Probably "Philadelphia Freedom" next, but if you went for "Daniel" or "The Bitch Is Back" next, that would be almost as good. You should hear all 3 songs eventually.
When Captain Fantastic came out in 1975 they played "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" on NYC FM radio stations constantly. I knew every single word to this song. Had the album too, it was very popular.
THANKS for posting!! Because it’s the album version, those of us can, 50 yrs later, KNOW every word, inflection, and nuance of this song. And it feels like it was just released yesterday. #TheFabricOfOurLives!!
Taupin's lyric refers to a time in 1968, before John was popular as a musician, when John was engaged to be married to girlfriend Linda Woodrow. John and Woodrow were sharing a flat with Taupin in Furlong Road in Highbury, London, hence the opening line "When I think of those East End lights." John did not love his girlfriend, and felt trapped by the relationship. Feeling desperate, John contemplated suicide, and even made a half-hearted attempt at asphyxiating himself with a gas oven in his home. He took refuge in his friends, especially Long John Baldry, who convinced John to abandon his plans to marry, in order to salvage and maintain his musical career. His parents arrived the next day, in a van, to take him home. As a sign of respect and gratitude to Baldry, Taupin wrote him into the song as the "someone" in the title, and also as "Sugar Bear".
Yes that was how it went. He did the right thing for them both. Nonetheless, am I the only one to spare a thought for his ex fiancée, having the break up celebrated to the whole world by Elton? It gave us a brilliant song, but part of me wonders what she must have felt whenever she heard it being played.
Bernie writes the lyrics then gives them to Elton who writes the music to bring the lyrics to musical life. They've been collaborating since the 60s, and Elton says they've never had a fight.
This is about Elton how he almost got married... Nearly had me roped and tied altar bound hypnotized .... Saved in time, thank God my music's still alive...
Based on your questions about how he writes, it seems very clear that you still haven't seen ROCKET MAN! Absolutely worth a watch, especially once you've already listened to all the songs featured in the film
This is my very first album that I purchased with my own money. I also remember the price, it was a whopping $4.98. It had a booklet inside the cover with the lyrics to every song on the album!! I think I was around 10-12 years old! 70’s had the best music.
we had as kids also.i found an original.cooy g.c. at an estate sale has the booklet and mini poster of the cover think original shrink was 4.98 sticker i paid 10 at the sale store would have been at least 20 original.pressing has the cover art on the label.
Bernie writes lyrics then gives to Elton, then magic happens. The Making of Goodbye Yellowbrick Road is a fantastic documentary. All your questions about, Bernie, Elton and the band is answered. You won’t be sorry.
A karmic debt repaid, then, because the song is based upon Elton's real-life suicide attempt as a young man when his girlfriend tried to pressure him into marrying her. The cool thing about this song is that Bernie Taupin and Elton John were so in sync with each other that Bernie could write a set of lyrics about Elton's suicide attempt and then Elton, without batting an eye, put it to music and recorded it with his band. What's more, he then insisted that his record label (MCA) release it as a single despite the fact that it was 6 minutes and 45 seconds long.
The album 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy' was an autobiographical album of how Elton and Bernie got started. This song is based on a time that Elton tried to commit 'suicide' and he was stopped. He had gotten engaged to be married and couldn't go through with it. His friend, Long John Baldry 'Sugar Bear' talked him out of it also. Bernie wrote these lyrics for that time in their life. As to how they worked, Bernie would write the lyrics, and pass them to Elton, either in person with some song/albums when he was there at the recording studio, or send them by mail, and then electronically when that capability came about. Elton then on his own would put the melody to the lyrics, and record with the band.
I forget if it was Bernie or someone else came in and saw Elton with his head in an oven but it was resting on a pillow and instead of shock being the first reaction it was how absurd it was and the person actually laughed. Fortunately he got help and began to understand more about himself and he has made so much more great music for us all.
I still have the hardback book called "Five Years of Fun" which I saved up for and bought for $5. It highlights Elton's first five years in the business from 1970 to 1975. I just counted all the old vinyl albums in my collection and I have a total of 267 of them. And yes, I also have 38 8-Track tapes as well.
Elton takes that falsetto from his influences by 50s music and turns it into something different. The fade ins an fade out of the background vocal, the voice doubling on key parts. Just masterful recording let alone the music.
