things but over the years I have mostly gravitated towards your impression.

[@shanenolan8252]

This song is very similar to David Bowie space oddity. Imo .

[@searchthewind99]

I never thought of this song as more than what it was. An astronaut out in space doing his job. Anyway, those were Bernie Taupin's lyrics. Elton wrote the music. Can you play Elton's "Come Down in Time?" It's a beautiful song.

[@javiervillarreal2920]

You're channel it's a finest, thnks my friend, saludos desde México , smile :)

[@justmoose6534]

This is from a time when we were flying to the moon for the first time. There were a lot of songs with space themes then. (Mr. Spaceman, Major Tom, etc) I never thought about it as deeply as you did. You could be right though.

[@davidwhite3181]

Great song! Angela...my take on art is it is not math 1+1 can equal 3 if you want it to equal 3. There are no wrong answer, that is the true magic of art. The meaning is truly in eyes and heart of the beholder. THAT IS WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT ART!

[@shanenolan8252]

Thanks Angela. Hair looks gorgeous btw

[@genesishep]

Beautiful song, thank you for your reaction. I've been subscribed for a while but I've never made a recommendation or request. I know you love lyrics and the emotion behind them truly seems to make you feel something which is the reason I subscribed to you in the first place. That genuine reaction is so obvious in your expressions and your body language. It's a wonderful and refreshing change from the other channels out there. There is a song that doesn't get many reactions at all and it's a crime because the lyrics are so very touching to romantics like myself. I'm hoping if you see my comment that you might react to Otis Redding's "That's How Strong My Love Is." I don't believe for a moment that you'll regret it. One last comment, and while I'm sure you hear it all the time I can't not tell you that you are absolutely stunning. 😋

[@enriquehuertasbellido4339]

Great! 👏🏻👏🏻😃

[@jpatherton2415]

Your interpretation is original and makes sense. Never though of it like that. As a ROCKstar (or ROCKet man) there would be a sense of alienation from reality - like you're living a double life. All of Elton's songs are great because whatever the original motivation, they are written in a way that elicits any number of interpretations, making the song a very personal one for the listener.

[@randomperson8695]

OMG, Angela!? While I did pause the video moments in to write this, I can't help but think your parents didn't love good music if you don't know this song. About to watch the rest of the video and I hope you really enjoyed this classic. Thanks for the work you put in creating content. Edit: Angie!, you hit it out of the park! of course you're right. You're smarticles!. And here all this time I thought the only reason I was coming back to your channel was because you're so pretty. : )

[@rubroken]

Your parents didn't love "good" music if you didn't know this song? WOW! My parents loved swing music, Sinatra, and other 40's and 50's music. I didn't like it but it was good music ,for them. They probably never heard of Elton John and that's OK. You're kind of presumptuous.

[@jeffsummers1894]

@@rubroken Yep

[@randomperson8695]

@@rubroken "You're kind of presumptuous" Wow...almost nobody would find that especially insulting. Except me apparently, that kind of hit in a way the usual vulgar stuff can't even if it tried. Rubroken: please accept my apology. If you can be so civil stating your case, then I can make the effort to say that I appreciate said effort and offer an apology for any unintended insult. Thank you for being awesome, as well as insulted. : )

[@rubroken]

@@randomperson8695 Oh, you're good!! Maybe your original post was meant to be funny when you told Angela that her parents didn't love good music if it wasn't played in the household.....if so I feel like a fool for not "getting" it. I was going to be a little more forceful in my reply, but now I'm glad I went like I did, and enjoyed your reply😅

[@noneofyourbusiness4552]

Hi, Angela. Elton John is a awesome performer & song writer. Angela, about 1 year ago you did a reaction video on "The Three Degrees." If you notice when the camera is circling around them. The stools they are sitting on. Are they moving it themselves or is it technology trickery? Also, I think their lip syncing as well. But, nevertheless the group is one of my favorite & the song I listen to a thousand times. ✌

[@johnandrews3151]

Elton John/Come Down In Time

[@brianpowell6058]

How about some Solomon Burke, "Cry To Me." "If You Need Me." and "Let Me Wrap My Arms Around You." Would be my suggestions. I think you'll like them.

