FIRST TIME HEARING Elton John - Rocket Man (Royal Festival Hall, London 1972) REACTION | DEEP! 🙏💯

[@dipsydoodle7988]

Elton is a legend. The song technically is about an astronaut and space travel, but for sure it could be seen as a metaphor. Elton has a catalog 10 miles deep. I mean the guy has been a superstar since the early 70s. If I could recommend one song to give you an idea of how much of a musical genius he is, it would be Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding. Heads up, it's 11 minutes long, but it is truly a masterpiece. Use the audio version, remastered if you can find it and give it a listen to. Elton is a masterful pianist and he and Billy Joel toured together in the early 90s. It was freaking magical. I don't know if you're aware, but Elton also wrote and sang the Original version of Circle of Life from the Lion King.

[@supertrexandroidx]

I've always interpreted it as mainly a metaphor/analogy: a nine-to-five working family man who's so much more in his mind and needs his escapes, and is or at times feels estranged from his wife and family, mentally juxtaposed between what he feels he is inside and what the world/his family expect him to be, but he always comes around again and again... But heh, he can be a literal astronaut, too ;)

[@dipsydoodle7988]

@@supertrexandroidx I agree that is it probably more metaphorical. The astronaut angle is good for storytelling purposes.

[@nbell817]

The lyricist who wrote the words, Bernie Taupin, said its based on a Ray Bradbury tale from the Illustrated Man, about an astronaut whose job repeatedly takes him away from home.

[@bigprickdigger7102]

11 minutes and very little of it is him singing not a very good song for a Reaction lol

[@dipsydoodle7988]

@@bigprickdigger7102 what the hell does the amount of singing have to do with it's worth??

[@amyconklin3278]

The movie Rocketman is based on Elton John's life. The word u might be talking about might be a biography or biopic

[@lonedinosaur13]

Such a great movie

[@TheStefan6969]

It is great!!! Taron Eggerton (sp?) Does a fantastic job playing Elton and singing in the film!!!!

[@matthawkins8880]

It is a musical, and frankly it wasn’t very accurate or very good.

[@All-Fur-Coat_No-Trousers]

Loved it so much man, I've seen it three or four times

[@angelagoodwin5758]

For more Elton classics, I strongly suggest Bennie & the Jets and Someone Saved My Life Tonight. You two are awesome!

[@chrissiegle1065]

There's too many good songs to list... seriously... Daniel, tiny dancer, philadelphia freedom, levon, madman across the water, your song, candle in the wind, all the young girls love alice, funeral for a friend/love lies bleeding... it goes on and on and on lol... all hits... great reaction. Thank you. 🙂

[@LadyMystie]

Elton's talent is undeniable. 💯 By the way, he wrote the music. He had a really talented guy named Bernie who wrote the lyrics.

[@sillybolox935]

She seems so controlled by him. Get out girl

[@waltreed2578]

Elton John's "Funeral for a Friend" is really different and shows another side of him.

[@bakercarl8518]

This guy has given us decades of legendary music.

[@willasacco9898]

Early Elton is simply unique and moving across many styles. All of the lyrics to his songs were written by Bernie Taupin. I believe that his record label introduced them in the late 60’s, very early in his career.

[@fridaylong2812]

Bernie Taupin and Elton John are one of the greatest song writing duo's of all time. Bernie writes the lyrics, and Elton writes the music.

[@anneleroux3011]

This and Bowie's Space Oddity came out shortly after we put men on the moon.

[@j.h.3777]

Biopic. "John has stated in the past that and upon hearing the starman's (David Bowie) 'Space Oddity', he had instantly sought out the song's producer and arranger - Gus Dudgeon and Paul Buckmaster, respectively".

[@vitoandrade783]

tiny dancer is probably one of his top songs

[@shandac1027]

Elton writes his songs within 1 hour of receiving the lyrics. True genius right there. Of course having his lyricist Bernie Taupin truly made his music what it is. Check out Levon next. You're just scratching the surface

[@lancevaughn432]

Tiny dancer,. Your song,. Tiny dancer,. Levon,. Funeral for a friend,. Philadelphia freedom,. Someone saved my life tonight,. Don’t let the Sun go down on me,. Don’t go breaking my heart,. and 100 more.

