FANTASTIC!| FIRST TIME HEARING Elton John - Empty Garden REACTION

[@aaradia]

I get the formula for reactions, but I sure wish this one had been an exception. I wish you two had known ahead of time that this song was a tribute to John Lennon after his murder. Most of us knew this ahead of hearing the song. I hope you go back and listen knowing this. Amber knew that she was missing some of the meaning and that was impressive. Honestly, I would love to see you react to it again knowing this. I think most of your fans would not mind the redundancy because the lyrics mean even more knowing the context. RIP John Lennon. Sir Elton John outdid himself with this tribute.

[@amyv8416]

THIS!

[@tinagriggs1004]

And Bernie Taupin for another amazingly lyric song.

[@RickeyWilkersonVoices]

Well said and I hope they take another listen also.

[@breezeli]

The whole time I was watching I was thinking "oh wow, they don't know" Listening knowing the back story really let's you hear the absolute pain he's conveying for his friend

[@Friend_Of_The_Muse]

I posted my rant before I read yours because I mention this one every Elton song they do and I make it clear its about John Lennon. Yes. THIS! Without that knowledge its a great ballad but so much is lost. The lyrics are brilliant if you know its about The Beatles and John. SMH

[@minkgraver]

This was his tribute to John Lennon after his assassination, one of my favorite songs

[@robertrhodes7518]

@minkgraver thank you for that info I never knew that

[@petercourtien4581]

When you know it’s about John Lennon, it becomes infinitely sadder.❤

[@megroth5240]

This tribute to John Lennon still brings tears to my eyes even after all these 43 years.

[@alyzu4755]

Every time.

[@paulburrell7058]

@@alyzu4755yup ..

[@tobysmith3351]

Elton John was very close to John Lennon. This is his song in memory of John after he was shot.

[@bettyreed9516]

RIP John Lennon. This was his tribute to him.

[@robdaviesprogm]

Elton remembered the moment he found out about John's murder. He was on a plane to Australia, and when they landed, an announcement said "Would the Elton John party please stay on board." Elton knew someone had died. He feared it was his grandmother. John Reid, Elton's manager at the time, went up to find out what was going on. He came back in tears, and told Elton that John Lennon had been murdered. Elton and the whole band were devastated. They had virtually all known Lennon personally, having worked with him and been friends in the mid-'70s. This song truly came from the heart, and it shows.

[@chrisoakley5830]

Many of us found out while watching Monday Night Football, when Howard Cosell made the announcement.

[@JosephScottCapobianco]

@@chrisoakley5830 It was a game between Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. Being a huge Miami fan I was staying up late to watch this because Miami needed to win this game to go to the playoffs and near the end of the game it looked like Miami was going to lose because New England was setting up for a winning field goal to win it. Just then Howard came on and announced the murder of John Lennon. It was devasting, then New England missed the field and the game went into overtime where Miami won it. It was a really bittersweet moment. I still remember that whole event like it happened last year.

[@matthewmarcinko9157]

Elton John wrote this song for his friend, the late great John Lennon. "He must have been a gardener who grew a good crop..." No one grew finer crops of great music then John Lennon, and Elton made that point quite succinctly.

[@gypsypearl38]

Elton is talking about Madison Square Garden. They performed there the last time he played New York.John Lennon joined him on stage for Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.

[@johnnybmean74]

You are misleading people. You first state that Elton wrote this song, then you list some of the lyrics from the song. By doing that you are giving the impression that he wrote the lyrics too (which he didn't, Bernie Taupin did).

[@John_Locke_108]

​@@johnnybmean74That's where I got confused. So if this song is about John then Bernie wrote it for John. Not Elton.

[@TheFreddo12]

That's the gist of the whole song. 'it's funny how one insect, can damage, so much grain' Sir Elton was pointing a finger directly at Chapman, (his murderer), without naming him. And damage so much grain, he left all of us who loved his music damaged, because we would never know how much more music he had to write and perform.

[@thomsmith6987]

@@gypsypearl38they also threw in references to “the brownstone door”, the Dakota bldg that John and Yoko lived in and I believe owned. Also the cracked sidewalk referring to the spot where Chapman shot John outside the Dakota.

