What a Masterpiece! ELTON JOHN - Someone saved my life tonight REACTION - first time hearing

[@milesfears]

Elton John is AMAZING!

[@rustybstuff3082]

It's literally true. Almost trapped in a marriage from Hell, and trying to kill himself, a friend saved his life. And "Thank God my music's still alive."

[@MrRondonmon]

That is not what it meant. This song is written from Bernie's perspective a few years later. Elton was Bi so its not being married to a Woman that would have "trapped" him per se. It was Bernie thinking, Damned, if Elton had of gotten married, had a kid, then he might have had to do what any man from the 60s or 70s would have done, got a job to support their kid. Thus Bernie's thought process was that the music was Saved because Elton never went though with Marriage. We must remember, the Lyrics are always Bernie's, Elton just sets the lyrics to music. I have been a fan 50 years, have every album, and it amuses to people say this is about his "gayness", no, he was Bi and said, then married a woman for a time. What the song basically means is (and its true) when you get married and have kids, especially at that time, the DREAMS usually came to an end, you had to got a job. A pudgy piano player at that time making himself into a super star was 1 in the million.

[@TheFullKanani]

@@MrRondonmonNope and this directly from an interview I saw with Bernie Taupin. Bernie literally walked in and saved Elton from a half-assed suicide attempt involving putting his head in an oven. Elton was being trapped into a marriage and, um was clearly was not marriage material in the early 70’s.

[@chrispavlich9656]

@@MrRondonmonAh, no, Bernie and Elton wrote it together when Elton almost married a secretary in 1970. Bernie and Elton’s friend, Long John Baldry took him out for drinks and talked him out of marrying her. Google it.

[@phillipbrock9967]

@@MrRondonmon Nope. Rusty was right. Bernie wrote it for that moment in Elton's life. You'll have to take my word for it.

[@MrRondonmon]

@@phillipbrock9967 No, thats just you homosexual advocates dreaming that BS up. I own every album of Elton from my youth. This is the same thing we get with every old actor, they were homosexual, LOL. Bernie writes the songs (of course) lyrics from his perspective if you listen to the damned song without this bias in mind, the song tells you, the KEY WORDS that back me up that its about his Profession being SAVED is this part. *"Thank God my Music's still Alive"* Pretty much anything past 75 to maybe 77 is not the true Elton sound, it got too poppy. The true Elton sound is the Album Tumbleweed Connection. All this money he's made in this life aint going to be worth crap however.

[@thomasthompson698]

Actually, Elton and Bernie aren't even in the same building when writing songs... Bernie would write the lyrics, send them off to Elton, and Elton bangs out a tune, with no input from each other... Elton always said he couldn't write lyrics to save his life tonight...lol! It's a formula that has worked for well over 50 years! 70's Elton still is the best music for me! If you want to wander off the path of reacting to hits only, and want to hear two other great ballads with Elton on piano, and little else, try "Talking Old Soldiers" and "Ticking"... powerful songs... great vocals, piano and lyrics!

[@stevenschoen1138]

One of the most talented people on the planet..period

[@williamthelast1]

Nigel Olsson on Drums. He hits the toms so hard. Metronomic. Shout out to all the band. Best album of Elton John by far. Legend !!!

[@Tj-ot4jp]

Bernie Taupin was a lyrical genius. "Just a pawn outplayed by a dominating queen"

[@Imadrummin]

This album was a masterpiece from beginning to end. Not a weak song. I first listened to it on an 8 track tape when I was 10. To this day, this album is in my top 5 by any artist. This album certified gold before it was released. Went #1 the first week. 👍✌🤘

[@sgtBelson]

First album I ever bought myself, and still a regular listen. Well produced and played - Davey’s multi-tracked guitars are, well, ‘fantastic’ - as was everything Gus Dudgeon did with Elton. Definitely a ‘desert island’ entry.