[@larrybrantley8835]

Elton John starred in Rocket Man Astronauts leave their families to do their mission and return. When I was stationed on submarines and other ships we left for months at a time I really internalized this song.

[@deborahdennehy9937]

Elton is just BRILLIANT!!!! Met him in 1974, at John Lennon Airport (Liverpool UK), & I was 14 yrs old with my family waving goodbye to my sister & brother-in-law, just married. My brother, 5 years older than me, asked Elton for his autograph, which he DID, but we LOST it!!!! I shall never in my life forget seeing him, he was in his 20's too!! Amazing talented man. xx

[@sda6691]

Elton John is a rabbit hole....jump in and enjoy!!!! 👍👍 absolute talent!!!!

[@2006wilbury]

the song was inspired by Taupin's sighting of either a shooting star or a distant aeroplane. The song describes a Mars-bound astronaut's mixed feelings at leaving his home in order to do his job.

[@jrr1814]

Elton John is one the biggest selling artists of ALL TIME. I mean, there’s the beetles, Elvis, one or two others and Elton friggin John.

[@bradgordon3760]

I think The Beatles and Elton John would probably have the most incredible overall catalogues of music. Just popular hits after hits and wide range of styles.

[@staleo8497]

This man is an absolute legend. The movie “Rocketman” is a whole experience. Go watch it. I really enjoy you two. ❤️

[@blackprix]

There’s one word for Elton John iconic… You need to go down that rabbit hole his career has spanned decades, and he’s done some number one songs top 10 songs… Lucky for me I got to see him in the 70s what a performance!

[@lw3918]

Elton John owned '70's radio. Hit after hit after hit.

[@neilhalley8897]

Proper musical legends back then. He still is.

[@lw3918]

"Saturday night's alright for fighting" is my favorite.

[@bgb946]

Yes.. I think your right the song is about flying and traveling being alone on the road. He uses rocket man and space as like a metaphor like he is always with the stars.

[@classic-kool]

The song's about struggling with addiction...

[@randyd.8171]

You have just reacted to one of the greatest musical talents of all time. His music has real feelings. He also has stayed with the sane great talent in writing music for over fifty years, Bernie Taupin. (Please forgive any misspellings.) Their music varies greatly in messages and sound. Elton John's music is a rabbit hole that goes on endlessly. Have fun with it. Elton John is one of the greatest legions in music. Enjoy!

[@carolcjh8938]

Saw Elton John live before covid. He put on one heck of a show. He is older and a little slower, but the voice is still great!

[@karenmottram7040]

Elton was a close friend of Freddie Mercury starting his musical career in the 70s like Freddie and Queen. He took Freddies's passing quite badly. He was also asked to sing at Princess Diana's funeral in August 1997, changing some words to his hit of 'Candle In the Wind' and called it 'England's Rose.' How he composed himself to perform that day, I will never know. Most of the UK were in tears from the moment the news of her death was released, me included. Elton sang ballads and more upbeat ones like 'Crocodile Rock.' As already mentioned by another, he has got a huge catalogue of songs to react to if you wish. They say fashion comes around again but it also applies to music too. One thing is for sure, I won't be here if today's music ever returns and that doesn't bother me at all. Keep up the good work and thank you for your honest opinions.

[@kimj1741]

Great movie; a BIOGRAPY! Is that the word? The whole movie is jam packed with all Elton John’s music; massive hits from the 70’s and 80’s. He was HUGE in his prime.

[@mikewarker4445]

Also his debut album Elton John, good from start to finish

[@preesi1403]

The song describes a Mars-bound astronaut's mixed feelings at leaving his home in order to do his job. Rosenthal's account goes on to relate that the notion of astronauts no longer being perceived as heroes, but in fact as an "everyday occupation", led Taupin to the song's opening lines: "She packed my bags last night, pre-flight. Zero hour: 9 a.m. And I'm gonna be high as a kite by then."

[@s.mcpherson6354]

Yes, my research indicated that was the basis for the song and its lyrics. At the same time, Taupin's a genius capable of amazing things. And he loves Elton, and was concerned about his cocaine addiction. He's talked about writing a song about that, but I don't believe he's said which song it was. I've often wondered if this song was very sincerely the song as you described it, and what I read Taupin has said, but was still left wondering if it had an double entendre, alternate meaning that Taupin thought might not hurt for Elton to consider on his own terms, as he sang it on tour. Pure speculation, but the lyrics sure do line up for that if that wasn't by intention.