[@allanjones1680]

"It's funny how one insect can damage so much grain"...Such a profound line ..Bernie Taupin is such a great lyricist.

[@heather6668]

Bernie Taupin = Awesome. So many fantastic and beautiful lyrics.

[@patrickconlon8708]

The one insect refers to the cockraoch that killed John Lennon. In my opinion.

[@josesergiosanchezgutierrez]

I agree with the deep meaning of this line but it's not funny... it's terrible

[@jeremygray1331]

The “Garden” metaphor is particularly apt because the last time Elton John played with John Lennon was Madison Square Garden in NYC.

[@paulburrell7058]

Wow, I’ve never thought of it but it’s so obvious. Thank you for catching the metaphor of the meaning of “Garden”

[@jdenino6022]

And the "can you come out to play" is a nod to the Beatles song: "Dear Prudence". Bernie is such a lyrical genius.

[@tylerhackner9731]

Beautiful tribute to John Lennon

[@selecttoursnyc7787]

As everyone already said, this song is about the loss of his close friend, John Lennon. It’s difficult for him to sing and he hasn’t song it in concert for many years now. Don’t forget Bernie Taupin’s beautiful lyrics!

[@dixiechatty958]

I thought Elton wrote the lyrics to this.

[@jdenino6022]

@@dixiechatty958 No one writes lyrics like Bernie Taupin.

[@dennisjohnson2772]

Great tribute to John Lennon.

[@BajaFL]

Highly underrated indeed. This is a great one from Sir Elton. Such a moving tribute to John Lennon. The lyrics are fantastic. "Some say he farmed his best in younger years", referring to his days with The Beatles.

[@tgoodall6817]

After realizing that you don't know about this song, I agree that you need another listen. John used to take care the small garden outside The Dakota. He and Elton recorded "Whatever Gets You Through The Night" in 1974. John made a special appearance with Elton at Madison Square Garden, after saying that he would only perform the song if it hit #1, which it did. EJ said the roof blew off, when John came onstage (there's a clip out there) EJ never played this song, except in New York, until his residency in Las Vegas, a few years ago. There are two live performances, his 60th birthday, and Vegas, where he explains the reasons, and why he needed to share it, again. Please consider another reaction. Love you guys. ✌💙

[@chrismaggio7879]

Could it be ANY more clear why his lyricist Bernie Taupin is being inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame this weekend!?! Such an amazing duo, and they are such a part of my wonderful growing-up memories.

[@brt5273]

I had not heard! That is such great news❤

[@edwardforster8905]

Amber and J, this one is about John Lennon. The gardener is a metaphor in reference to John Lennon. The insect is the pathetic individual who shot and killed John. The crop or grain is the talent and output from such a wonderful soul and was stolen from all of us!! Can you come out to play Johnny ... this is how Elton feels when he wants to call out to his friend (John Lennon) who doesn't answer because he is gone to Heaven! 😢 RIP John - you are Loved and Missed beyond words!! Thank you both for reacting to this amazing song!! ❤ I requested this one so so so long ago. @RobSquadReactions

[@Fernando-vg4ym]

Thank you for expanding on what the lyrics mean. I certainly knew it was about John Lennon but not to the depth you allude to. I thank you for enlightening all of us on the meaning of this truly beautiful song.

[@edwardforster8905]

@@Fernando-vg4ym Very kind of you to say Fernando, thank you! Of course, you're welcome.

[@ninaleo37]

The Garden is Madison Square Garden, where John joined Elton on stage for a couple of songs.

[@Cicero207]

John Lennon's 1968 song 'Dear Prudence' from the White Album John is singing for Prudence to come out and play. Elton is singing for John Lennon to come out to play but John Lennon is no longer with us. This was such a powerful song back in the early 80's as a tribute to the late John Lennon. Another great John Lennon tribute song is 'All those Years Ago' by George Harrison. ❤❤

[@breckrichardson390]

"All Those Years Ago" -- fantastic song!

[@acerjuglans383]

Omg I never thought of Dear Prudence as it relates to this song!

[@YN97WA]

I actually suggest All Those Years Ago before I read your comment.

[@comedyriff5231]

All Those Years Ago indeed. When they´re at it, Here Today by McCartney is a beautiful tribute as well.

