My take on the meaning of the song was that it is a story of a 3 generations of fictional family (Tosig). Alvin the grandfather Levon the father and Jesus the son. Alvin (who in the song is called a pauper and a pawn) raised Levon to have a sense of value and responsibility (he shall be a good man) and as such Levon grows up to be successful. Levons sense of value gets corrupted a bit as he grows older and maybe because he grew up a pauper, he equates success with money values money most of all (Levon love his money .. spend his days counting .. he names his son Jesus because he likes the name - not because of christian values etc ..) Levon sends Jesus to the best schools (and probably provides everything that money can buy) and wants Jesus to follow in his footsteps and take over the family business (in tradition with the family plan). However Jesus wants to lead his own life and doesn't want to become like his father - someone who only values money - and he resents Levon for pushing Jesus to take over the family business and be like Levon. So as Jesus (feeling that he hasn't been given a choice in his own life) works for his father (blowing up balloons all day)his resentment continues to grow and he dreams of leaving his father who he sees as miserly and controlling ... anyway .. maybe I am reading too much into it .. but that is what I thought the story was about ..
This is the most accurate description of this song I’ve ever heard. I think you nailed it. There’s been so much discussion over the years of what this song is about. I always got the same out of it that you did. Great analysis!
@@kennethjenkins3972 I agree with the frugal aspect and not the obsession with wealth. During wartime, the poor suffer the most so Alvin would want better for his son, Levon, than to worry about where his next meal was coming from...if they'd have a roof over their heads...if they'd be able to pay bills, etc. So Alvin would raise Levon to work hard to have less hardships to deal with so that when he had his own family, they don't have the same worries. He's not going to be wasteful, spending only what he needs to to be comfortable because he doesn't have big dreams. He doesn't want/need them to be happy. He's content with his life and how he lives it. His son on the other hand is starting to feel trapped in what his father wants for him because he wants so much more, nicer clothes, car, bigger and better house...to see the world, and the fact that his father doesn't have big dreams is probably very frustrating to Jesus and a source of constant conflict.
I think that is pretty accurate but to me it's using these characters to really describe the "baby boomers" and the American dream of post WW2. Jesus probably represents the counter culture of the late 60s and early 70s that just wanted to rebel against what they saw in their fathers. It frames the story of one family to show how all these generations change from one to the other. Ironically, if we were to have a sequel, Jesus likely became an 80s "yuppy", lol.
@@kennethjenkins3972 I think your take on Levon being frugal and wanting to give Jesus a better upbringing than he had makes more sense to Levon's state of mind .. the line Levon likes his money .. he makes a lot they say ... and the other line about Jesus' school .. "he sends him to the "finest" school in town .. always gave me the impression that they were doing better than most .. but, maybe in Post war England doing better than most didn't necessarily mean rich either ..
Alvin Tostig is a fictional name, made up for the song. Father of Levon, grandfather of Jesus (because he liked the name). I've always loved this song.
Tostig was an earl of Wessex in 1040. Taupin was from Wessex. So he probably had heard the name at some point, even if he didn't consciously know it at the time of writing.
According to producer Gus Dudgeon, who wrote an essay containing information to accompany the remastered version of this song, the name “Levon” was inspired by Levon Helm, drummer, lead singer, and founder of The Band, a group from the 60s and 70s. The Band was apparently Elton John’s and Bernie Taupin’s favorite group in those days. (Taupin is the guy who writes or co-writes a lot of Elton John’s songs and who wrote the lyrics for “Levon.”). Personally, The Band is one of my favorite groups :)
Thanks for playing this one for me… I’m happy I got to share it with you! Elton John’s music was a huge part of my teenage years and and and I’m glad new generations are still discovering how great he is. ❤️
“Madman Across The Water” is a masterpiece of an album. Saw this tour before the giant extravaganza’s his shows became with the “Goodbye Yellowbrick Rd” album. Try “Tiny Dancer” or the title song “Madman.” There is a flavor to this album like no other. 🤘😎
Let's not forget a couple more of the many great Elton songs like: Grey Seal, Funeral for a Friend, and one with a bass line I love, Where To Now St Peter".
Levon is in my top 3 Elton songs of all time. Levon never seamed to get the respect it so justly deserved when first released. Thank You for playing & reacting to this stellar song.
@@bkm2797 it's in the song. it talks about levon being born on christmas when the papers announced levon was born alvin tostig's son and he will be a good/great man. He is chained by duty and provides, doing his role since birth. He has a lot of money, either earned or inherited or both, but he also works hard. Meanwhile, his son Jesus, dreams of all his own wants and "getting away" abandoning levon to slowly die alone in toil. Levon was once a child and raised to toil. Jesus was left to be liberal and chases dreams/personal wants.
"Madman Across The Water", which this song is from, and "Tumbleweed Connection" are Elton John's (and lyricist Bernie Taupin's) best-ever albums. Losing Bernie was a major blow to Elton's music, and "I'm Still Standing" was the point where he pretty much became irrelevent.