[@Fritzw75]

Love your reactions. You have to play Elton John's "Funeral For A Friend" Incredible one of his best songs.

[@blitztim6416]

Interesting interpretation. I hadn't thought of that. Dua Lipa used part of this chorus in her duet with Elton on 'Cold Cold Heart'. You've probably heard it. So many cool early Elton songs. Try 'Madman Across the Water'. I'd like to hear your interpretation.

[@mrnobody9104]

You convinced me 8). Never gave it that much thought...

[@lindapansoy3787]

I love Elton John...He really does Crocodile Rock...Hope

[@80sCartoonVillain]

You know, I always thought this song was simply about a rocket man but maybe your take makes more sense in hindsight. I always thought it was a strange song to sing about, but taking in your perspective it fits more to what Elton would sing about.

[@allendesalme197]

Good guess but see Frikster's comment for the interpretation. It's about a guy out in space and his kid.

[@edwardhoward8485]

Marty Robbins, "Don't Worry 'bout Me. You'll Love it.

[@dondiego2262]

I suspect that you are correct , or at least basically. Very insightful of you.

[@no2all]

For me, Elton John peaked in 1976. His entire catalog prior to that is precious, vital and important to the world of music. He will always be a great performer but when we look back at this greatest music it seems to have a drop off about the year stated above. But he is and always be a legend.

[@Zebred2001]

I tend to agree. He had great songs after that but few hit the artistic vitality of his early classics. I actually groaned when he did a commercial for Coke in (I think) the 80's! I'm still a fan though. A couple of his underrated gems are -> Teacher I Need You and Blues for Baby and Me.

[@richardmodglin3900]

I tend to agree as well.

[@svtinker]

It was a different time.

[@dennisparkin690]

Totally, totally, totally agree. It's not even debatable. How do you go from "All The Young Girls Love Alice" to "Don't Go Breaking My Heart"? Kiki who? WTF! And then Disney shit after that? That's not a drop-off, that's a nose-dive. Like you, Steve, I will always love him...and Bernie, and his incredible band. But only because of what they did from '69 to '76. And that was enough, to say the least. Not every legendary artist dies when they're 27 - like Janis, and Jimi, and Jim, and Kurt, and Amy, and many more. I can only hope that if they all stayed alive they'd never diminish what made them legends.

[@no2all]

@@dennisparkin690 I think what broke me was "Island Girl" and the "Rock of the Westies" after the brilliance of the "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" album. He had a great creative run...better than most and is still around to talk about it. Eventually, most performers tire of the road so it's hard to fault them for looking to other avenues. And success affects everyone a little differently.

[@petermcginn]

I still think this is one of his and writer Bernie Taupin’s best songs. I was a science fiction reader even as a kid and so I liked this song and the earlier Space Oddity by David Bowie, which is slightly darker.

[@magneto7930]

The lyrics are pretty straightforward for Bernie Taupin. There's no great depth to the meaning, but the nice thing about lyrics is they're often open for many interpretations. That's the fun part, and your analysis is a great one!

[@gaijin5]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@markfilla9305]

You have an interesting interpretation! It's certainly plausible, but given that EJ did not write the lyrics (as others have mentioned), I think it's more likely the lyrics are to be taken literally- it's about an astronaut. Nice reaction though!

[@lg103]

i always thought it was about his drug use back in the day....but i think you may have hit nail on head

[@Ocrilat]

It's generally a mistake to look for the implicit meaning in an Elton John song (other than a personal one you create yourself). Usually these songs don't really mean anything in particular. It sounds good. You instincts are good here, though. At the time, Elton DID have two personas, rockstar Elton John and his shy real self Reg Dwight. This is the band that put Elton at the top...the way they play just makes my brain happy, with the complexities and layered sounds.

[@davers59]

A good, inciteful reaction. I thought Rocket Man was the dog.

[@willblood7082]

Elton is a musical genius but, never forget all of the songs were actually written by his partner Bernie Taupin.

[@grego5284]

I love Rocket Man, but my favorite is Bennie And The Jets. 😎

[@jonthomson8392]

👍👍👍👍👍