[@ndifference]

I think some of the vocalizations Elton does are also subtle tributes to Lennon - the "Awww" before "hey hey Johnny" reminds me of Lennon's "aww" in Ticket to Ride, for instance.

[@frauleinmona]

Guys, I'm surprised you didn't find out the back story to this song. Knowing how much you both love John Lennon, this song would have meant so much more to you knowing that this was Elton's tribute to him. Elton wrote this after John was assassinated. Him and John were good friends and John's murder affected him deeply.💔🙏

[@kev7161]

I believe Bernie Taupin had a hand in the lyrics.

[@trcooper5793]

I was thinking this exact same thing. I haven't heard the song in a very long time and I just wept listening to it..

[@elizabethfranco1284]

Thank you!!!!Hello

[@williamthompson-xm3dy]

Not surprised at all. They really don’t do any research on songs.

[@Shellgrit]

​@williamthompson-xm3dy well that's a good thing about this channel. They are legitimate music reactors listening for the first time unlike some fake music reactors on KZbin

[@gotham61]

John Lennon tribute song. The "garden" is a reference to Madison Square Garden in New York, where Elton and John Lennon performed together in 1974.

[@gallery963]

I wish they would react to "I Saw Her Standing There". John and Elton preformed it that night in 1974

[@gotham61]

@@gallery963 Not including Billy Preston who played with the band, Elton is the only musician who has performed with all four Beatles.

[@frauleinmona]

And I believe the brownstone mentioned is the Dakota, yes?

[@59elgreco]

The insect refers to John's killer whose name I will not mention

[@melaniesweeten5401]

​@@gotham61Eric Clapton too.

[@RyRy97]

This was one of my favorite songs of his. Him and John Lennon were really good friends.,

[@MikeInMD1961]

Bernie Taupin isn't just a lyricist, he's a poet. I saw Elton do this live once years ago and people around me were crying. A modern day classic.

[@LisaMarieD]

This one always makes me emotional. "Can't you come out to play, in your empty garden Johnny."

[@RalphKeim]

My daughter's birthday is December 8th, the day John Lennon was wrongly taken from us. When I think of her, I also think of Johnny 😢

[@LisaMarieD]

So sorry for your loss @@RalphKeim

[@surlechapeau]

Jay & Amber, you'll love his "Philadelphia Freedom"!!!

[@richardmodglin3900]

A whole lot of people in this nation quietly cried in their living rooms watching Elton perform this song on Saturday Night Live in 1982. Yes.....this song still impacts those of us who were alive that night John Lennon was shot and every channel was covering it.

[@czechappy]

It's funny how one insect can damage so much grain, We miss you John Lennon.

[@Chapmanjec]

Honoring John Lennon’s memory. Classic ballad

[@petegnj]

Elton John and John Lennon were very good friends. EJ could be credited for getting Lennon back into playing again and was completely devastated by his passing. Anyway, it's interesting to note that this is a rarely played song live by him and when it is performed it's only done at Madison Square Garden because he feels it isn't appropriate to perform any where else.

[@MrThesem]

In April of 2000 I saw Elton John play at a small, 6500 seat arena. A solo show, just Elton and his piano. I had a 10th row seat, middle. Great show, and he indeed played Empty Garden, as a montage of photos of John Lennon on a big screen sequencing every couple seconds. Not a dry eye in the arena.

[@yaimavol]

It's really a forgoton song that doesn't even get played on the oldies stations. I had even forgotten it. When this popped up in my feed, I knew the title, but couldn't remember anything else about the song. Like discovering an old treasure

[@ellenstrack6274]

I did hear this one of the times I saw,Sir Elton at Madison Square Garden. The Garden was quiet which is a a strange sensation.

[@serendipity191]

Once you read the comments you will realize this is a tribute to John Lennon at a time we were still shocked and mourning. Such a beautiful, haunting song. I suggest you listen this song again on your own and I think you will be able to appreciate it on another level and pick up things you didn’t on the first listen.

[@garyarnett1220]

Or do it again with us after knowing this... we won't mind.