I still have my original Captain Fantastic album. It had terrific artwork and included two booklets with it. It was a terrific album. "Writing", "Tower of Babel", and "Better Off Dead" were my favorites. But when all is said, they were ALL great songs.
I heard this song on the radio in middle school and knew my mom knew a lot of Elton's songs. I "sang" rather poorly the piano chords for her and she thought it was "Madman Across the Water," so I bought that album on CD and thus began my lifelong obsession with Elton and Bernie. Eventually figured out this was the song I meant. ❤
I didn’t fully realize what an amazing musician he is till I saw him live. My daughter even said that she would have been happy if all he’d done was play piano all night.
Back in the day Elton was my favorite artist. I was in the US Navy in 1983 and some of my shipmates and I got to see him (with Quarterflash) at the Greek Theater at UC Berzerkley. Only $20😎 "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album was his masterpiece. Recommended Elton John rock song, "Saturday night's alright for fighting".
Probably one of the most personal of songs as the story was about Eltons life experience. Bernie was roommates with Elton, so he knew what was going on and wrote these words. So awesome! Gives me goosebumps.
This entire album is the BEST! I know Goodbye Yellowbrick Road was his monster album from this period, but Captain Fantastic was always my favorite, right behind Madman Across the Water. Captain Fantastic is one of those "complete package" albums/art pieces. If you guys can find a vinyl copy with the gatefold album cover and the lyric/artwork booklet, you will be amazed. The art and music are so perfect in this album!
Bernie writes the lyrics. Elton composed that great music and melody. That song is all about that beautiful music as well as the lyrics. They are a song writing partnership. Bernie only writes the lyrics. Elton writes the music. Bernie doesn’t play any instruments. Bernie doesn’t sing at all. This seems hard for people to understand today. But having a lyric writer and a musical composer is an old school way of writing songs that doesn’t exist anymore except in musical theater.
I have been a fan of Elton since 1970 when I bought Tumbleweed Connection .I watched A BBC program about Elton John in 1973 when he was using a French Chateau to write and record songs. One of those songs was Candle in the Wind and he received the lyrics from Bernie in the post , sat down at the piano and within minutes had the basics of the melody that would become so famous about the death of Marylin Monroe and subsequently Diana. Bernie wrote lyrics gave them to Elton who crafted a song around them. It was an unusual way to write but was perfect for them and their abilities. Bernie the poet and Elton the great musician. They always remained independent. When Elton collaborated with others the chemistry was not so good and the results less inspiring.
There isn't much better than 1970's Elton John, he was such a great singer/pianist/songwriter. Also, his band members were masters of their instruments and may have been overlooked at times but were never discounted. They were amazing musicians and complemented Elton perfectly.
Hey guys, you HAVE to review 3 hidden Elton MASTERPIECES: 'Indian Sunset' (1971 - Madman Across The Water), 'Ticking' - 1974 Caribou, and '60 Years On' (1970 Elton John). And it would be so much better if you did the ALBUM CUTS (remember Rocket Man ???), and had the lyrics there. You're welcome (believe me) :) ALSOOOOO - Elton never wrote ONE WORD of any of his song lyrics - it was 95% Bernie Taupin and 5% Gary Osborne (a couple of late 70s albums). BUT, Elton composed ALLLLLLLLLLL of melodies, music, composition, instrumentation, song structure, etc. - he never wrote ONE WORD of lyrics - it was all Bernie. And Bernie never composed music or sang!
Have been waiting for you lads to react to this absolute MASTERPIECE literally for years now... and you didn't fail! Every layer of this song is perfection... deep, involving lyrics... ear-candy musicianship... the song ebbing and flowing till the glorious cascading waterfall at the end that completely washes over the listener. I've heard this song thousands of times and I never tire of it. There is always something more to discover... another stroke of genius around the corner. Thanks for letting me relive experiencing this wondrous song all over again.
I heard an interview with Elton John years ago. He said that Bernie would bring him lyrics, they would discuss the concept. After the discussion, if Elton didn't have a basic song knocked out within about 30 minutes, he usually would not finish the song until a later date. If he didn't feel it, he didn't do it.