I bought this album Madman Across The Water, when it was released in 1971. The songs he and Bernie Taupin collectively wrote, many became hits. Love this album
One of the most beautiful songs ever. A goose bump song. Not enough people react to it. So happy you guys did:). Growing up in the 50's, 60's I find that we grew into accepting cryptic song lyrics, lyrics that sounded fanciful and that filled the mind with images even if they didn't make sense. I find watching reactions from young people today they are trying to analyze and figure out lyrics which have many meanings or no real meaning (I Am The Walrus by The Beatles :)). Young people today have so much more information and access to information and I think are much more analytical than we. I always love your reactions...especially Asia's reaction when BJ pauses in a guitar solo LOL.
@@christineobrien7707 I used to play this song on the"mad man across the water"album on my marantz stereo. I would always turn up the volume when I would play this song. The ending sounded pretty cool with the instruments and the drums playing.
This is one of the big three for me. Benny and the Jets, Levon, Madman Across the Water. I've known them my entire life and cant remember where i first heard them. I can remember teasing my cousin Benny with that song and it was the mid 70's I was 5 or 6.
I can honestly say this is the very first time I ever heard this song is it Levon by Elton John well I'm surprised it sounds good but let's face it this is Elton John we talking about he can make any so h sound good, what a legend right 👍
One of my favorite Elton John songs! He had so many great hits; Crocodile Rock, Island Girl, Philadelphia Freedom, Saturday Night's Alright, The Bitch is Back, etc....!
One of the best songs ever - which nobody understands. I’m not even sure it’s meant to be understood. But the vocals of a young Elton are just killer. Love this tune.
Just saw Elton John in Charlotte NC Sunday night Sept 18. He did this song. He has so many great songs. It would take weeks go thru all his songs. .and he is still awesome at 74
This song and many more were written at a time when Elton and Bernie were on absolutely top form. The entire Madman album is wonderful with Tiny Dancer, Holiday Inn and the fantastic title track!
Wife here.., With such a huge catalog.., this one is especially Beautiful to me.."His storytelling is always so on point."Perfectly stated"!!..I Love that symphony as well Ms.Asia!!..
Great song. This and Your Song are my favorites. Hard to believe I heard this close to 50 yrs ago. Had many good songs. His duet with George Michael Don't let the Sun was phenomenal. Very talented individual.
Madman Across the Water is one of my first Elton John albums. 13 year old me was listening to Elton's early stuff. You should try out the album Honky Chateau. Specifically a song called The Susie Dramas.
Elton John is definitely one of my all time favorite artist, I’m so glad I was able to see him in concert, I grew up listening to his music as a teenager in the 70’s this song is a masterpiece
Someone once said to me that the vocals in this song sound exactly like Cher. Now I can't unhear it. You're welcome. Btw. You two Rock !! I probably catch one of your videos at least every day.
You guys are my favorite reaction channel. You guys are a great couple as well. Just wanted to comment for once. Thanks again I really enjoy watching you guys and the clips you guys choose.
There is still gold out there. Check out Elton John's 8 + minute version of "Rocket Man" from 1984 at Wembley Stadium. It's absolutely worth a look sometime. Great reaction!
The New York Times didn't say it first......it's one of the most famous lines in the history of philosophy written in 1883 by Friedrich Nietzsche's in the book Thus Spoke Zarathustra, concerns religion and the development of a secular society in Europe. “God is dead, and we have killed him,”
I'm so happy you guys enjoyed this One of my favorite albums of his is Honky Chateau All the songs are good on it but my 3 favs on there are. Mellow, Susie and Hercules He also did a concert in 1986 in Australia with the Melbourne symphony the music is some of his slower stuff but really beautiful sounds
Another great track that is easily forgotten in the huge library of great songs by Elton John is Madman Across the Water. Y'all should react to that one. I really enjoy your reactions!
Alvin had a son, Levon...Levon had a son, he named him Jesus... Alvin was poor, Levon had a thriving business and had his son working for him day in and day out and he just wanted to be free..... all below comments explain it better, but this is one of my favorite Elton John songs. Try 'Take Me To The Pilot'....
There are so many great Elton songs to explore. The most successful solo artist in Billboard chart history. 7 consecutive #1 albums in USA from 1972-5. The name Levon here was a tribute to a member of The Band which Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin both admired in the late 60s.
Elton John was one of the few artists my mom would play on the turntable when I was really small - like 4-5 years old. I know all of these songs, and they bring back memories of small dinner parties with friends of my parents, the kind the little kids can't stay at and have to go to bed. But watching these lyrics right now - you are right, I have NO clue what the heck this song is about. I do think it is about three generations - and maybe how each treat their child/children and I am not sure when he wrote this but it may be a post Vietnam song or influenced by what was going on then - which to you, and even me might be a little lost as to meaning right now. Always a great reaction guys!!!
I've heard this song many many times over the years & I've always liked it but have never had a clue what it's about! This was the first time I listened to it with the lyrics & I still have no clue what it's about!! 😂 I think with some Elton songs you just have to accept the fact that you might not get it but they're still awesome!
Bernard John Taupin CBE (born 22 May 1950)[2] is an English songwriter, singer and visual artist. He is best known for his long-term collaboration with musician Elton John, a songwriting partnership that is one of the most successful in history. Taupin has written the lyrics for most of John's songs.[3
Nice reaction to one of the great musicians of our time! I've always enjoyed the music that Elton and Bernie Taupin created during this time in their careers.