[@Imadrummin]

@@sgtBelson Absolutely sgtBelson. Gus was a big part of Nigel's drum sound which to me is legendary. BTW, love that Larry picture. Best regards my friend. 😀👍

[@CarolinaGirl6919]

I remember listening to 8- tracks. Cried when dad tossed out our 8-track player like when he tossed our Beta-max player out. Collector's items!

[@brucedillinger9448]

Completely agree. Elton et al Completely on point. ✌

[@bradbolger7901]

Had the record in the 70s, got the cassette, then the CD a couple of times. Just bought the record again!

[@simondalzell5635]

Masterpiece Indeed. About my favourite Elton song . Thanks Mr Best.

[@musicaficionado2974]

We should also take into account the fact that he had an amazing group of musicians at that time.

[@angielofton6372]

The drums are the loudest instrument on the entire album. Just great!

[@JK-ld8cd]

True! Thats what i luv about the album it blends the songs together....

[@richardmodglin3900]

Without good vocals and musicians..... music has no chance. It makes all the difference in the world. Fifty year old music still completly moving!

[@bobdelp2023]

IT'S LIKE MUSICAL EAR CANDY HUH? 😊 HE'S BEEN SLAMMING THOSE KEYS FOR OVERRRR 70 YEARS HARRI, I ALWAYS LOVED THAT, THE WAY HE HITS THOSE PIANO KEYS, INSANE AND BEAUTIFULLLL! 😊

[@Pait728]

To me this is one of his best. I wonder if it was strange for Bernie to be writing such personal lyrics from Elton's point of view. Elton was blessed with a wonderful band. I've always loved Davey, Nigel and Dee's backing vocals. I was surprised to learn that Elton would let them arrange the backrounds without him in the studio.

[@boxsterman77]

I think it helps that he was literally Sharing the flat with Elton & Linda Woodward during the period. He was the one who walked in on Elton “attempting” suicide, later recognized by all as a cry for help. It helps also to be empathetic.

[@jimmyjameson8705]

Elton is a genius without peer. The KING of rock n roll. GOD BLESS HIM .

[@stevehofer3482]

I love the left hand part of the piano. Elton just parks himself way down there.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

This song is personal for me. It saved my life. I'm thankful for it even now. ♥️

[@jeffthewhiff]

This is unquestionably one of many masterpieces from Elton John and Bernie Taupin and the most amazing thing about these talented artists is that even many of their lesser-known songs could have been huge hits as well!

[@bjs7442]

He doesnt mould the words into the music . He takes the words, sometimes sent to him from the US and then looks at them and thinks up a melody to fit them. There is a documentary of Elton working in a French Chateau in the early 70s receiving lyrics and then in a matter of minutes had the outline of a new song. It shows him composing Goodbye Norma Jean when recording the Honkey Chateau album. His partnership with Bernie Taupin is simply brilliant . Taupin was a poet and he answered an advertisement as Elton could write great tunes but had difficulty with Lyrics. The rest is history.

[@jdenino6022]

I loved this song when it came out in 75. They played it on the radio for months. ❤

[@sergebrunet4218]

Can t be wrong with Elton ! All his songs are gems !

[@Imadrummin]

👍

[@rodneyvoshell9296]

He’s an musical genius

[@cherin6703]

I have this album and it really is Fantastic.

[@stevehofer3482]

Nice touches by Ray Cooper on this. The backing vocals are the best. That left hand piano line is so catchy, I would have mixed it higher, but that would have been a mistake because it would have taken away from the countless other elements that make this song special.

[@Oron-n5l]

I was a preteen when this was released. 1975 was Elton John's greatest year, and I was privileged to live through it. --- OronOfMontreal

[@SpottedQ]

All time favorite Elton song. Also, one of the best album covers ever!

[@meriannestoneback7436]

The whole album is the story of Elton and Bernie's early writing years. Beginning to end it's perfect, my favorite song(s) are We All Fall In Love Sometimes and Curtains. Sums up all reaction videos: "There's treasure children always seek to find."