I'll never forget when I first heard this song. Big Elton John fan! I was listening to my transistor radio poolside when dj announced the latest EJ song was up next. I needed to hit the bathroom but couldn't miss it. I remember thinking it was the longest song in history! But I loved it just the same!
This is from my fav album by Elton... I was a teenager when this came out, and I found it to be practically flawless. My girl and I knew all the words. ;-]
![SAFEPLANET - ดาวเคราะห์ [ THE PLANET ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4X1XL3I_k3c/mqdefault.jpg)
What us know what to hit next from Elton!! 🔥🔥
This clip/reaction was from the patreon vaults !
Philadelphia Freedom
We all fall in love / Curtains
"Lucy in the sky with diamonds".....!!!! (Better than the Beatles)
Probably "Philadelphia Freedom" next, but if you went for "Daniel" or "The Bitch Is Back" next, that would be almost as good. You should hear all 3 songs eventually.
Not sure if you've done it, but Empty Garden. It's his beautiful tribute to John Lennon
When Captain Fantastic came out in 1975 they played "Someone Saved My Life Tonight" on NYC FM radio stations constantly. I knew every single word to this song. Had the album too, it was very popular.
WNEW, WPIX, WPLJ…I remember it well. What a musical era.
As a kid, I remember staring at the geeky album cover for long spells. Great era for EJ and BT songs!
Bernie Taupin is a great songwriter!
Yes and he doesn't get the recognition he deserves.
I really love that Elton is still loyal to him.
I just read today that George Harrison would disagree with that, which stunned me.
Taupin wrote lyrics, not the tunes.
That's what the comment says "Great songwriter"
Bernie was 'The Brown Dirt Cowboy"
THANKS for posting!! Because it’s the album version, those of us can, 50 yrs later, KNOW every word, inflection, and nuance of this song. And it feels like it was just released yesterday. #TheFabricOfOurLives!!
We are absolutely with you. Brother!
So accurate… ❤
Taupin's lyric refers to a time in 1968, before John was popular as a musician, when John was engaged to be married to girlfriend Linda Woodrow. John and Woodrow were sharing a flat with Taupin in Furlong Road in Highbury, London, hence the opening line "When I think of those East End lights." John did not love his girlfriend, and felt trapped by the relationship. Feeling desperate, John contemplated suicide, and even made a half-hearted attempt at asphyxiating himself with a gas oven in his home. He took refuge in his friends, especially Long John Baldry, who convinced John to abandon his plans to marry, in order to salvage and maintain his musical career. His parents arrived the next day, in a van, to take him home. As a sign of respect and gratitude to Baldry, Taupin wrote him into the song as the "someone" in the title, and also as "Sugar Bear".
Yes that was how it went. He did the right thing for them both. Nonetheless, am I the only one to spare a thought for his ex fiancée, having the break up celebrated to the whole world by Elton? It gave us a brilliant song, but part of me wonders what she must have felt whenever she heard it being played.
Thank God his music is still alive. . . ..
I'm always reminded that the piano is a percussion instrument when I hear Elton play.
Yes, and Elton's main drummer, Nigel Olsson, drives the point home.
@@TB-fk8ho Can't leave Ray Cooper out of the conversation.
Bernie writes the lyrics then gives them to Elton who writes the music to bring the lyrics to musical life. They've been collaborating since the 60s, and Elton says they've never had a fight.
Two of the best songwriters!
@@jillwilliams3784Elton John only does melodies not songs
Spectacularly
@@personalcheeses8073that’s still the song mate
My dad had this record…and the artwork always fascinated me!
1975 I was 9 years old. This is one of my favorite songs. His songs from the 70's are the best.
This is the record to listen to
Bernie and Elton are in different rooms. Bernie writes the lyrics and gives them to Elton who does the music. Amazing!
Sometimes he would write the lyrics and simply leave it on the piano for Elton to find.
differant cities usually...
This for me is a goosebump song.
My favorite song when I was a kid. Did not understand the mature topic until I listened to it through adult ears. Still in my top 10.
This is about Elton how he almost got married... Nearly had me roped and tied altar bound hypnotized .... Saved in time, thank God my music's still alive...
Bernie writes a poem in whole and hands it off. Elton spins it into a song.