My grandmother used to have this little old vinyl record player and at four or five years old I used to play Elton's The Bitch is Back on repeat singing it at the top of my lungs. It was then that my grandmother began affectionately calling me a "cheeky bugger" and it stuck until the year she passed away. You should check that one out.
That symphony sound was created by the late Paul Buckmaster, a classical cellist in his own right, who provided the arrangements for the early Elton John albums. To me, these are the classic albums of Elton and Bernie's creation and have more meaning than the poppy tunes of later years and the recent collaborations. Paul, by the way, also worked with David Bowie and is an underrated influence on many artists' successes.
The first time I ever heard this song was in the early 70's when I flew from Manila to Bangkok when the ship I was stationed on was in port to visit my brother who was in the Peace Corps at the time. All I will say is it was a wild week we had in Bangkok.
You are so right Elton is a great storyteller! If you have not heard *Daniel* by Elton check it out it's just as fabulous as all his others and has a lot of meaning.
Levon wears his war wound like a crown. (First line in the song and I always wondered it's meaning to the chorus) When the new York times said God is dead and the wars begun. Alvin tostig had a son today and he shall be levon.
I always thought that opening lyric was that Levon made a point of letting others know he was wounded in the war (likely WW2) and obliquely compared himself to Jesus (a martyr). If true that's a clever lead in as to why he named his son Jesus. True masterpiece of a song. ✌
Got this album at 13 in 1972. This was probably my favorite song on the album, although that has changed a few times over the years. Columbia Record Club.😄
Tom Bennett, I agree with you 100%. Tumbleweed Connection is my favourite Elton John album and I've got all his early stuff. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player has two songs that are AMAZING...High Flying Bird and Blues for baby and me, definitely worth a listen 🎵🎵😊
I never realized how few words are actually in this song. Been digging it for a long time anyway. Before the internet, you had to put work into finding out the lyrics, (unless included with the album). Just dig the beat, all the instruments including Eltons voice. Almost like...who cares what he's saying - he sounds damn good singing it.
His long time partner and believe Husband rights the lyrics and Elton comes up with the music. One of the great music partnerships of all-time. Check out the movie Rocketman great biography. You guys are great.👍👍👍👍🤟
No. Elton's lyricist is Bernie Taupin. They were never married, although I wouldn't be surprised to learn that they may have had some sort of romance. But...Bernie identifies as straight while Elton does not. ✌
One of Elton's earlier songs. They were darker and more complex in the beginning, before he started having big hits. Another early one I think you'd like is "Honky Cat". That one's stylish and fun, with a great funky beat. :)
All of Elton's early stuff was great, and you can show Live Shows from the BBC that sound as good or better than the record release. Th9s song 1971 BBC 4 is great.
Thank Bernie Taupin for the story. He was the song writer.(the lyrics). Elton wrote the music. And wow: did he ever. What a piano player he is. This was and is a favorite for the music alone.
Elton says of "Levon": "It's about a guy who just gets bored doing the same thing. It's just somebody who gets bored with blowing up balloons and he just wants to get away from it but he can't because it's the family ritual
I bought this Elton John album at a garage sale. It's called "Madman Across the Water". It was the first record I ever bought. I was probably 10 years old and it was in the early seventies. I was lucky. 😁 Obviously it has Levon.. It also has Tiny Dancer and Mad Man Across the Water.
This is the greatest time in his career. "Madman across the Water" is a fine album. His vocals and piano skill combined with Tagline lyrics, is a rare combination.
And how about that bass line too! You can play the background strings on "strings setting on a good electric keyboard/piano and it's spot on. These classics are so individual and in a class of their own not to be bundled with anyone else's stuff, so unique and amazing:) Was just listening to this on the drive home today and thought to myself...I need to learn this bass line:)
Sometimes, a song is just a song, and there’s no deeper meaning behind it. Such is the case with Elton John’s “Levon,” a plaintive, piano-hooked song off his fourth album, 1971’s Madman Across the Water. While the track centers around “a guy who just gets bored doing the same thing,” as John explained in Susan Black’s “Elton John in His Own Words,” it isn’t referencing any real person or event. “It’s just somebody who gets bored with blowing up balloons, and he just wants to get away from it… but he can’t because it’s the family ritual,” he continued. Levon appears to be a veteran of some unnamed war and now enjoys quite a bit of wealth. His thriving family business, selling “cartoon balloons” in the park, doesn’t interest his son Jesus much. In fact, Jesus longs to galavant off to “Venus” and “leave Levon far behind.” Jesus is chained to tradition, yet is very much part of a new generation of free, unconventional thinkers. “Take a balloon and go sailin’ / While Levon, Levon slowly dies,” John refects. As much as the listener could dissect and sift through the song for a larger message, the images with which Taupin painted simply sounded good. He explained, “Quite honestly, [the song] was written so long [ago] that I really don’t know what was in my head at the time. It was a free-form writing. It’s not David Bowie throwing words into a hat and picking them out. It’s a totally different way. I think that Bob Dylan did that, too. It was just lines that came out that were interesting.”