[@Northerngirl15]

Written for John Lennon, I remember when this song came out I was in grade 10, can still remember exactly where I was when I heard John Lennon was shot, such a sad time 💔

[@richardkint6531]

Johnny was John Lennon. This was Elton's tribute to him shortly after his death. My interpretation was that the garden was Strawberry Fields in NYC. Another remembrance song you may went to checkout is from George Harrison "All Those Years Ago" & "When We Was Fab". Thanks.😎

[@marylee7467]

The Garden is referring to Madison Square Garden. They performed together in the 70s. I've been to Strawberry Fields many times. It's across from The Dakota were John Lennon lived. A girl I k ew had lot of pics of John Lennon l, he used to walk around Central Park all the time. He felt at home there. So very sad.

[@magneto7930]

If you knew what the song was about you would probably cry. Johnny is John Lennon. A rather sad tribute in honor of his passing. You should check out Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding by Elton John next.

[@jodythomas2724]

I can hear the pain in his voice. He loved John Lenmon and was great friends with him. Great tribute

[@liberaljag]

Bernie Taupin’s beautiful words mesh so well with Elton’s melody on this wonderful tribute to John Lennon. Such an emotional listen.

[@davidwarman4830]

He got to Adelaide, South Australia...finished the concert ...came out for a 4th encore...just him, his piano and this song...not a dry eye in the house. Sensational tribute...immediate favourite... Best concert moment ever.

[@Xemnforever54]

First. Very good song, highly underrated one of my favorites of Eltons.

[@ariksholev9227]

I always cry when i hear this song. So beautiful, so sad.

[@kathleenobrien3473]

I cry every time I hear this song

[@jennyjenny4501]

The world was heartbroken when we lost John Lennon. Beautiful tribute.

[@jeanstrickland2445]

Love Elton’s voice this song is so meaningful to a lot of us, RIP John☮️

[@FrankJones-k1p]

Knowing how much you love Elton John and John Lennon, please read the history and meaning behind this amazing song. You will cry listening to it as I do every time I hear it. Even now 40 years later. I remember the night it happened like it was yesterday. One of those moments in your life when you remember where you were and what you were doing when you heard the tragic news. You guys are awesome and blessed!

[@jenwinslow5602]

People have already said it, but such a tribute to his friend John Lennon. Another great Lennon tribute is All Those Years Ago by George Harrison. 😢

[@pampeterson1426]

I have not heard this song in a very long time and hearing it I was immediately taken back to John Lennon's death - this song definitely makes me cry

[@okielady73]

This song, about Sir Elton's friend John Lennon, took on a new meaning for me five years ago when my life-long friend John passed suddenly. "And with every drop that falls, we hear, we hear your name." Such a beautiful tribute.

[@sweetieguy]

I'm STUNNED that NO ONE who requested this song would have thought to also give you the back story and WHY and for WHO it was written, to give you FULL context and give it even MORE meaning and impact for YOU! Guess you know NOW, after the fact! Would have loved to have seen your reactions had you known what it was ALL about and it's DEEPER meaning and symbology PRIOR to your first listen!

[@leefertwayne8163]

I agree. This left them in the dark!

[@jellyrollnorton]

You sure told THEM. The song was released over a YEAR after John Lennon’s death. I heard it on the radio but it NEVER occurred to me that it was about JOHN LENNON until someone told me.

[@sweetieguy]

Thanks for agreeing... sometimes not knowing ANYTHING about the origins of a song, the WHOLE point and Purpose is lost! Take care! S.@@leefertwayne8163

[@sweetieguy]

Elton John live 4K - Empty Garden (Elton 60 - Live at Madison Square Garden) | 2007 6:47

[@Shellgrit]

I requested this song quite a few times and explained it was a tribute to his friend John Lennon but maybe they never saw my requests. I suppose they get so many that they can't read them all

[@laurawis340]

I was 15 when John Lennon died, and it was the first time (and one of the few times ever) that I cried because of a celebrity death. He was at the top of his game as a solo artist, and was still a huge icon for peace and love. It was such a shame, and I still wonder what he might have accomplished if only…. This song by Elton, with the cry for Johnny, was kind of how we were all feeling.

[@aaradia]

I remember exactly where I was when I heard. I think everyone old enough at the time does. I was a teenager listening to rock music on the radio when they made the announcement. I ran downstairs to tell my parents (my mom was a big Beatles fan) and the news was breaking on the TV they were watching. 😢

[@namesameasu]

I don't cry often, but everytime I watch that howard cosell announcement during the football game, my eyes well up -- even while writing this. What a devastating loss for absolutely no reason.