This song will remain timeless. So moving and beautiful vocals. Chills.
Based on your questions about how he writes, it seems very clear that you still haven't seen ROCKET MAN! Absolutely worth a watch, especially once you've already listened to all the songs featured in the film
THE ASSOCIATION. ALONG COMES MARY. NEVER MY LOVE. CHERISH. WINDY.
Never My love is such a good one
Requiem for the Masses--the best anti-war song
Top 10 artist of all-time for me personally
Top 1 or 2 for me
Worst seats but best concert I've ever seen. He is the ultimate performer.
This is my very first album that I purchased with my own money. I also remember the price, it was a whopping $4.98. It had a booklet inside the cover with the lyrics to every song on the album!! I think I was around 10-12 years old! 70’s had the best music.
we had as kids also.i found an original.cooy g.c. at an estate sale has the booklet and mini poster of the cover think original shrink was 4.98 sticker i paid 10 at the sale store would have been at least 20 original.pressing has the cover art on the label.
Ditto.
I never bought the album but our library let me check it out about a hundred times😊 and portable record player too l
Bernie wrote lyrics, handed them off to Elton, then Elton put them to music. Magic
One of my favorite tracks to sing in the car lol.
Bernie literally writes it on his own, posts it to Elton , who goes, oh yeah, i know how to put that to piano... two geniuses ..
My favorite Elton song.
This whole album is brilliant!
Bernie writes lyrics then gives to Elton, then magic happens. The Making of Goodbye Yellowbrick Road is a fantastic documentary. All your questions about, Bernie, Elton and the band is answered. You won’t be sorry.
This song really did save my life one night, when I was 14 and thinking about opting out. Thank you Elton
A karmic debt repaid, then, because the song is based upon Elton's real-life suicide attempt as a young man when his girlfriend tried to pressure him into marrying her.
The cool thing about this song is that Bernie Taupin and Elton John were so in sync with each other that Bernie could write a set of lyrics about Elton's suicide attempt and then Elton, without batting an eye, put it to music and recorded it with his band. What's more, he then insisted that his record label (MCA) release it as a single despite the fact that it was 6 minutes and 45 seconds long.
I love You, I love your here to tell about it
Life is so Special and Music is a soul saver
You mean thank you Bernie Taupin
Bernie wrote the lyrics, Elton wrote the music. That was the way they worked.
The album 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy' was an autobiographical album of how Elton and Bernie got started. This song is based on a time that Elton tried to commit 'suicide' and he was stopped. He had gotten engaged to be married and couldn't go through with it. His friend, Long John Baldry 'Sugar Bear' talked him out of it also. Bernie wrote these lyrics for that time in their life. As to how they worked, Bernie would write the lyrics, and pass them to Elton, either in person with some song/albums when he was there at the recording studio, or send them by mail, and then electronically when that capability came about. Elton then on his own would put the melody to the lyrics, and record with the band.
I forget if it was Bernie or someone else came in and saw Elton with his head in an oven but it was resting on a pillow and instead of shock being the first reaction it was how absurd it was and the person actually laughed. Fortunately he got help and began to understand more about himself and he has made so much more great music for us all.
I read somewhere it refers to Sugar Bear who is Long John Baldry who get Elton to come out.
I love 'Curtains' from this album. Just beautiful.
"Tantrums and Tiaras" is the documentary to understand Elton.
I still have the hardback book called "Five Years of Fun" which I saved up for and bought for $5. It highlights Elton's first five years in the business from 1970 to 1975. I just counted all the old vinyl albums in my collection and I have a total of 267 of them. And yes, I also have 38 8-Track tapes as well.
... and the production guys! The drummer is Nigel Olson, he was the drummer that played on Uriah Heeps first album!
Excellent info about Nigel! Thank you for sharing.
Elton takes that falsetto from his influences by 50s music and turns it into something different. The fade ins an fade out of the background vocal, the voice doubling on key parts. Just masterful recording let alone the music.
I’m almost 57, and he had hits when I was in 2nd grade. Amazing.
Yes, he's an absolute great songwriter and his lyrics are timeless.
I still have my original Captain Fantastic album. It had terrific artwork and included two booklets with it. It was a terrific album. "Writing", "Tower of Babel", and "Better Off Dead" were my favorites. But when all is said, they were ALL great songs.