He’s singing about 3 generations. Alvin was Levon’s father and Levon had a son he named Jesus. I think he’s referring to the hopes and dreams a father has for his son and then what their lives actually ended up being like.
The song Levon, is on the album, Madman Across the Water. I bought that 8-Track Cassette in the early seventies when it came out and my three favorite songs from Elton John are on that LP. Levon, Madman Across the Water, and a lesser known song called Indian Sunset. I recomend you both reacting to Indian Sunset because it is a sad example of what one Native American Warrior had to deal with in his own words. There are some historical inacuracies to the song such as the verse that said, "I heard from passing renegades Geronimo was dead. He's been laying down his weapon when they filled him full of lead." Historically, that is not fact. Geronima actually died from pneumonia on February 17, 1909 days after falling off his horse while riding alone and laying on the cold ground all night until his friend found him near death. At the time of his death, Geronimo had already surrendered to the US Government 23 years before in 1886, and was a prisoner at Ft. Sill Oklahoma. Overall, this song gives a true reflection of what Native Americans had to endure seen from the eyes of one Indian Warrior. Even in the seventies when I listened to this beautiful song, I always wondered how and why it was sung by an English Pop Star. But, It is as beautiful today as it was when I listened to it in the early seventies as a part Native American Child. Again, please react to "Indian Sunset with Lyrics". I promise, It will make you think.
My Dads middle name is Levon, my middle name is Levona, my son's first name Leyvon and the man who delivered him played this during labor and my baby loves this song.....made me cry fr lol I love this song💕
I. LOVE. LEVON!! “🎶 Alvin Tostig has a son today 🎶.” This was the supposed announcement of Levon’s birth, “when The NY Times said God is dead ... and the war’s begun.” He’s referring to WW II, when Levon was born. The war began in 1939 so when this was written Levon should have been in his 30’s. This has always been one of my favorite Elton John songs. ♥️♥️♥️
One the great Elton John songs I grew up with. This predates Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (a great album) and all the flashy costumes. Bernie and Elton have such a fantastic catalog of music they've written over the years. If you ever want to delve into some of the darker stuff, check out the song Ticking, or All The Girls Love Alice.
Love love this song. One of my favs of Elton’s. Another is “The Last Song” from the movie “And The Band Played On” about the origins of the AIDS epidemic.
My take on the meaning of the song was that it is a story of a 3 generations of fictional family (Tosig). Alvin the grandfather Levon the father and Jesus the son. Alvin (who in the song is called a pauper and a pawn) raised Levon to have a sense of value and responsibility (he shall be a good man) and as such Levon grows up to be successful. Levons sense of value gets corrupted a bit as he grows older and maybe because he grew up a pauper, he equates success with money values money most of all (Levon love his money .. spend his days counting .. he names his son Jesus because he likes the name - not because of christian values etc ..) Levon sends Jesus to the best schools (and probably provides everything that money can buy) and wants Jesus to follow in his footsteps and take over the family business (in tradition with the family plan). However Jesus wants to lead his own life and doesn't want to become like his father - someone who only values money - and he resents Levon for pushing Jesus to take over the family business and be like Levon. So as Jesus (feeling that he hasn't been given a choice in his own life) works for his father (blowing up balloons all day)his resentment continues to grow and he dreams of leaving his father who he sees as miserly and controlling ... anyway .. maybe I am reading too much into it .. but that is what I thought the story was about ..
This is the most accurate description of this song I’ve ever heard. I think you nailed it. There’s been so much discussion over the years of what this song is about. I always got the same out of it that you did. Great analysis!
@@kennethjenkins3972 I agree with the frugal aspect and not the obsession with wealth. During wartime, the poor suffer the most so Alvin would want better for his son, Levon, than to worry about where his next meal was coming from...if they'd have a roof over their heads...if they'd be able to pay bills, etc. So Alvin would raise Levon to work hard to have less hardships to deal with so that when he had his own family, they don't have the same worries. He's not going to be wasteful, spending only what he needs to to be comfortable because he doesn't have big dreams. He doesn't want/need them to be happy. He's content with his life and how he lives it. His son on the other hand is starting to feel trapped in what his father wants for him because he wants so much more, nicer clothes, car, bigger and better house...to see the world, and the fact that his father doesn't have big dreams is probably very frustrating to Jesus and a source of constant conflict.
I think that is pretty accurate but to me it's using these characters to really describe the "baby boomers" and the American dream of post WW2. Jesus probably represents the counter culture of the late 60s and early 70s that just wanted to rebel against what they saw in their fathers. It frames the story of one family to show how all these generations change from one to the other. Ironically, if we were to have a sequel, Jesus likely became an 80s "yuppy", lol.
@@kennethjenkins3972 I think your take on Levon being frugal and wanting to give Jesus a better upbringing than he had makes more sense to Levon's state of mind .. the line Levon likes his money .. he makes a lot they say ... and the other line about Jesus' school .. "he sends him to the "finest" school in town .. always gave me the impression that they were doing better than most .. but, maybe in Post war England doing better than most didn't necessarily mean rich either ..
