Elton John - The Last Song

The song is about a boy who is dying of AIDS with his father by his side. Elton's lyricist, Bernie Taupin, explained: "We didn't go for the obvious. I tried to do something lyrically that would thaw the intolerance of not understanding. That's why I used the idea of a father coming to terms with his son's status in life and his sexuality, but unfortunately understanding too late. If you can melt a little intolerance along the way, I'm happy with that."

[@ljoseph36]

This song means a lot to me…My father and I got into one argument in my life...I was about 20..He bought me this song on a cassette and gave it to me…he died a few years later..Dad, I Love you and miss you!

[@jeanaraeharris]

we played this song at my brothers funeral, he didn't have AIDS but he was a heroine addict, and every time I think of him, I listen to this song, and as usual, it makes me cry.....RIP Layne, love you....

[@michaelwerner5686]

The BEST song Elton John ever wrote. I cry every time I hear it. It is THAT powerful.

[@Redbirds1100]

Michael Werner It makes me want to cry. Because I never had that relationship with my own father.

[@skymannc]

Elton only wrote the music...Bernie Taupin wrote these words as he did on many of Elton's biggest hits.

[@michaelwerner5686]

Yes, you are right. Bernie Taupin was the lyricist.

[@TheKlbrister]

Me too, unless something got it my eye.

[@ryanscottlogan8459]

I agree.

[@JuezMaldito]

THIS IS JUST THE MOST BEAUTIFUL SONG EVER... TEARS SHOW UP EVERYTIME I LISTEN TO THIS SONG... GUESS I NEED MY DAD TO HELP ME SHAKE MY ANGER AND TO FEEL CALM I ALWAYS FELT SO SAVE WITH HIM AROUND... MISS YOU SO MUCH DAD!

[@ronmullen1892]

Powerful, my son hasn’t talked to me for months, I call and leave a message everyday to say I love him I LOVE YOU RYAN

[@JazzyFreathy]

I'm in a studio next week to record this and I know it's going to take me several takes to get it. I can't sing it without breaking down. It may well be my favourite Elton song - it's brilliant. I started listening to him in the early 70's. You can't improve on genius. Thanks Mr John. xx

[@319hangman]

One of my all time favorites of theirs. What young people need to remember is that a parents love is unconditional. Just like Gods love for us. Parents may not like what you are doing, or the way you are living your life. But they still love you know matter what. This song says it all when it comes to that. Great job Elton and Bernie.

[@crystalalcairo3751]

The only bond stronger than that between a father and son is that between a mother and her children.

[@henrywilliams5260]

for those who didn't know this video is base on a kid dying of aids and his father finally accepting his son!

[@1NationUnderwood]

I did, but took a different approach to loss from this beautiful song.

[@InsightOutUnlimited]

Ten weeks ago today I lost my dad.He took his last breath in my arms as i hugged him one last time.For four long yrs he battled a horrible disease&i was by his side caregiving the whole time when I hear this song I think of him.The fear, the will to live, the realising how much love was there even though if never expressed till that damn disease took him from me .Just when we truely started having a close relationship.Dad I love you so very much and miss you so very much

[@kayomholt-montague611]

I am NOT a weepy person, but every time I hear this song and watch the video, tears come pouring out of me! Oh, the beauty and the genius that you are, Elton John! This world would never have been quite as marvelous without you and your gifts. So glad I discovered you as a Sophomore in high school! You have touched my life in a very profound manner.

[@f56yn25]

I love this song it always upset me. I lost my 19 year old son in a tragic accident, We never had time to say goodbye. Never a day goes by without pain and regret of things that were never said. Sleep on Joel!

[@ItALiaNCoDPro425]

When I was younger, around 11-12, my dad asked me to play this song on the piano and sing it at his funeral. He left my mom for someone else when I was 14 and I forgot about that promise I made to him until today. One day I hope to form a relationship with him and keep my promise :)

[@kinluc06]

What a beautiful , deep moving song. I dedicated this song at my aunt`s funeral who died of this tragic disease....aids. Thank Sir Elton John for this masterpiece.