[@jimbrentar]

It's a literal story about Elton's life. He was engaged to be married, but he realized it was a mistake and became suicidal. His friends literally saved his life.

[@cjdesign5700]

As a young teen...this was a fave. His core band for years were part of his success...Davey Johnstone - Leslied electric guitar, backing vocals Dee Murray - bass guitar, backing vocals...Nigel Olsson - drums, backing vocals..Ray Cooper - tambourine, shaker, cymbal

[@marybaillie8907]

This song was written about Elton who was engaged to a lady named Linda Woodrow. He got drunk with Bernie Taupin and Long John Baldry (Sugar Bear) they convinced him to call off the wedding in 1970. In 1975 Elton wrote the music while on a cruise ship and Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics. A lucky escape for sure. Beautiful instruments, classic Elton's piano, and beautiful vocals made for a great tune. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Imadrummin. 👏 One of my favourire vocals by Elton. 🎹🎹🎶🎶😊😊 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@Imadrummin]

Spot on Mary and my absolute pleasure. 👍

[@amandameale6000]

Love this song❤

[@RandyPeterson]

"And it's one more beer, and I don't hear you anymore." Lots of us have been there. Great review

[@annephillips8494]

Am still in love with Nigel Olson, his Drummer then .

[@williamdemerchant7295]

A gripping piano line, beautiful song. Hard to beat any Elton John song from the 70's.

[@hototowhistler]

So true : )

[@carolmeindl9508]

I grew up in the 70s and was familiar with this song but never really listened to the lyrics. I assumed some girl came along and saved his life by loving him , thus avoiding a lonely life. Boy was I wrong!!!

[@bkm2797]

One of my favorite tunes by Elton and Bernie, absolutely love the lyrics. Thank you wannabedrummin and Harri!

[@Imadrummin]

My absolute pleasure. Thank you BKM!! 👍

[@howardhales6325]

This is his best song from his best album. You should play the title track next. "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" or Elton and Bernie. A great song and a bit of an origin story as well. You'll love it!

[@roymoore3156]

Brown dirt cowboy

[@bkm2797]

Harri, this was around the time Elton thought he was going to have to marry someone he didn't want to marry, so he could very much relate. Bernie went through it all with Elton, from pathetic attempt at suicide by sticking his head in a gas stove, but Bernie noticing the window directly above wide open,Lol, funny when Bernie and Elton shared this in an interview, so please don't think I'm heartless.

[@rockerforlife194]

I agree 100%, Harri! It IS, a masterpiece. And, my all time favorite Elton John/Bernie Taupin song. Ever! Kudos, my Brother. A wonderful reaction.

[@donnabrockable]

In the summer of 1970, Elton John nearly married then-secretary Linda Woodrow. John knew things weren’t quite clicking in the relationship, going on two years at this point, and he didn’t know how to call off the upcoming nuptials. During a night of drinking with blues singer Long John Baldry and long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin, they convinced John not to go through with it.

[@bobdelp2023]

THAT SOLIDDDD LOUD SNARE IS INSANE HUH? LOL 😊IT'S POUNDINGGG HARRI , SO SHARP AND TIGHT! 😊

[@missblondie2393]

Great choice my friend This one hits hard and stays for quite awhile My favorite Elton John song

[@Imadrummin]

Awesome Miss Blonde!! 😀

[@cindystauffer1614]

Oh & Yellow Brick Road

[@Prone2Thrill]

My favorite album cover as a kid - so creative. The whole album is fantastic - early Elton is the best

[@manyjoeysinramland7747]

Nigel Olsen has the perfect feel for Elton’s cadence, playing with power and restraint at the same time

[@PatriciaPeters-ys7yq]

I agree with you 100%. My mind can’t work that way I did play piano when I was young I’m 59 years old, but putting melodies together with music it’s genius isn’t it

[@jackbarlow8520]

Absolutely artistic brilliance from Sir Elton my fave of his

[@balmpatchvideos]

Hey brother, I like your detailed reactions, and I've noticed you've mentioned Elton's voice frequently, so I have a song request/referral for you please, and the song The King Must Die, from the Elton John album, is one you will like, I would bet, and take it from this old fan, you will my friend, thanks!