On point
Alvin Tostig is a fictional name, made up for the song. Father of Levon, grandfather of Jesus (because he liked the name). I've always loved this song.
Tostig was an earl of Wessex in 1040. Taupin was from Wessex. So he probably had heard the name at some point, even if he didn't consciously know it at the time of writing.
It may have also been a veiled reference to Alvin Toffler, who wrote "Future Shock."
Another underrated song is "Mona Lisa's and Mad Hatters" - a ballad.
🥰👍
One of his many hidden treasures, yes. Highly rated by those who know it.
The 1973 live recording is superb
Genius can be cryptic .....
I've been listening to this song for 50 years, the symphic sections still give me goosebumps. The harmony is just flawless.....
According to producer Gus Dudgeon, who wrote an essay containing information to accompany the remastered version of this song, the name “Levon” was inspired by Levon Helm, drummer, lead singer, and founder of The Band, a group from the 60s and 70s. The Band was apparently Elton John’s and Bernie Taupin’s favorite group in those days. (Taupin is the guy who writes or co-writes a lot of Elton John’s songs and who wrote the lyrics for “Levon.”). Personally, The Band is one of my favorite groups :)
The name Levon was likely inspired by Levon Helm, drummer for The Band. Elton was a fan.
Thanks for playing this one for me… I’m happy I got to share it with you! Elton John’s music was a huge part of my teenage years and and and I’m glad new generations are still discovering how great he is. ❤️
No problem!
One of my top five Elton’s tunes. Brilliant with the fantastic production of the orchestra!
Brilliant song, often overlooked. Thanks guys 😊
Bernie Taupin writes lyrics and Elton writes the music. And sings. They are an amazing song writing duo. Crazy creativity. Love!
YOU'RE RIGHT ! AND THEN ELTON TAKES THE LYRICS AND IN JUST 20 MINUTES , PUTS IT TO MUSIC ! AMAZING !
@@donaldvanderlinden1245 It IS amazing!
“Madman Across The Water” is a masterpiece of an album. Saw this tour before the giant extravaganza’s his shows became with the “Goodbye Yellowbrick Rd” album. Try “Tiny Dancer” or the title song “Madman.” There is a flavor to this album like no other. 🤘😎
love the album Madman Across the Water. best story song through is "Indian Sunset"
Levon is one of my top 5 songs by Elton...You can never go wrong with any of his songs.
Let's not forget a couple more of the many great Elton songs like: Grey Seal, Funeral for a Friend, and one with a bass line I love, Where To Now St Peter".
Levon is in my top 3 Elton songs of all time. Levon never seamed to get the respect it so justly deserved when first released. Thank You for playing & reacting to this stellar song.
For clarification, Alvin Tostig is Levon's father. Levon Tostig is Jesus' father.
Marley, where did you get that information? Thinking you were trying a little creativity on Asia and BJ.
Actually Alvin Tostig is , in fact, Levon's father. Which, to extend to the rest of the song would make Alvin Tostig
"Jesus "grandfather.
@@bkm2797 it's in the song. it talks about levon being born on christmas when the papers announced levon was born alvin tostig's son and he will be a good/great man. He is chained by duty and provides, doing his role since birth. He has a lot of money, either earned or inherited or both, but he also works hard. Meanwhile, his son Jesus, dreams of all his own wants and "getting away" abandoning levon to slowly die alone in toil. Levon was once a child and raised to toil. Jesus was left to be liberal and chases dreams/personal wants.
@@bkm2797 Nope, he is spot on due to many interviews with the song's writer, Bernie Taupin
"Madman Across The Water", which this song is from, and "Tumbleweed Connection" are Elton John's (and lyricist Bernie Taupin's) best-ever albums. Losing Bernie was a major blow to Elton's music, and "I'm Still Standing" was the point where he pretty much became irrelevent.
Agree!
Great song. I feel like it's one of Elton's that gets forgotten about.
This song and Tiny Dancer, my favourite songs of Elton's, I remember both coming out in the 70's
I bought this album Madman Across The Water, when it was released in 1971. The songs he and Bernie Taupin collectively wrote, many became hits. Love this album
A couple of years ago I found a mint condition vinyl copy of Madman at a flea market for $10. Jackpot!
@@andrewtrotter9023 , nice find !
One of the most beautiful songs ever. A goose bump song. Not enough people react to it. So happy you guys did:). Growing up in the 50's, 60's I find that we grew into accepting cryptic song lyrics, lyrics that sounded fanciful and that filled the mind with images even if they didn't make sense.
I find watching reactions from young people today they are trying to analyze and figure out lyrics which have many meanings or no real meaning (I Am The Walrus by The Beatles :)). Young people today have so much more information and access to information and I think are much more analytical than we.
I always love your reactions...especially Asia's reaction when BJ pauses in a guitar solo LOL.
This is my all-time favorite Elton John song. Love the piano in this one.
The strings arrangement is also fantastic . So good that I don't want the song to end!
@@christineobrien7707 I used to play this song on the"mad man across the water"album on my marantz stereo. I would always turn up the volume when I would play this song. The ending sounded pretty cool with the instruments and the drums playing.