[@skymannc]

And thanks to Bernie Taupin for writing the profound lyrics!

[@VarietyMusicLover]

My father never got a chance to meet his father it was a special song to him he died at 39 years old i lost him when i was only 16 i was blessed to know my father a short time i know he is in a better place RIP dad

[@plovify]

Never heard this on the radio. It is such a beautiful song with meaningful words. Thank you Elton John for bringing beauty into the world. A beautiful song for a man and his son. Thought of my husband and his son.

[@buckeyefreak32]

I remember hearing this song for the first time at the end of the AMAZING film "And the Band played on" and have loved it ever since. I find it impossible to hear this song and not get choked up. Beautiful song, Beautiful message. It is just a shame that more people cant be open minded, and it is even sadder that alot of people will die alone because someone else cant see through whatever issues they may have. Great Song.

[@stephenhallhampstead]

I still miss very much all those who i lost to AIDS and this song makes me CRY every time i hear it

[@alwellus]

Go to your son while there is time. A lost chance can never be regained; the only thing it brings is endless regrets.

[@valeriem511]

A great lesson, you need to accept your kids how they truly are, we never know what tomorrow may bring!!!

[@gabriel82030]

Elton, you have always been the voice of the miserable, the confused. Always beautiful and universal language. Your lyrics are so down to earth that I am one of your loyal listener and fan. God has never been seen but perhaps felt or appear through such lyrics and resonant sound. May God bless you, elton.

[@nvvam7597]

If you haven't spoken to your parents or fighting with them do yourself a huge favor. Get in your car and drive to where they are at and tell them how much you love them. Hug them and cry together. Life is too damn short to ignore people you love. I'm a stranger to you but please trust in my words. And parents, if you aren't talking to your kids drive or pick up the phone. No one wants to feel the sadness and regret of wondering " what if" ?

[@jimfaust6342]

Never knew who sang this. Not surprised its Sir Elton John. God its a beautiful song. :) sad but beautiful. Lol Im tearing up right now. Lol no lie

[@davideirescott918]

+Jim Faust It's about unconditional love....if you tear-up, it's perfectly understandable!

[@HelloKitty-yi1sp]

nv vam God bless!!!

[@zerkzy842]

why is this song not a bigger hit?? i dont no anyone that has died of AIDS but this STILL makes me cry......

[@stevepotts80]

This song is a real tear jerker, one of my all time favourites. But it also holds a very special childhood memory for me. When I was 12 my dad loved this song and we had a music channel on for ages waiting for this song to come on so he could tape it. After a while he went to the toilet and sure enough it came on and when he got back in the room to find it halfway through he literally threw a tantrum and started jumping up and down on the spot and swearing! One of my funniest childhood memories.

[@islisboys]

I heard this song first time 14 years ago and still this song stops me everytime I hear it. I can`t listen to this song very often cause it`s so sad and touching. Sir Elton is a genious!

[@marcstar]

this song will always haunt me. I simply adore it and it helps me remember how awful Aids was at the start and how so many not only died alone but way too soon.

[@gravelm123]

This is my favorite song by Elton John. It has brought me to tears to my eyes more times than I care to admit. Great Song!

[@jasoncarpp7742]

Beautiful song! Another emotional song that makes me cry. :'(

[@cherton]

My father was always a very cold and distant man. When i told him i was gay at 21 the distance between us seemed like it would never be repaired. Then at 24 i was in severe car crash that nearly killed me. Seeing him completely fall apart when i pulled through and the fact that he came to the hospital every day for more than 3 months to help me get well proved how wrong i was about him. Thank you Dad for everything.

[@plovify]

Every boy needs his Dad--even the big boys. Sometimes it is not the father's fault that there is a wedge in the relationship. They may just be victims of a situation. May God bless all the fathers and sons today and put them back in each other's arms. Beautiful song. Nobody loves you like the Daddy.

[@edupiero]

No one is ready to loose a son. It must be the worst pain a human being can feel.

