Behind the Hits: What You Never Knew About Elton John

Behind the Hits: What You Never Knew About Elton John

Elton John’s legendary career is filled with timeless classics, but many of his songs hold fascinating behind-the-scenes stories that even devoted fans may not fully know. Below is an extensive collection of rare facts, personal connections, and curious details about some of his most celebrated works.

Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me (1974 / 1991)

Recorded at Caribou Ranch, Colorado, Elton was deeply dissatisfied with his vocal performances and called the song "a pile of rubbish." At one point, he even suggested that Engelbert Humperdinck or Lulu should record it instead.

Despite his doubts, the song reached #2 in the US and #16 in the UK, and received Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male.

In 1991, Elton performed it live as a duet with George Michael during a benefit concert at Wembley Arena. This version reached #1 in both the US and UK and also received Grammy nominations.

After George Michael’s death, Elton dedicated several performances of the song to him, including during his headlining show at Glastonbury 2023.

Fans continue to debate which version — original or duet — delivers the greatest emotional impact.

Sacrifice (1989 / 1990)

From the album Sleeping with the Past, this song was inspired by the soul music of Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke.

Initially, the song had modest chart success. However, after being re-released as a double A-side with "Healing Hands," it became Elton’s first solo UK #1 hit, remaining at the top for five weeks and earning platinum certification.

The music video, directed by Alek Keshishian, starred model Yasmeen Ghauri and singer Chris Isaak, with Elton portraying a silent narrator.

Bernie Taupin considers Sacrifice one of his finest lyrical achievements, exploring the disillusionment of marital relationships beyond romantic clichés.

Elton performed the song live using a Roland RD-1000 electric piano during the Sleeping with the Past tour, though he omitted it from some large events, such as Knebworth Park 1990.

Madman Across the Water (1971)

Recorded in only four days, the sessions were filled with tension. During production, arranger Paul Buckmaster accidentally spilled ink all over the orchestral scores, forcing him to rewrite his arrangements overnight.

The song’s narrative has been interpreted as addressing mental illness or referencing Richard Nixon ("madman across the water"), though Taupin said the Nixon theory was unintentional but amusing.

Elton later expressed ambivalence about this album, saying it represented "three years of crap" before he finally solidified his band lineup.

The 50th Anniversary box set (2022) includes 18 previously unreleased tracks (piano demos, BBC sessions, Old Grey Whistle Test performances), a Blu-Ray disc with 5.1 surround mixes and 1971 live footage, embroidered artwork by Janis Larkham, and a 104-page deluxe booklet.

Deep cuts like Razor Face, Indian Sunset, Holiday Inn, All the Nasties, and Rotten Peaches are praised by fans for their rich orchestration, social commentary, and lyrical depth.

Tiny Dancer (1971)

The song was inspired by Bernie Taupin's wife Maxine and their early life in California, reflecting the laid-back West Coast vibe. Elton composed the melody in about 20 minutes.

BJ Cole’s pedal steel guitar added a distinct texture to the track, rarely heard elsewhere in Elton’s discography.

Though not a major hit upon initial release, the song gained cult status after its appearance in the 2000 film Almost Famous and has since been certified triple platinum in the US.

Piano demos of Tiny Dancer were included in the Madman Across the Water 50th Anniversary box set.

Levon (1971)

The name "Levon" was not inspired by Levon Helm, as many assume, but simply appealed to Bernie Taupin.

The story follows Levon and his father Alvin Tostig, exploring themes of generational conflict and disillusionment.

Released as a US single in 1972, it reached the Top 30 charts.

Decades later, Elton gave his first son the name Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John, incorporating "Levon" into his personal life. Zachary was born on Christmas Day (December 25, 2010), making the song’s legacy even more intimate and personal for Elton.

Rocket Man (1972)

Inspired by Ray Bradbury’s short story The Rocket Man and Taupin’s observations of the early space era.

The song reached #2 in the UK and #6 in the US and was certified 5× platinum in the US and triple platinum in the UK.

Ranked #149 in Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, it marked a creative evolution in Elton's storytelling through music.

Your Song (1970)

Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics at age 17; Elton set them to music in about 20 minutes, sitting at the breakfast table.

Bernie Taupin was 17 years old when he first started writing the lyrics to Your Song, shortly after meeting Elton John in 1967. However, the final version of the song, as it was eventually recorded and released in 1970, was completed when Taupin was 19.

Three Dog Night first recorded it, but Elton’s version, released in 1971, became iconic.

The song remains one of Elton's most beloved ballads and has been performed at numerous special events, including the Concert for Diana in 2007.

Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word (1976)

Elton composed the music before Bernie Taupin quickly wrote the lyrics, inspired by its melancholic melody.

The song topped the Adult Contemporary charts in the US and Canada and peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In 2004, Elton recorded a duet version with Ray Charles, which became Charles’s final Grammy-nominated collaboration before his passing.