This is one of the big three for me. Benny and the Jets, Levon, Madman Across the Water. I've known them my entire life and cant remember where i first heard them. I can remember teasing my cousin Benny with that song and it was the mid 70's I was 5 or 6.
One of my top five Elton John songs of all time!
I can honestly say this is the very first time I ever heard this song is it Levon by Elton John well I'm surprised it sounds good but let's face it this is Elton John we talking about he can make any so h sound good, what a legend right 👍
For sure, but it's not only the song and lyrics but also the overall composition just takes you on a journey:)
The orchestration makes it superb👊
One of my favorite Elton John songs! He had so many great hits; Crocodile Rock, Island Girl, Philadelphia Freedom, Saturday Night's Alright, The Bitch is Back, etc....!
One of the best songs ever - which nobody understands. I’m not even sure it’s meant to be understood. But the vocals of a young Elton are just killer. Love this tune.
Just saw Elton John in Charlotte NC Sunday night Sept 18. He did this song. He has so many great songs. It would take weeks go thru all his songs. .and he is still awesome at 74
Always loved this song. You would LOVE Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters by him. Does not get enough play, it's brilliant
Asia & BJ, you'll love his "Your Song", "Philadelphia Freedom" and "Someone Saved My Life Tonight"!!!!
This song and many more were written at a time when Elton and Bernie were on absolutely top form. The entire Madman album is wonderful with Tiny Dancer, Holiday Inn and the fantastic title track!
Indian Sunset brilliant too!
I love this song! I named a stray cat I brought when I was in high school Levon. Second best cat I ever had.
Sir Elton…. Such an unbelievably talented man 🖤🖤🖤🖤
Wife here.., With such a huge catalog.., this one is especially Beautiful to me.."His storytelling is always so on point."Perfectly stated"!!..I Love that symphony as well Ms.Asia!!..
Great song. This and Your Song are my favorites. Hard to believe I heard this close to 50 yrs ago. Had many good songs. His duet with George Michael Don't let the Sun was phenomenal. Very talented individual.
We just saw Elton John on Sunday, and he absolutely shredded the piano on this song. It was amazing in person.
I absolutely love when you react to 70's music. How about some Donna Sommer. She was the queen of disco.
CLASSIC ELTON!!!!!!!!!!!!
Madman Across the Water is one of my first Elton John albums. 13 year old me was listening to Elton's early stuff. You should try out the album Honky Chateau. Specifically a song called The Susie Dramas.
FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND/LOVE LIES BLEEDING ! IS MY FAVORITE ELTON JOHN SONG ! SORTA LIKE BOSTON'S , FOREPLAY/LONG TIME !
Always have loved this song, although it’s entire meaning alludes me also.
Isnt he just amazing !! and top notch writing by bernie!! Just so many amazing songs what a library !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Elton's early albums and songs were the best. Tumbleweed connection, madman across the Waters. Just great.
Levon is my favorite Elton John song. It's so beautiful.
Elton John is definitely one of my all time favorite artist, I’m so glad I was able to see him in concert, I grew up listening to his music as a teenager in the 70’s this song is a masterpiece
Someone once said to me that the vocals in this song sound exactly like Cher. Now I can't unhear it. You're welcome. Btw. You two Rock !! I probably catch one of your videos at least every day.
This is my favorite Elton John song. I sooooo love the symphonic sound blended with the rock and piano. It's just otherworldly. Never get tired of it.
You guys are my favorite reaction channel. You guys are a great couple as well. Just wanted to comment for once. Thanks again I really enjoy watching you guys and the clips you guys choose.
There is still gold out there. Check out Elton John's 8 + minute version of "Rocket Man" from 1984 at Wembley Stadium.
It's absolutely worth a look sometime.
Great reaction!
I remember when New York Times published "God is Dead", as a person of faith, it was upsetting. I was a Sophomore in High School.
The New York Times didn't say it first......it's one of the most famous lines in the history of philosophy written in 1883 by Friedrich Nietzsche's in the book Thus Spoke Zarathustra, concerns religion and the development of a secular society in Europe. “God is dead, and we have killed him,”
I'm so happy you guys enjoyed this
One of my favorite albums of his is Honky Chateau
All the songs are good on it but my 3 favs on there are. Mellow, Susie and Hercules
He also did a concert in 1986 in Australia with the Melbourne symphony the music is some of his slower stuff but really beautiful sounds
Love this song! Great choice.
Another great track that is easily forgotten in the huge library of great songs by Elton John is Madman Across the Water. Y'all should react to that one. I really enjoy your reactions!
Alvin had a son, Levon...Levon had a son, he named him Jesus... Alvin was poor, Levon had a thriving business and had his son working for him day in and day out and he just wanted to be free..... all below comments explain it better, but this is one of my favorite Elton John songs. Try 'Take Me To The Pilot'....
There are so many great Elton songs to explore. The most successful solo artist in Billboard chart history. 7 consecutive #1 albums in USA from 1972-5. The name Levon here was a tribute to a member of The Band which Elton and lyricist Bernie Taupin both admired in the late 60s.