[@Dan97LHS]

I was lucky to have had a wonderful father. He didn't understand when I came out as to how he ended up with a gay son but over time, he grew to accept me and he always loved me. I think his main concern was that I would get hurt or get sick. Sadly, I lost my father in January 2016 after a brave fight with cancer. I miss him terribly. What I wouldn't give to have him back even just to give him one last hug. He was my hero. Rest in Peace, Dad. I love you.

[@aprilc8716]

I've had this song stuck in my head since yesterday when a really good friend told me he's dying from aids. And now after listening to it, the tears won't stop. 😭🙏

[@83jbolt]

I am coming up on 1 year since I tragically lost My Dad and prior to that I only saw him sparingly at best since we lived many miles apart, but I did speak w/ him frequently and the last time I did see him, before he left my house to go back to his own home he told me that "He Loved Me"...and I will forever hold that in my heart...I miss you "Pops" and I will see you someday!!!

[@Gramatan3000]

One of Elton's most heartfelt songs. Amazing that it is often over looked.

[@michaelmcdonald4560]

this song makes me think about my pop who passed away last year.R.I.P. dad love you man.

[@oofahman]

OMG...I remember the very moment I first heard this song...absolutely heart-wrenching..:*(

[@DustinBlythe]

It was not until my father died that I realized this song works both ways. My father died of cancer in our home after we cared for him with the help of hospice. To see him get progressively weaker and to need us to care for him more and more is something I never thought I would see. It was natural to care for him and I am glad to know that he knew we were there until the end. I saw this video not long after that and it really hit home then. Great video. It simply says it all.

[@richhamilton9888]

I listen to this song a lot. As my health rapidly deteriorates and the end draws near it says a lot about where I am and how I feel. It can tear me up. I ever thought I’d lose, I always thought I’d win. But this battle I am fighting is not one that I will win. Please sign organ donor cards.

[@dunnetnidhal]

ONE OF HIS GREATEST SONGS,,AND SADLY NEVER MADE IT TO THE CHARTS IN THE 90'S - FOR MY FATHER AND MY SONS...

[@plovify]

Never heard this on the radio. It is such a beautiful song with meaningful words. Thank you Elton John for bringing beauty into the world. A beautiful song for a man and his son. Thought of you Michael! :)

[@mizofan]

One of Elton's very best, which of course is saying a helluva lot- one of the best by anyone. Should be as famous as many of his big hits

[@rhymeandreasoning]

In 1992 I was 27..I used to see this video on the music video channel a lot..always touched me..always choked me and my roommate up..I never would have dreamed that I would ever relate to this song/video the way I do now....to never see your dad cry and to have the day come when he cries for you is heartbreaking and loving....we make our own choices in life..some we choose are totally stupid and irresponsible , especially when we know better..safe sex/abstinence is THE only way to go..

[@scenekidsmakemehappy]

I love Elton, I even named my son Daniel. this is my favorite song, it moves me to a place I didn't know I had in my heart. While this may not be one of his most popular song, those of us who love our children can really relate to the love and understanding between a parent and a child. while there are things in our kids life we may not approve up, a parents love has no limits and that is something that can never be changed.

[@giadazero95]

I'm crying.It's one of his most beautiful song

[@mizofan]

what a fantastic song this is, one of Elton's very best, which is saying a lot- should be as well known as his most famous hits

[@dunnetnidhal]

GREAT SONG,,SAD SONG, NEVER FORGET YOUR LOVED ONES, AND DONT JUDGE,,FORGIVE THEM SO THAT YOU CAN START TO FORGIVE YOURSELF..

[@ronb739]

Played at my Soul Mate's Funeral. Thank You Elton !

[@italianfl]

Tears aint the word this song makes all out cry everytime i listen to it

[@Raytessa100]

Love the Baba Booey references! Gary has so much love in his heart for his brother that can't even say the song without breaking down.

[@Revengesender]

one of the best songs ever written and recorded.