[@josephklimchock5412]

Man....one of his best songs if it possible to single one out. I followed Elton from 1970-90 maybe.....the best stuff came from him these years. First ten years the best IMO.

[@stevehofer3482]

I remember the first time I heard this song, I thought it was a masterpiece. Then we got the album, and I was blown away. There isn’t a bad song on the album. Many aren’t commercial but they are great, songs like “Curtains”, and “Better off Dead”.

[@joelsud30]

Il like your reaction a lot

[@sweetieguy]

I ALWAYS enjoy and am touched by your EJ Reactions... I've been a Lifelong EJ fan since I was 8 years old, before anyone even knew who he was... I just turned 60 in Sept, so his songs have LITERALLY been The Soundtrack for My ENTIRE Life... and still counting... it's been quite a Journey and could all be documented in EJ songs...and Bernie's lyrics as well... and the timeless harmonies and instrumental geniuses that were Dee Murray, Nigel Olsson and Davey Johnstone! Stay well and KEEP VIBIN' Harri! From beautiful Calgary, Alberta, Canada!

[@wrldchamps04]

How they wrote their music "together" is one of music's great mysteries.... amazing

[@debbiechang5781]

Thanks for this wonderful request Imadrummin. This has always been a favorite EJ song for me. Great reaction Harri. 🌺✌️

[@Imadrummin]

And for a wonderful person as Debbie Chang !!!😀

[@davidwilkins5932]

This is such an INCREDIBLE album. I hope you’ll react to more. Another personal favorite track is ‘Tell Me When the Whistle Blows’.

[@thedocofrock1890]

yeah - that one is relatively unknown only to those who have the lp. and let's not forget ' gotta get a meal ticket' - a heavy rocker never played on radio. man what a time to be alive for music

[@joejones1639]

One of his best. Love all his music. But this one stands out. Wow Nigel on drums. " Bucket of blood" toms no bottom heads miked under with little delay and little reverb! And made perfect for the feel of the song because he is skilled enough to play the kit at the back end of the beat. At a slower tempo a quarter note has width to it .he wisely relaxes and strikes heads with appropriate weight and majestic style and the tail end of the beat not pushing the front end

[@elysehfm8797]

Great song. I love early Elton John. 💜💜💜

[@OddBall1958]

So now you've been listening to Elton's mellow stuff it's time to kick it up a notch, wouldn't you say! Have a listen to Saturday Night's Alright For Fightin'. Elton rocks out in this tune. I would listen to the original recording for the best listen. Keep up the great work

[@marilynholt3775]

Elton and each member of the band is great, but Nigel Olsson's drumming really shines on this whole album. My favorite track is the closing song, Curtains. Please react to that one.

[@genespleen]

Me and my mates playing kickball on the street in super-conservative Huntsville, AL, 1975. My friend Mike's older brother rolls in. He's just seen the movie Jaws and he's blasting this song from his car. We were hooked. Marvelous--a time treasure.

[@hugosbeerspirits4871]

Before I see your reaction, this song has been stuck in my head all day.

[@Ocrilat]

It's a song that also shows off the band. They were amazing.

[@brendastanford9545]

I have all of Elton's music, but this is one of my favorite albums.

[@gordonbezanson4710]

73 to 76 elton made some amazing music. I spent countless hours just looking at this album art. Its crazy stuff. Fav songs bitter fingers , tower of babel , writing title track.

[@nolansteiner4771]

yes, great song! Love your channel. Harri, try "Madman Across the Water" by Elton. Also a fantastic gem (in my opinion).