Elton John was one of the few artists my mom would play on the turntable when I was really small - like 4-5 years old. I know all of these songs, and they bring back memories of small dinner parties with friends of my parents, the kind the little kids can't stay at and have to go to bed. But watching these lyrics right now - you are right, I have NO clue what the heck this song is about. I do think it is about three generations - and maybe how each treat their child/children and I am not sure when he wrote this but it may be a post Vietnam song or influenced by what was going on then - which to you, and even me might be a little lost as to meaning right now. Always a great reaction guys!!!
So many instruments entering and leaving the song, like a kaleidoscope. Epic 🎵 song
My absolute favorite Elton John song. (Out so many excellent ones). Just always got me.
Bernie Taupin is a lyrical genius. With Elton composing and singing the songs they are one of the greatest songwriting teams in rock history.
I've heard this song many many times over the years & I've always liked it but have never had a clue what it's about!
This was the first time I listened to it with the lyrics & I still have no clue what it's about!! 😂
I think with some Elton songs you just have to accept the fact that you might not get it but they're still awesome!
Bernard John Taupin CBE (born 22 May 1950)[2] is an English songwriter, singer and visual artist. He is best known for his long-term collaboration with musician Elton John, a songwriting partnership that is one of the most successful in history. Taupin has written the lyrics for most of John's songs.[3
Nice reaction to one of the great musicians of our time! I've always enjoyed the music that Elton and Bernie Taupin created during this time in their careers.
♥ I'd love to see your reaction to Philadelphia Freedom! It's one of my favorite Elton John songs.
My grandmother used to have this little old vinyl record player and at four or five years old I used to play Elton's The Bitch is Back on repeat singing it at the top of my lungs. It was then that my grandmother began affectionately calling me a "cheeky bugger" and it stuck until the year she passed away. You should check that one out.
That symphony sound was created by the late Paul Buckmaster, a classical cellist in his own right, who provided the arrangements for the early Elton John albums. To me, these are the classic albums of Elton and Bernie's creation and have more meaning than the poppy tunes of later years and the recent collaborations. Paul, by the way, also worked with David Bowie and is an underrated influence on many artists' successes.
...and Rick Wakeman on the Hammond B3 laying solid support.
The first time I ever heard this song was in the early 70's when I flew from Manila to Bangkok when the ship I was stationed on was in port to visit my brother who was in the Peace Corps at the time. All I will say is it was a wild week we had in Bangkok.
Love Bernie’s lyrics and storytelling with Eltons wonderful voice
"Levon" and "Daniel" are my favorites by Elton John. He has so, so many great songs. As always, thanks for the reaction.
Elton John "Madman Across The Water"...Nuff Said.
now that you have heard Levon, you need to listen to "Daniel"
You are so right Elton is a great storyteller! If you have not heard *Daniel* by Elton check it out it's just as fabulous as all his others and has a lot of meaning.
Levon wears his war wound like a crown. (First line in the song and I always wondered it's meaning to the chorus)
When the new York times said God is dead and the wars begun. Alvin tostig had a son today and he shall be levon.
I always thought that opening lyric was that Levon made a point of letting others know he was wounded in the war (likely WW2) and obliquely compared himself to Jesus (a martyr). If true that's a clever lead in as to why he named his son Jesus. True masterpiece of a song. ✌
This song is from his "Madman Across the Water" album. The title track is amazing!
My favorite Elton John song is Amoreena. Fantastic.
The Storyteller is Eltons good friend Bernie Taupin, one of the Best Songwriters!!!!!
Elton John's music in the early days, (69 to mid 70s) was his best.
Got this album at 13 in 1972. This was probably my favorite song on the album, although that has changed a few times over the years. Columbia Record Club.😄
You guys should give a listen to "Tumbleweed Connection" entire album is a major Gem!
My favorite album by Elton is "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player."
My favorite album from Elton and Bernie. Every song is great
Tom Bennett, I agree with you 100%. Tumbleweed Connection is my favourite Elton John album and I've got all his early stuff. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only The Piano Player has two songs that are AMAZING...High Flying Bird and Blues for baby and me, definitely worth a listen 🎵🎵😊
One of the greatest albums of all time. I always thought Elton was trying to tell us something in refering to Jesus twice in the same album.🤪😜
An amazing album all the way through.
One of my favorites by him
The music is something you can't stop listening to.
One of my favorite Elton John songs
I never realized how few words are actually in this song. Been digging it for a long time anyway. Before the internet, you had to put work into finding out the lyrics, (unless included with the album). Just dig the beat, all the instruments including Eltons voice. Almost like...who cares what he's saying - he sounds damn good singing it.
His long time partner and believe Husband rights the lyrics and Elton comes up with the music. One of the great music partnerships of all-time. Check out the movie Rocketman great biography. You guys are great.👍👍👍👍🤟
No. Elton's lyricist is Bernie Taupin. They were never married, although I wouldn't be surprised to learn that they may have had some sort of romance. But...Bernie identifies as straight while Elton does not. ✌
One of Elton's earlier songs. They were darker and more complex in the beginning, before he started having big hits. Another early one I think you'd like is "Honky Cat". That one's stylish and fun, with a great funky beat. :)
Lol, must have heard this song at least 100 times over the the years and never realized how crazy the lyrics are 🤣❤️🤘
All of Elton's early stuff was great, and you can show Live Shows from the BBC that sound as good or better than the record release. Th9s song 1971 BBC 4 is great.