[@preesi1403]

@@s.mcpherson6354 The song was called "White Lady, White Powder"

[@doomhunter697]

The short story 'Rocket Man' is told from his son's point of view, how much he misses his father, how he looks forward to his tales when he gets home. Being an astronaut has become mundane, yet still dangerous job. Sort of like a long haul trucker. Long periods away from the family. At a time when astronauts were celebrated, even considered heroes, the story sees a day when they are more 'run of the mill'.

[@preesi1403]

@@doomhunter697 Its not a sons POV.

[@doomhunter697]

@@preesi1403 The story is, not the song.

[@benx104]

The Elton song you'll never forget is 'Someone Saved My Life Tonight'

[@Mainecoonlady.]

I was in 8th grade…. Legendary man. Friends with Eminem and hung out with Princess Diana. Sang at her funeral and knighted by the Queen. He is still on tour, to finish his last appearances that were interrupted by Covid. Then he will retire with his husband and spend time with their children. Cheers to Elton! ❤️

[@babylonsister118]

Bernie Taupin wrote all of his lyrics and Elton wrote the music. Bernie said this song was about how astronauts had become like common place and just another job but honestly to me it sounds like it's about someone getting high regularly. "It's just my job 5 days a week" is the only lyric that doesn't fit my scenario because getting high is normally 24/7 job.

[@TheStefan6969]

The living legend Sir Elton John!!!!! Fantastic!!! 😉❤✌

[@m4nu003]

I'm Still Standing is my fav EJ song. ^^

[@arnoldcox9128]

Elton is amazing that's all there is to it

[@andreascala2663]

remember in the 70' the lyrics were often free ....metaphors ....not necessarily linked to a specific context....and yes Sir Elton John is a voice in a million

[@midnightblue6668]

Can't say enough good things about Elton John...an absolute rock and piano god! "Tiny Dancer" is my favorite...but that's on top of a million great songs. I'd love to see a reaction to "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues"!

[@grandmasbabyledesma1266]

Probably one of the greatest musicians to walk the earth

[@quincee3376]

Great song.

[@Ocrilat]

You might want to listen to the studio version of this too...especially to appreciate the band and what they bring to the table.

[@oscarwilde6649]

Major EJ fan since '72 here. I completely agree with the gentleman. Was always my interpretation....

[@mikepiccione886]

Daniel and Bennie & the jets are a must

[@GS-xt8fu]

That’s live. The man could sing and not average on the piano. Damn good pianist. I’m not sure but he could have the most top 10 or most pop charts singles of anyone in history. Not sure but it’s close. The guy wrote so many songs it’s amazing

[@shanenolan8252]

Biopic. His greatest hits list is long .so many great songs. Decades worth of material. Id look up the songs on his greatest hits album. For must listen

[@marcusthompson5390]

Elton John- Bennie and the Jets (Live at the Playhouse Theatre 1976) HD

[@guyturbide6348]

🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦 My favorite masterpiece by Elton Jhon is 🎵 Funeral for a friend /Love Lies bleeding 🎵 🎶 🎵 🎶 original sounds tracks It's a must ‼️❤❤ Keep the GOOD WORK my friend ✌

[@had64198]

So many great songs. You need to hear Madman Across the Water.

[@chrislc35]

elton has done collabs with so many, eminem. gorillaz etc

[@mitziesanders9840]

Love your reactions! Elton John is an amazing musician. The lyricist Bernie Taupin made them a dynamic duo.

[@christinerobinson3819]

Elton John has a huge catalogue going back 50 years and he's done a lot of collaborations with different artists

[@murphy5243]

Definitely should check out "Benny & the Jets"

[@Ocrilat]

I tell this to all new listeners of Elton...you have to understand that what the song 'means' doesn't matter. They were writing like crazy people, putting out two full albums and three world tours a year. There was no time or desire to make every song personal. The lyrics almost always don't mean anything...they just sound good. There are exceptions (Tiny Dancer is about the lyricist's then girlfriend, Daniel is about a real life Vietnam veteran coming home after the war) or songs based on other things (Rocket Man was inspired by Ray Bradbury's short story of the same name, Billy Bones and the White Bird is loosely based on Rime of the Ancient Mariner, etc.).