I heard this song on the radio in middle school and knew my mom knew a lot of Elton's songs. I "sang" rather poorly the piano chords for her and she thought it was "Madman Across the Water," so I bought that album on CD and thus began my lifelong obsession with Elton and Bernie. Eventually figured out this was the song I meant. ❤
Saw him live 5 times. He ages like a fine wine. I even named my son Daniel.❤❤ Lyrics first then Elton writes the music. Genius's both.
I didn’t fully realize what an amazing musician he is till I saw him live. My daughter even said that she would have been happy if all he’d done was play piano all night.
Probably one of the best vocal melodies ever written. Up there with hey Jude.
Growing up in the mid seventies was the BEST ever! All these great Bands and songs! Ugh! The greatest!
Yellow Brick Road album is flawless
Bernie always faced his lyrics to Elton who then created the music. Always being the key word
A unique astonishing arrangement and partnership
Bernie writes it all. He gives them to Elton and he then puts music to it.
One of my all time favorite songs... epic !
Elton's voice is so all-consuming. He really owns his music, no apologies
MADMAN ACROSS THE WATER!!
Oh man Elton - when he was best he was out of this world.
The backup vocals on this one are stunning.
Back in the day Elton was my favorite artist. I was in the US Navy in 1983 and some of my shipmates and I got to see him (with Quarterflash) at the Greek Theater at UC Berzerkley.
Only $20😎
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album was his masterpiece.
Recommended Elton John rock song, "Saturday night's alright for fighting".
The most iconic and eclectic albmn that propelled Elton John to superstar status is IMHO, is Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. It is a must listen.
They've done an album reaction to it already.
RIP English
My favorite Elton John song.
one of my favorite Elton John songs.
Probably one of the most personal of songs as the story was about Eltons life experience. Bernie was roommates with Elton, so he knew what was going on and wrote these words. So awesome! Gives me goosebumps.
This entire album is the BEST! I know Goodbye Yellowbrick Road was his monster album from this period, but Captain Fantastic was always my favorite, right behind Madman Across the Water. Captain Fantastic is one of those "complete package" albums/art pieces. If you guys can find a vinyl copy with the gatefold album cover and the lyric/artwork booklet, you will be amazed. The art and music are so perfect in this album!
yeh was telling other viewer i found the originsl at an estate sale has mini poster also one you never see local.indies at least local
I agree! This album is a no skip, amazing album.
This is my second favorite from Elton, if you've never heard " Tumbleweed Connection " give that one a listen, that's my favorite by him.
This album has always been a favorite tho this not my favorite song from it....I'd go with When the Whistle Blows
Ttivia....that is Eltons persinal favorite of all his songs
This entire album is flawless and fire
I've suggested this before. Elton's Ticking from the Caribou album is an awesome listen. Truly captivating.
Bernie writes the lyrics. Elton composed that great music and melody. That song is all about that beautiful music as well as the lyrics. They are a song writing partnership. Bernie only writes the lyrics. Elton writes the music. Bernie doesn’t play any instruments. Bernie doesn’t sing at all. This seems hard for people to understand today. But having a lyric writer and a musical composer is an old school way of writing songs that doesn’t exist anymore except in musical theater.
I loved reading through the book that came with the album back then. Still have both!
This song sinks deep in your marrow. One of Elton's top five in my book. Just searing honesty and vulnerability being expressed here lyrically.
I had this album on 8 track, in my red jaguar xj6 back in 1982, happy days
Been too long since I've heard this gem...
Impeccable production the type of which you never hear anymore and possibly elton's best Eva!!🎶🎵💜
IM N TEARS!!!!! magnificent
Have you NEVER heard this ????!!!
In the 1970’s Elton was 25% of ALL records sold globally, now you know why EJ is one of the greatest song writers in this world .
Nigel Olson on drums is so good
First Elton song I really noticed as a young teenage drummer that I wanted to play back in the day.
This is the first album I ever owned. And EJ was the first concert I ever attended, in 1975. Fan for life!
Bernie would write the lyrics and mail them to Elton who would then put them to music. Magic!
Nigel, Dee, Davey and Ray are the most under rated band ever!!!!