[@russallert]

In a 1973 Rolling Stone interview with Elton John and Bernie Taupin, Elton told the story of his near-marriage. I don't know if he'd written the song yet, but it pretty much explains most of it. RS: One report in the national press awhile back said you’d once almost gotten married to a millionairess. Elton: Me? RS: And called it off three weeks before? Elton: Oh, that’s true. I wouldn’t say she was a millionairess, that’s the national press boosting their headlines -”One-Armed Man Swims Channel” or something like that, you know what I mean. It was a girl I met when I was in Sheffield one miserable Christmas doing cabaret with John Baldry. She was six-foot tall and going out with a midget in Sheffield who drove around in a Mini with special pedals on. He used to beat her up! I felt so sorry for her and she followed me up the next week to South Shields - this gets even more romantic, folks - and I fell desperately in love and said come down to London and we’ll find a flat. Eventually we got a nice flat in this dismal area. It was a very stormy six months, after which I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I attempted suicide and various other things, during which Bernie and I wrote nil, absolutely nothing. Bernie: Don’t forget the gas. Elton: I tried to commit suicide one day. It was a very Woody Allen-type suicide. I turned on the gas and left all the windows open. [Laughter] Bernie: I remember when I told Linda and said, “My God, he’s tried to commit suicide,” and she said, “Why, he’s wasted all the gas!” Elton: It was just like six months in hell. I got the flat, I bought all the furniture, the cake was made, it was three weeks away, Baldry was going to be best man, and in the end Baldry, we were out in the Speakeasy . . . no, it was the Bag of Nails . . . no . . . Bernie: It was the Bag of Nails. Elton: Baldry was there, and one of the Supremes - one of the Supremes used to go out with the singer of Bluesology, how about that for a piece of gossip - Cindy Birdsong used to go out with our singer. Anyway, we’re there at the Bag of Nails and Baldry is saying, “You’re mad, man, you’re mad, you don’t love her,” and I was saying, “I do, I do,” and he was saying, “She beats you up, she smashes you on the face,” and we got more and more depressed sitting there until four in the morning setting off burglar alarms when we staggered out and I shouted, “It’s over, it’s finished!” and then came a couple of days of hell. In the end my Dad came with his Ford Cortina and how he managed to cram all that stuff in there I don’t know and my mother said, “If you marry her I’ll never speak to you again”- oh, it was just amazing. So she sued me for breach of promise and all that shit. She got away with quite a lot of money in shares. Bernie: It was so outrageous . . . Elton: It was outrageous because she was six-foot and she used to beat me up and she used to be beaten up by a midget, so how about that? It was so weird. You know, I have always expected her to show up one of these days.

[@bjs7442]

Thats why the lyrics in Elton John songs are brilliant because they come first.

[@VikingJeff]

Someone who didn't like this song was Linda Woodrow, the woman this song is about. That's the woman he was going to marry because she said she was pregnant. He was talked out of it by Long John Baldrey. John Baldrey is also where he took the stage name John from.

[@jdenino6022]

I saw her being interviewed by Piers Morgan in 2019 on Good Morning Britain. She seems to like the attention. The interview is on youtube.

[@johntronite2977]

how did he compose another persons emotions.. like a master he did....

[@dmn23]

Probably my favorite drum sound ever.

[@thefuturepast]

On my favorite Elton John songs of all time, so thank you for doing that Harri, Although it’s not technically on this album, originally it was released as a single during the same time… I would love to hear you do the Elton’s cover version of Lennon’s Lucy in the sky with diamonds… ultimately, John Lennon wrote a song around the same time. That Elton John sang on called whatever gets you through the night, which is also pretty cool.

[@carolisakallas3054]

It is clear that this masterpiece has personal meaning to you. Love you, Harri.

[@heatherbegs]

I think this is my favourite Elton song. So powerful!