[@crissyb65]

Ditto. I was jamming while putting makeup on and getting ready for school. I was devastated.

[@markobanion8652]

I remember where I was and what I was doing when I heard the terrible news. I am a 67 year old male and not afraid to say that i cry a bit every single time I hear this song. Such a tragic loss.

[@peterjohn1217]

Didn't get to know Elton John's music til the 90s. He did some of his best songs in that decade, my personal favourite being Something About The Way You Look Tonight.

[@mizofan]

a weak album it was on, a pity. Made in England album much better i think, and 2 superb songs- Last Song and The One- on The One album

[@vintwin69]

Absolutely one of the greatest songs ever written Bless you Elton 🙏 R.I.P John 😔

[@simonround2439]

In the past few days you've reacted to Elton John, Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney, Queen and Dire Straits - all of them musical national treasures here in the UK. Keep up the good work!

[@MikeHart72]

I still remember eating my breakfast before school listening to the radio and hearing the news of John Lennon being murdered. I was young and didn’t know much of him other than he was a Beetle and my mother would always play their records. I was doing the same thing a coup,ex years later when I heard the DJ introduce an Elton John song dedicated to Lennon. It’s a great song but the memories of listening to the Beetles with my mother make it special

[@scotmorgan6191]

The gardener is John Lennon. The empty garden is Madison Square Garden. The last time Lennon played MSG was in '75 as a guest of Elton John.

[@meyerhave]

@scotmorgan6191 : It was not "... in '75". The last time Lennon played MSG ("... as a guest of Elton John.") was on Thanksgiving evening, Thursday November 28, 1974.

[@Friend_Of_The_Muse]

Elton gives credit were do when he calls it Johns Garden. The music that came after The Beatles is The Beatles Garden. The crops are all the groups that came after including Elton.

[@iraidaacevedo3723]

Beautiful song & lyrics🎼👏🏻 Love Elton John♥️ RIP John Lennon💔💫🌷

[@Jillyconjem]

Always been a favorite of mine. So beautiful. 💜💜💜 Still makes me cry.

[@kevinsacks3185]

The next John Lennon song you should do is Whatever Gets You Through The Night. Lennon got Elton to sing backup on that song, and while they were recording it Elton bet Lennon that it would go to number 1 on the charts. Lennon, who had not had a number one solo song to that point and really wanted one, took the bet, which was if it went to number 1 Lennon would have to appear on stage at an Elton John concert. The song did go to number 1, and Lennon appeared at Madison Square garden later that year (1974). It was Lennon's last live performance in front of a crowd.

[@TigerRogers0660]

Along with "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" & "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" - this song is the highlight of EJs career!!!!

[@JohnLennon99791]

Totally agree ☆

[@debrawilson9791]

I’m so glad I watched this and read the comments. I don’t know how I didn’t know this was about John Lennon. I’m 65 and grown up with his music and have see him in concert 4 times starting back in 1981 and I sing along with this all the time I just love it. I don’t know how I could have missed the meaning behind this. All I can say is - wow 😮

[@tinagoff3573]

You have to listen to this one again (hopefully on camera) I have loved this song for years. Sure hope you listen to it again and again now that you know who and what it’s about!!! Means more when you know!!!! ❤❤❤❤

[@kaafromoz]

Elton himself refuses to sing this anywhere but Madison Square Gardens New York City, he says it is way too painful to sing anywhere else. His command of emotion in this just shows how the death Of John Lennon affected him so much. Ty for finding this one to feature as it is a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. Keep Safe Keep Strong 🦘🦘🦘🦘🎵🎵🎶🎶❤❤❤❤

[@chrisoakley5830]

A great tribute to John Lennon, we all still miss him very much, to this day.

[@briankosine1074]

My sister died in front of me at the age of 4. 1980. I believed he wrote this about my sister...can you come out to play, in your empty garden....my ALL time favorite song

[@melonsoda334]

it's good that you reacted before getting knowledge that it was for Lennon,because it's always fascinating to see how people react to a song without prior knowledge.