I have been a fan of Elton since 1970 when I bought Tumbleweed Connection .I watched A BBC program about Elton John in 1973 when he was using a French Chateau to write and record songs. One of those songs was Candle in the Wind and he received the lyrics from Bernie in the post , sat down at the piano and within minutes had the basics of the melody that would become so famous about the death of Marylin Monroe and subsequently Diana. Bernie wrote lyrics gave them to Elton who crafted a song around them. It was an unusual way to write but was perfect for them and their abilities. Bernie the poet and Elton the great musician. They always remained independent. When Elton collaborated with others the chemistry was not so good and the results less inspiring.
Bernie and Elton were magic together! Such a beautiful and powerful song.
You need to hit the amazing record that song was on, "Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy". My favorite of his.
There isn't much better than 1970's Elton John, he was such a great singer/pianist/songwriter. Also, his band members were masters of their instruments and may have been overlooked at times but were never discounted. They were amazing musicians and complemented Elton perfectly.
One of my all time favorite EJ songs.
Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me…when the drum line & vocals hit…sublime music at its best
The best Elton John´s album !!!!!!!!
that entire album is amazing
It's one of my favorite albums, ever! I believe it was the first album release to debut at number 1.
An unimaginable collaboration....so damn good.
ONE OF MY FIRST ELTON ALBUMS TY FOR REACTING TO THIS SONG!!!!
Hey guys, you HAVE to review 3 hidden Elton MASTERPIECES: 'Indian Sunset' (1971 - Madman Across The Water), 'Ticking' - 1974 Caribou, and '60 Years On' (1970 Elton John). And it would be so much better if you did the ALBUM CUTS (remember Rocket Man ???), and had the lyrics there. You're welcome (believe me) :) ALSOOOOO - Elton never wrote ONE WORD of any of his song lyrics - it was 95% Bernie Taupin and 5% Gary Osborne (a couple of late 70s albums). BUT, Elton composed ALLLLLLLLLLL of melodies, music, composition, instrumentation, song structure, etc. - he never wrote ONE WORD of lyrics - it was all Bernie. And Bernie never composed music or sang!
Tim Rice also wrote lyrics for Elton
Suddenly it's Summer 1975 all over again
This was huge that summer.
Unbelievably special time in my life. Someone did save my life that summer!
This is my favorite Elton John song. It's fantastic. I had this album, and I would spend hours looking at the cover art.
Incredible song. Always been one of my favourites
One of my favorite Elton songs. Love the slow build and chills when the band kicks in. "t's 4 o'clock in the morning damn it"
His best Album!!!
Elton always has the best backup singers
Yes! His band really shine on vocals in this one.
Dan Ingraham, and old disk jockey in NY, used to sing, Someone shaved my wife tonight. A great song regardless.
Mad Man Across the Water
We saw Elton's farewell tour last year. He still has the same band, which says a lot about the man.
Elton had earlier Farewell tours (1979), then in 1983 he returned to touring -
with the Opening song “Funeral for a Friend”.
Have been waiting for you lads to react to this absolute MASTERPIECE literally for years now... and you didn't fail! Every layer of this song is perfection... deep, involving lyrics... ear-candy musicianship... the song ebbing and flowing till the glorious cascading waterfall at the end that completely washes over the listener. I've heard this song thousands of times and I never tire of it. There is always something more to discover... another stroke of genius around the corner. Thanks for letting me relive experiencing this wondrous song all over again.
I heard an interview with Elton John years ago. He said that Bernie would bring him lyrics, they would discuss the concept. After the discussion, if Elton didn't have a basic song knocked out within about 30 minutes, he usually would not finish the song until a later date. If he didn't feel it, he didn't do it.
This is his best album imho. Great song. Great reaction. Hit the title track, you won’t be disappointed!
I'll never forget when I first heard this song. Big Elton John fan! I was listening to my transistor radio poolside when dj announced the latest EJ song was up next. I needed to hit the bathroom but couldn't miss it. I remember thinking it was the longest song in history! But I loved it just the same!
This is from my fav album by Elton... I was a teenager when this came out, and I found it to be practically flawless. My girl and I knew all the words. ;-]
can't go wrong with Elton John. ❤
This is my personal favorite of his. Glad you hit it.