[@JOANNIE148]

I cry each time I listen to this song, one of his best

[@DRpokeme]

Many of my friends died in those early days, so many beautiful young men in thier early 20's. Thier families left devistated, many never knew they were gay untill the end. This song reminds me so much of those dark days. Did they die in vain? Did their deaths make a difference. Some days and nights i think about them and i still cry for them.

[@thepetshopbears01]

This song was on the sound track of the movie The Band Played On . staring many stars who worked for free . one of the best films you will ever see . Based on true story .

[@cynthiawhetsel7603]

Ive said it before, undoubtably the most beautiful song elton,s done...I had tears again.

[@MrKingofJaks]

Dude… I… know how you feel. As soon as I read the end of your comment, I cried. I've never cried and laughed at the same time. I lost my gramps when I was young. I never heard this song but now i wish I could play this song for him. He meant the world to me. Once I lost him I lost my only chance to be next to him and tell him that I love him and be there to show him that he has a real family. Rest in peace abuelo… I love you!!!

[@marazul979]

A mi padre le dije alguna vez que podía confiar en mi...y terminó su vida sin que lo hiciera,y ahora mi vida se siente vacía sin él,pero aunque sé que no había mucha comunicación con él,lo amo y con amor desde mi alma y corazón,le dedico esta canción allá donde estés,TE AMO PAPÁ....

[@bettyzerpa99]

It thrills me to hear heart Elton! What a wonderful God

[@DoofsterDan]

A bell ringer of emotion, video, vocal .

[@josephkun885]

when I first listened this song, I already began to love it. beautiful and touching.

[@valeriem511]

Such a sad song!! But how beautiful it is!!!

[@barrydady2643]

this song gets right into your soul. written with so much feeling.

[@morriswilburn]

If you are estranged from a loved one, you should try to reconcile today, because there may not be a tomorrow.

[@zacharyvermilion6116]

I don't know how many of you actually know this, but this song was actually dedicated to a young man named Ryan White, who was the national poster boy for AIDS in the 1980s and 1990s. Ryan White did not get AIDS because he was homosexual, but because he was a hemopheliac, and got infected by a dirty needle. He was tormented, threatened, and even kicked out of school because of his AIDS. He died in 1990, and Elton John and Michal Jackson both attended his funeral, and dedicated songs to him.

[@kathleencraig5346]

How beautiful to love. How sad to have anyone judge that love.

[@RAUL2WATCH]

I came here on my own cuz this song brings back good memories to those I've lost at such a young age... :/

[@ironwoodadq]

This song always makes me cry. Such a powerful song.

[@Ayiomosi]

I have always loved this song. I just did not know what it was about. It means even more now. Beautiful, touching song. Life is too short. Let's just love one another.

[@rodrigoarecheta7722]

I love you Dad... Thanks for being there with me

[@johncuschieri]

music is a blessing that crosses all barriers. It is indifferent to any belief and touches us all in ways that only we know. Life is too short to procrastinate with hate and useless indifference, enjoy the moment or move on! If it touches you origins of where it originated from unless you are trying to understand where the artist is coming from. GOD BLESS ALL MUSICIAN AND ARTISTS THAT CAN BRING US JOY

[@sptinydancer]

Hauntingly beautiful.

[@shaundraivy]

never fails....I cry every time I hear this song

[@saturnmaniam]

Once we all learn that to live is to love it is for then that hate will end. This song epitomizes the need for reconcile when those that are at odds with one another will understand.

[@gabriel82030]

I know learn thanks to Elton that the language of affections goes unspoken.

[@kinluc06]

the most beatiful song ever written

[@ocerg1111]

I can't possibly hear this without crying.

[@almaymarvin]

best and most emotional song ever............

[@Tanguy158]

Elton ! The best !

[@wrm1943]

One of the most beautiful song ever,so sad.

[@humphries71]

i love this song one of eltons best

[@TouchMeKnott]

@native39 My Dad died 7 years ago today. I love this song; it is the best Elton sings.