[@bjohn1027]

Always loved this song!

[@cathyortiz1280]

Elton & John Lennon were close friend. Elton is even his son, Sean's Godfather. Very touching song. RIP John Lennon!

[@lisadickson250]

One of my absolute favorites from Elton John. I was so happy to see this tonight. ♥♥♥♥

[@anthonysantos3733]

This song still gives me the shivers after so many years such a beautiful tribute to great Jonh Lennon

[@lisalovemc717]

One of my favorite Elton song because of the meaning. Sooo emotional.

[@randyvalgardson774]

The line about "the little garden by the Brownstone lot" always hits because Lennon was shot outside his Brownstone apartment, coming back from a recording session.

[@JamesCarson-tm8df]

Yes it does I was at Elton's concert in '81 or '82 at the Hollywood Bowl with Quarterflash and when he sang. This song everyone lit their lighters we didn't have cell phones then with flashlights it was an awesome sight and he was touched by it too

[@danielferguson3784]

It reminds one of calling your friends out to play when you were a kid, but also it's for John Lennon to come out to play some music. He says the garden has died since Jonny did, he can't be replaced.

[@mtinta2000]

You have been following John Lennon's story. He had just gotten to a peaceful place in his life and had started to play again. You see, we had just gotten him back when he was shot. We were devastated. That's what this song is about.

[@BonniePicc]

This song still makes me tear up. What a beautiful tribute and performance.

[@lilbitsleepy2574]

This song is one to listen to in full knowledge of who it’s written for. I have shed many tears along to this song

[@Go-tee71]

Always get a lump in my throat & shed a few tears when I hear this beautiful & emotional tribute. I remember little of my childhood, but I clearly remember as an 8 year old hearing the terrible news on the radio that John Lennon had been killed. Elton John & Bernie Taupin worked their magic on this one.

[@chrisford4426]

It's been a long time since I heard this song, and of course it's been many years since John Lennon was assassinated, but hearing this song now brings me back to that Monday night. My friends and I all got together, because we were in shock. This is a beautiful song, and it really captures the emotions we all felt.

[@panamas6865]

This one always makes me cry.❤

[@thebeardedseeker5633]

Whew! I don't remember this song being that sad when I was a teenager. Listening to it again now was intense.

[@ASchwa29]

As you see the song is about John Lennon, Elton John covered Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, the back up singer was John Lennon. They were friends and it had to be so devastating when Lennon was killed. I think the reference of can you come out to play is a nod to the Beatles song Dear Prudence.

[@walterrepass3957]

The "garden" is symbolism for NYC's Madison Square Garden, a performance center, where Elton performed once with John Lennon as his guest artist. After JL's murder, EJ had a difficult time playing that venue again. So it's a John Lennon tribute song. Thus, Hey, hey, Johnny. 😢

[@Wayne-m6f]

If I may offer a suggestion. On the anniversary of John Lennon’s passing (12/08/80), play this song, All Those Years Ago by George Harrison and Here Today by Paul McCartney. Just a thought.

[@massakastuono7870]

you picked the song that has touched so many many for so long..this song ..we were 12 years old.. we were looking at the sky in silent every single time it played..it is one of the most beautiful song..

[@MosesGutierrezII]

This song was a tribute to John Lennon.

[@444dkm]

For another John Lennon tribute song, check out Queen’s Life is Real. I can’t listen to either song without getting tears in my eyes.

[@Huntermark27]

My favourite all time Elton John song. I heard this song for the first time when I was about 8 or 9, and I still love it to this day.

[@Hopehubris1492]

You must listen again knowing it’s a funeral dirge for the late great John Lennon. Keep up the great ones guys. You are truly. Blessed.

[@danguzman3458]

A second reaction knowing this is a requirement

[@danguzman3458]

In fact, I'd love to see the reaction of Amber just reading the backstory of this song, I think it would be honest emotion

[@RobertSmith-iw2kb]

Thanks, needed a good cry today.rip johnny.😢

[@giorgioiorio9359]

This song always brings me to tears. I wish you would have reacted to the song knowing it's context. It would have made your reaction so much more meaningful.

[@divencemoore7111]

Sir Elton excels at ballads---look at his tribute to Princess Diana and this tribute to his fallen friend John Lennon. A true ARTIST!