[@skeezesmith7954]

Some people think the song is about drugs, but the composer, Bernie Taupin, said it was about an astronaut in space. 😊🤘

[@TheMichaelseymour]

i think its about his love for the salad leaf "rocket " .....maybe the first ballad about it - ever ?

[@katherinegupton2450]

He's awesome. I have so many Elton John recommendations lol

[@michaelmartin9128]

I always thought it was about an Astronaut. I guess you would have to ask Bernie Taupin what the song ment because he Wrote the Lyrics to this and 99% of Elton's Songs. Elton is a Singer And Musical Composer. The pair have over 35 Gold and 25 Platinum Albums, 30 Consecutive U.S. top 40 Hits, and 255 Million Records World Wide Sales. And have the Biggest-Selling Single, Candle In The Wind, A Tribute to his Friend Princess Diana with over 33 Million Sold. One Of The Greatest Song Writing Dueo's Ever. 😁❤🤘

[@jeffcampbell668]

From about 3:50 on, what you described is an analogy, you're interpreting the lyrics in certain way that is NOT incorrect. There's the outer space aspect that could be a parallel to feeling "out in space"because he knows he's a famous musician but in both scenarios he still feels lost and that things ma be beyond his control. Cheers to you that's a good interpretation I never thought of before.

[@candicelitrenta8890]

The Rocketman movie is about Elton John. It is named that because of the song

[@1stpageplacementNet]

“Rocket Man” is a 1970s song by the renowned English singer Elton John. The lyrics of “Rocket Man” tell the story of an astronaut who is filled to the brim with mixed feelings about leaving his family and friends behind to embark on a mission to space.

[@willfromyadkinville]

you guys are best music reactors hands down! thank you for listening!

[@thomaskolioupoulos6590]

Listen to my favorite album by him.. MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER...

[@ronsmith5572]

React to Elton John - Sad Songs ( say so much ) is the first single from Elton's 1984 album breaking hearts . The video was filmed in Rushcutters Bay

[@andrewh.8118]

I subscribed to your channel. I think you guys understand how important it is to reach a variety of genres of music,that’s what I love about your content. I can go from to Elton John & Rush to Wutang Clan & Bone Thugs n Harmony,to Gojira & Nine inch Nails… good music is good music & as I’m getting older(33) it becomes more important to me now than ever.

[@jennhurl]

I couldn't agree more!! I love that you've come to appreciate the importance of good music. Amazing, isn't it? I love Rico & Crys's variety also! It's fun never knowing what decade or genre they will hit each day.

[@DLCSTexas]

Right now on the radio I believe a number one hit is Dua Lipa with the lyrics interwoven into the song is her song and Elton is I’m a rocket man. She doesn’t change the lyrics to woman she says rocketman.

[@MJM1309]

Because he is a rocket man in outer space.

[@selectronium]

the USA had just gone to the moon a few years before this, Space Trek was still a new thing, and movies like Dune were all opening up the idea of the vastness of space to mankind for the first time... so the radio had songs like this one, David Bowie's "Space Oddity", and The Carpenters "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" were super mind-blowing to us... i wish radio nowadays would be as mind-expanding. thanks for the great reacts... i think your interpretation that this is about the mind-numbingness of a cubicle job is spot on as well!!!

[@MattSelkeDetroitFan]

You gotta watch Elton John and Eminem perform 'Stan' live together.

[@99sheepy]

So many great Elton John songs. I love the 1971 BBC live version of the song Levon. A couple other recommendations are Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters, and Madman Across the Water. The great thing about Elton, too, is there are so many amazing live performances to watch. He was a true professional artist.

[@carolynnewcomb2153]

I think you’d like the movie! Showcases how he was basically a musical genius as a boy. He wasn’t good at writing lyrics but he met his lifelong friend and lyricist Bernie Taupin and the rest is history. He struggled with addiction, but has been sober for probably 30 yrs now!

[@metalmellie4371]

You should do Tiny Dancer or Your Song by Elton. Both are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!

[@richardmodglin3900]

Check out the extended live version of "Rocketman" from Wembley stadium 1984 performance sometime. Highly entertaining! Great reaction!

[@adolfodelfrate6069]

👍 a real treat for ears👍👍

[@kierstenridgway4634]

Documentaries. My favorite type of movie.