[@skymannc]

Many have said who this was written for...here is the real truth from the Wikipedia... "The Last Song" is the second single from Elton John's 1992 album, The One. It was composed by John, with lyrics provided by Bernie Taupin. "The Last Song" marked the first of John's American singles to benefit his AIDS foundation. Taupin faxed the lyrics to him in Paris, shortly after Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury died the previous year. "I was crying all the time as I wrote the music", John told The Advocate, "and it was very hard for me to sing it". The song tells of an estranged father coming to terms with the sexuality of his gay son, who is dying of an AIDS-related illness. Originally titled "Song for 1992", it was renamed to avoid dating it.[1] The song was used during a closing montage featuring people who died of AIDS at the end of the 1993 film And the Band Played On. Gus Van Sant was not the first choice to direct the video. David Hockney and Madonna declined the offer. The song has been mentioned numerous times on the Howard Stern Show. Show producer Gary Dell'Abate, said that the song and music video reminds him of his brother, who died of AIDS around the time The One was released. When they first played the song on the air, Dell'Abate broke out in tears during the first verse.

[@irmacrespo7292]

The Last Song" Yesterday you came to lift me up As light as straw and brittle as a bird Today I weigh less than a shadow on the wall Just one more whisper of a voice unheard Tomorrow leave the windows open As fear grows please hold me in your arms Won't you help me if you can to shake this anger I need your gentle hands to keep me calm `Cause I never thought I'd lose I only thought I'd win I never dreamed I'd feel This fire beneath my skin I can't believe you love me I never thought you'd come I guess I misjudged love Between a father and his son Things we never said come together The hidden truth no longer haunting me Tonight we touched on the things that were never spoken That kind of understanding sets me free

[@wrm1943]

A wonderful song is'nt it?It gives me a lump in my throat,very touching.

[@ksufler]

yesterday... all my troubles seemed so far away.. I really thought he was going to sing this after the first word I heard:)

[@deb310red]

That video still brings tears to my eyes.

[@dustineclark]

this is such a great song. Bernie Taupin and elton are amazing

[@kcmatsi]

@cherton bless with all the power of the spirit of the earth and all, each and everyone of us. tears fill my eyes and heart. beautiful things come from pain sometimes. blessings. thank you for sharing.

[@mrfiesty505]

I can understand why baba booey cried like he did! this song had me crying....bless you GARY!!!

[@ThePinkDragon]

This is omne of his Lesser known classics I geet Chills when i hear it. ! Even If i never lost anyome to AIDS everyone Can relate tom losse!

[@thenudo]

such a beaut of a song... wish more knew what it was about. The meaning will bring u to tears.

[@OneCrazySadSap]

This song ranks up there with Eric Carmen's All By Myself. Really makes you cry when you listen to it.

[@TheKlbrister]

When I hear this song, I think of Freddie Mercury, and the struggles he had with his Father.

[@sandraelton123]

el tener hijos es lo mas hermoso que dios nos puede dar cuidarlos protegerlos es la unica mision mas hermosa que dios nos da esta cancion es hermosa

[@sergiocasella]

This song makes me cry...

[@chillvibe100]

Baba Booey brought me here too!!! Really touching video knowing what his brother went through

[@amjns43]

This song is absolutely beautiful!

[@1NationUnderwood]

I already knew what the song was about, but I took a different approach to loss. I love my parents, but replace the father and son part, and this is me. This is why Elton John is my favorite musician of all time.

[@1NationUnderwood]

I'm the oldest daughter.

[@1NationUnderwood]

Not LGBTQ, but I lost my dad five years ago and relate to the song. Forgot to add that.

[@elabogadodedios1]

Lo mas grande elton!

[@cgv1963]

Todavia sigo creyendo que el amor de la familia puede salvar muchas vidas. El sanar muchas heridas del pasado y mirar hacia el futuro, todos juntos, con mutuo entendimiento cura las heridas del alma y del cuerpo. .An awesome video that let us know that love can explain many things but ignorance can hurt very badly......