[@kpiperjr]

"It's funny how one insect can damage so much grain." One of my favorite all-time lyrics.

[@Beatlejamie]

And through their tears, some say he farmed his best in younger years, but he’d have said that roots grow strong if only he could hear

[@paulwalker9421]

RIP John Lennon!! Thanks to Elton John for this song.

[@birdy1964-s2n]

Beautiful, and so so sad. RIP John, you will always be missed. 😢

[@Robsan40]

This song is a tribute to John Lennon. If you guys ever do Elton's "Benny And The Jets", I hope you do a live version. He goes out 110% on that song in all his concerts. He tears that piano up and puts the audience in a frenzy.

[@magneto7930]

They did react to Bennie and the Jets.

[@Robsan40]

@@magneto7930 I'll have to check it out, thanks.

[@TheCkent100]

Not to burst your bubble here but the "live" version of "Bennie and the Jets" (from the album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road") isn't really a live version at all. It was a studio creation where the engineer added the audience sounds to the studio track. There is a making of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" documentary where they show how the audience applause was added into the studio track.

[@Robsan40]

@@TheCkent100 - You didn't burst any bubble, for the 1980 Central Park version I WAS THERE. Sadly, a couple months after that concert, just a few blocks from there, John Lennon was murdered.

[@ryandtibbetts2962]

Back in the day, I was damn near obsessed with this song. I carried around a portable cassette player and played this constantly. I wasn't the biggest Beatles fan, but the emotional power behind these lyrics was undeniable.

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

John I miss you.

[@sirkat344]

Jay & Amber- this is my fave EJ song. I still get vivid memories of the days just having graduated HS in Bixby (Okla., of course), driving through the neighborhood. It hit me that my days there were getting short. Between the message of this song and those post graduation thoughts, this song haunts me still. I love it. Glad to see you hear it!

[@russellcameron2551]

A beautiful tribute to John Lennon after his murder in New York City by two of his closest friends. Elton's lovely melody flows so well with Bernie Taupin's heartfelt words creates one incredible, poignant love song.

[@paulnickson8734]

A heart-breaking and beautiful song rich in metaphor. The "gardener" is John Lennon, and Elton wrote this song as a tribute after "Johnny's" tragic murder on 8 December 1980. The "empty garden" is the void left behind after the loss of his good friend and soul-mate. I have brief personal story about that tragic day in 1980 .... My father was in the Navy in the early 1960's, and was in Portsmouth (England) in 1962 when these 4 lads with long hair (for the time) came rushing out an adjacent building and promptly stole the taxi he was about to step into. After the taxi sped away, a mob of screaming girls ran after it. My dad turned to a policeman standing nearby and asked what the commotion was all about. The policeman looked at him incredulously and replied "You've never heard of The Beatles???". My dad was 21 years old at the time, and by the time he and my mother got married in 1965, they were both confirmed Beatle-maniacs. As a result, I grew up listening to their Beatles records and became a life-long fan as well. The evening of Monday 8 December in 1980, I was 13 years old and my dad was driving me home from my hockey game. The news bulletin announcing the death of John Lennon came on the radio, and my dad pulled the car over and wept openly. It was the first time I had ever seen him cry. For those who weren't around when John Lennon died, it is hard to convey the impact it had on so many people. He was more than just a musician. He was a beautiful and loving soul. Think of 3 of his songs that demonstrate most clearly who he truly was ... "Give Peace a Chance", "Imagine", and "Happy Christmas (War is Over)". I remember seeing images from a candlelight vigil in New York City in the aftermath of this tragedy. One that stays with me is a young woman, tears running down her face, holding a sign that read "Remember love. Remember John Lennon". So true.💔

[@rosanajaquez3274]

RIP, John Lennon. I sung lead at glee club in grammar school to this song 😢😢😢

[@stevehamilton8824]

One of the finest pieces of writing by Bernie & Elton. A song that hits you emotionally when you understand that this was a song written for John Lennon after his passing. This song still hits the heart. "It's funny how one insect can damage so much grain" referring to the man that killed John. John being the gardener. It is a touching tribute. I do think that now that you know the story behind this song that you will feel it so much more.