[@donnalovell4199]

He’s an astronaut!!!!!

[@marceloantunes4190]

Elton John, Paul McCartney and John Lennon are the three greatest songwriters in the world.

[@antoinettelopes]

Well, I loved ROCKETMAN the movie. What they did was they took a bunch of Elton John songs and made a musical about his life out of the songs. Taron Egerton plays him and does the singing too, so he's not lip-syncing. So if you ever do watch it, it looks like Broadway musicals where people sing (and dance) a lot of the story instead of just talking. My favorite song of Elton's has been "I'm Still Standing" since it was released, you guessed it, in the 80s. 😊

[@scottcrosby-art5490]

Had the pleasure of seeing him live about 10 years ago in the UK, incredible musician. Also should give credit to his lyricist Bernie Taupin

[@Scooterboi60]

I Will Always Love You with Young Thug and Nicki Minaj is from a collaboration album Elton released last year The Lockdown Sessions. Very different. Lots of different genres on the album. Rocketman was sampled in Young Thug’s song “High”

[@lorislotsky]

This is by far my favorite Elton John song. The band Little Big Town has an amazing cover of this song which made me love it even more. You were talking about "Biography" type movies which I absolutely love. Have you seen Bohemian Rhapsody about Freddie Mercury? It's a great movie too.

[@ThePern1877]

he is only loving his man:)

[@TonyRom257]

Biopic or biography is the word you were looking for, and yes you should watch the movie.

[@debjorgo]

I think they'd be better off listening to the music.

[@TonyRom257]

@@debjorgo He in particular loves the back story so that is why I suggested Elton's story..... quite a life he's had

[@debjorgo]

@@TonyRom257 Good point. I just didn't think Rocketman was anywhere near as good as the Freddie Mercury one because it was sung by the actor and not Elton.

[@TonyRom257]

@@debjorgo Yea, they did mix Freddie in the vocals on Bohemian Rhapsody

[@antoniocarlin5026]

Rocket Man is AWESOME ! Is the answer to Space Oddity de Bowie.... inspired on the stories sci fi of Ray Bradbury!

[@dannyworten5876]

Hes got a huge catalog of great songs

[@jadenwonders7033]

Ive heard it said before that the song is referring to his drug use coping with his family issues from his youth but you bring up a point where he could definitely be singing about the music industry's effect on him as well

[@Hhfgdrghvdsddfj]

7:49 Yup

[@jenniferfoster1692]

Elton John performed with Eminem too!!

[@yankeerepairs]

"Tiny Dancer" "LeavOn" he is just a musical legend, kind of his own genre, his own style, he has been knighted by the Queen , so he is actually, Sir Elton John Also, there are two great covers of this song, you might enjoy : William Shatner Stewie Griffin 🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹🎹

[@airbrushaaron666]

The best cover of this song is by a band called Iron Horse.

[@thunderraymond2645]

Hey guys great reaction to the video. You should check out some Bob Seger he has so many great songs just a few songs to get you going 1. Turn the page. 2. Like a Rock. 3. Night moves. ) and the song just keep going please check him out the Group is called Bob Seger and the Silver bullet band 😎👍

[@jddelvec1870]

Watch “Rocket Man” it’s a great movie of Elton John’s life, told through his own music.

[@adrianmartin8153]

Tiny dancer from madman across the water . Blew back up in early 2000. With the release of Almost Famous . Kill movie.Imo

[@wen-nz3sk]

Watch the documentary his spouse David made, and I recommend Rocketman, the movie. Autobiography is the word you are looking for? Enjoyed this, delve deep here, Elton is phenomenal and spans decades, earlier lyrics written by Bernie Taupin, watch the movie. 👍🏽❤

[@davidcohen7146]

@Life With Reckless- Please react to Elton Johns Don't let the sun shine down on me. Thats the next one you should try. Great song.

[@madrad21]

If you are looking for more Elton John I'd suggest Indian Sunset, which was sampled for 2Pac's Ghetto Gospel

[@Cryptocracy_Now]

His level of fame had reach a point beyond that of which anyone else in his life could follow. In other words, only one person can fit at the top of the pyramid. He's alone up there.

[@kierstenridgway4634]

He composes the music and Bernie Taupin writes the lyrics. Usually.