Thank Bernie Taupin for the story. He was the song writer.(the lyrics). Elton wrote the music. And wow: did he ever. What a piano player he is. This was and is a favorite for the music alone.
Elton says of "Levon": "It's about a guy who just gets bored doing the same thing. It's just somebody who gets bored with blowing up balloons and he just wants to get away from it but he can't because it's the family ritual
Sir Elton,,,,nuff said, enjoyed it!
I bought this Elton John album at a garage sale. It's called "Madman Across the Water". It was the first record I ever bought. I was probably 10 years old and it was in the early seventies. I was lucky. 😁 Obviously it has Levon.. It also has Tiny Dancer and Mad Man Across the Water.
This is the greatest time in his career. "Madman across the Water" is a fine album. His vocals and piano skill combined with Tagline lyrics, is a rare combination.
And how about that bass line too! You can play the background strings on "strings setting on a good electric keyboard/piano and it's spot on. These classics are so individual and in a class of their own not to be bundled with anyone else's stuff, so unique and amazing:) Was just listening to this on the drive home today and thought to myself...I need to learn this bass line:)
Sometimes, a song is just a song, and there’s no deeper meaning behind it. Such is the case with Elton John’s “Levon,” a plaintive, piano-hooked song off his fourth album, 1971’s Madman Across the Water. While the track centers around “a guy who just gets bored doing the same thing,” as John explained in Susan Black’s “Elton John in His Own Words,” it isn’t referencing any real person or event.
“It’s just somebody who gets bored with blowing up balloons, and he just wants to get away from it… but he can’t because it’s the family ritual,” he continued.
Levon appears to be a veteran of some unnamed war and now enjoys quite a bit of wealth. His thriving family business, selling “cartoon balloons” in the park, doesn’t interest his son Jesus much. In fact, Jesus longs to galavant off to “Venus” and “leave Levon far behind.” Jesus is chained to tradition, yet is very much part of a new generation of free, unconventional thinkers. “Take a balloon and go sailin’ / While Levon, Levon slowly dies,” John refects.
As much as the listener could dissect and sift through the song for a larger message, the images with which Taupin painted simply sounded good. He explained, “Quite honestly, [the song] was written so long [ago] that I really don’t know what was in my head at the time. It was a free-form writing. It’s not David Bowie throwing words into a hat and picking them out. It’s a totally different way. I think that Bob Dylan did that, too. It was just lines that came out that were interesting.”
He’s singing about 3 generations. Alvin was Levon’s father and Levon had a son he named Jesus.
I think he’s referring to the hopes and dreams a father has for his son and then what their lives actually ended up being like.
The song Levon, is on the album, Madman Across the Water. I bought that 8-Track Cassette in the early seventies when it came out and my three favorite songs from Elton John are on that LP. Levon, Madman Across the Water, and a lesser known song called Indian Sunset. I recomend you both reacting to Indian Sunset because it is a sad example of what one Native American Warrior had to deal with in his own words. There are some historical inacuracies to the song such as the verse that said, "I heard from passing renegades Geronimo was dead. He's been laying down his weapon when they filled him full of lead." Historically, that is not fact. Geronima actually died from pneumonia on February 17, 1909 days after falling off his horse while riding alone and laying on the cold ground all night until his friend found him near death. At the time of his death, Geronimo had already surrendered to the US Government 23 years before in 1886, and was a prisoner at Ft. Sill Oklahoma. Overall, this song gives a true reflection of what Native Americans had to endure seen from the eyes of one Indian Warrior. Even in the seventies when I listened to this beautiful song, I always wondered how and why it was sung by an English Pop Star. But, It is as beautiful today as it was when I listened to it in the early seventies as a part Native American Child. Again, please react to "Indian Sunset with Lyrics". I promise, It will make you think.
My Dads middle name is Levon, my middle name is Levona, my son's first name Leyvon and the man who delivered him played this during labor and my baby loves this song.....made me cry fr lol I love this song💕
I. LOVE. LEVON!! “🎶 Alvin Tostig has a son today 🎶.” This was the supposed announcement of Levon’s birth, “when The NY Times said God is dead ... and the war’s begun.” He’s referring to WW II, when Levon was born. The war began in 1939 so when this was written Levon should have been in his 30’s. This has always been one of my favorite Elton John songs. ♥️♥️♥️
One of Elton's best!👍
One the great Elton John songs I grew up with. This predates Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (a great album) and all the flashy costumes. Bernie and Elton have such a fantastic catalog of music they've written over the years. If you ever want to delve into some of the darker stuff, check out the song Ticking, or All The Girls Love Alice.
Off the “ Madman Across the Water” album….a classic.2 nd song right after what I think is his best song “ Tiny Dancer”.
Love love this song. One of my favs of Elton’s. Another is “The Last Song” from the movie “And The Band Played On” about the origins of the AIDS epidemic.
Someone had said this was about Levon Helm, the singer-drummer for The Band, but I seriously doubt it. LOL It is a beautiful song.
love that early 70s orchestral rock.