[@ronjm945]

A great song from a fantastic album…

[@lostdaze1145]

Wait for the final... Its been my Life alright 🎉

[@harpergras]

On my top five list of favorite Sir Elton Hercules John songs...Elton and Bernie were geniuses together...As a kid I would listen to this song at night over and over until I fell asleep.

[@jamestaylor2920]

Hmmm ... Bernie in one room writing prose with Elton in another writing music? That's one explanation for the fast pace of "Crocodile Rock" ... Elton wrote four minutes of music for Bernie's six minutes of words. I guess the opposite happened for "Funeral For a Friend" with it's long lead-in and lead-out. Either way those two produced some magical songs that moved the world!

[@wessbess]

❤ great review man as always you do a wonderful job

[@davebzen795]

Ima - This was a rock solid pick😎, as would any song on this great album. Harri, yours was a great reaction. Bravo!!

[@Imadrummin]

Elton has so many treasures to share and this one is a masterpiece. My pleasure my good friend. 👍👍👍

[@davebzen795]

@@Imadrummin My. my, my....the number of positive comments is most impressive and well deserved, my friend.

[@BigC.]

One of my absolute favorites.

[@thedocofrock1890]

my favorite elton album and song bar none. the mood it sets is stunning. one of those songs you never get tired of listening to

[@anthonygriffin9275]

One of the first albums I ever bought as a young teenager. A total classic front to back 👍🏻

[@diane-]

Oh I just love this song by Elton, one of my favourites. 💞

[@Imadrummin]

😀👍

[@normanrose2711]

not a huge Elton fan but this song is really good. Please consider Funeral for a Friend

[@abeautifuldayful]

Loved that song from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, my favorite Elton album. No skips.

[@pncombies]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWbbanZ4rqasabM

[@scottchapin2323]

I was fortunate enough to see him in Denver on his final tour, he played this song and it sounded great

[@karenj3611]

You are correct, a masterpiece

[@scotteustice6230]

Great album. The last of his Classic albums with his original band. Great reaction also!!

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

Gorgeous, gorgeous song, sugar bear! Hey Harri! xx

[@seandrew7837]

My favorite EJ composition. Fantastic.

[@debjorgo]

I have a list where I rate my favorite Elton John songs. This one comes in at number 23. Elton, like the Beatles, is one of the few artists that a number 23 song, is still pretty dang good!

[@brucedillinger9448]

One of my favorites! ✌

[@rodneyvoshell9296]

One of his best albums

[@HelloClarice80]

My favorite EJ song of all time. I love him so much! 🤩😍 Thanks for this one, bestie! 💛😁

[@Sober2003]

Brings me back to a chick I was in love with. Sitting at the park one night sipping beers listening to the radio and this song came on. I’ll always remember that night when I hear this tune!❤

[@NathanVeenstra]

An absolute masterpiece by Elton John. This, “Yellow Brick Road” and my absolute favourite Elton John song “Song For Guy”.

[@doplinger1]

And a fantastic album!

[@2869may]

"MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER"....!!!

[@brucedillinger9448]

The live version with Dee and Nigel is fire.

[@Peter-oh3hc]

always a joy to hear this. Have you done Empty Garden? about john Lennon's death

[@philippesauvie639]

Boy… I haven’t heard that one for a while even though I’m pretty sure I bought the 45 when it first came out years ago. Always great to see your reaction!

[@cjax2000]

Since the fact that this was based on a true Elton experience has been told. The thing I want to say is I agree with you that Elton and Bernie's writing together - how they did it, was so unique! and I agree HARDER! From what I understand .. Bernie was not only NOT in the next room .. many times he was in a different COUNTRY from Elton and he would mail him the lyrics!! That to me shows JUST how brilliant Elton was at reading a lyric and creating a song that 'fits" their meaning and style. Especially in their earliest years when the albums had SO many styles of music!

[@MikeD_]

Peak Elton and Bernie from 1970-1975.

[@harpergras]

" I Feel Like A Bullet ( In The Guns Of Robert Ford ) " is a Elton John song I think you would love.