Honky Cat (1972)

The second single from Honky Château featured a fusion of piano-driven rock and New Orleans funk, supported by vibrant horn arrangements.

The song became especially popular during Elton’s early US tours and remains a staple of his live performances.

Nikita (1985)

Though "Nikita" is a male name in Russian, English-speaking audiences often perceived it as female, adding a layer of ambiguity to the Cold War love story.

George Michael contributed backing vocals, while Nik Kershaw played guitar on the track.

The song became the subject of a plagiarism lawsuit alleging similarities to the 1982 song "Natasha," but the case was dismissed in 2012.

Crocodile Rock (1972)

Often viewed as Elton’s first pure "pop hit," Crocodile Rock was inspired by the wave of 1950s rock and roll revival and nostalgia that swept the early 1970s.

Elton and Bernie wrote it as a playful homage to early rock pioneers like Bill Haley and Buddy Holly. The Farfisa organ riff became instantly recognizable and remains a signature sound of the song.

Released as the lead single from Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player, it became Elton’s first US #1 hit, staying at the top for three weeks and selling over a million copies.

Although Elton himself has at times expressed mixed feelings about the song, calling it “lightweight,” it remains a fan favorite and a staple of his live shows.

A lawsuit was filed in the 1970s claiming that the melody borrowed heavily from an Australian song called "Speedy Gonzales," but the case was settled out of court.

Candle in the Wind 1997 / Something About the Way You Look Tonight (1997)

The rewritten version of Candle in the Wind was released as a tribute to Princess Diana, with proceeds going to her charities.

It remains the best-selling physical single of all time, selling around 33 million copies worldwide.

The double A-side featured Something About the Way You Look Tonight, which also became a major hit.

Someone Saved My Life Tonight (1975)

The song recounts Elton’s near-marriage and suicide attempt, and how Long John Baldry ("someone saved my life tonight") convinced him to call off the engagement.

Elton refused to shorten the track’s running time of over 6 minutes for radio airplay, a rare stance in an industry accustomed to heavy edits for commercial radio formats.

Rare Fan Discussions

On fan forums such as Reddit, many Elton John collectors and longtime fans rank Madman Across the Water as "perfect from start to finish," praising not just the hits but also the deep album cuts for their complexity and emotional weight.

These fans highlight how some songs reflect Elton’s struggles with identity, mental health, and complex personal relationships — layers that often go unnoticed by casual listeners.

This collection reveals how Elton John’s greatest hits — and many of his lesser-known tracks — are filled with untold stories, personal struggles, and moments of creative defiance that helped shape one of the most remarkable careers in popular music history.

Sources and Research Notes

This article was created based on extensive research using multiple sources to gather rare facts, behind-the-scenes details, and historical information about Elton John’s songs. Key references include:

Official Elton John discography, album liner notes, and box set booklets (especially the Madman Across the Water 50th Anniversary Box Set and Sleeping with the Past deluxe releases)

Interviews with Elton John and Bernie Taupin published across various decades in outlets such as Rolling Stone, Billboard, NME, and Mojo Magazine

Elton John’s official autobiography Me (2019)

Bernie Taupin’s memoir Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton, and Me (2023)

BBC interviews and documentaries (BBC Radio, Old Grey Whistle Test appearances)

Fan community forums such as EltonFan.net, EltonJohn.com community, and dedicated subreddits

The Rocket Record Company archives and historical releases

News archives (The Guardian, The Telegraph, Los Angeles Times, New York Times)

Wikipedia articles for cross-referencing specific song histories and public data

All efforts have been made to compile the information faithfully, combining both official and fan-sourced material to preserve rare insights into Elton John’s creative journey.

Part 2: Behind the Hits — What You Never Knew About Elton John

Elton John’s extraordinary career spans decades of creative brilliance, but even after exploring many of his most iconic songs, numerous tracks still hold fascinating stories waiting to be told. In this second part of Behind the Hits, we dive even deeper into hidden gems, surprising facts, and behind-the-scenes tales that further showcase Elton’s musical genius. From deep cuts to fan favorites, each song carries its own story — filled with creative experiments, personal moments, and sometimes unexpected twists.

Whether you are a lifelong fan or a curious listener, join us as we continue this journey through Elton John’s remarkable catalog, unveiling the lesser-known stories behind more of his unforgettable songs.

Simple Life (1993)

When it reached the U.S. Top 40 in 1993, Elton set a new record: 24 consecutive years with a chart hit, surpassing Elvis Presley.

Ego (1978)

Written during the Blue Moves sessions, the track features unusual musical elements — such as train whistles, synthesizers, waltz tempo, and carnival organs.

The music video, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, portrays a theatrical take inspired by Romeo & Juliet.

The Last Song (1992)

The lyrics tell the story of a son dying of AIDS, rejected by his father because of his homosexuality — Bernie Taupin wrote it shortly after Freddie Mercury’s death, and Elton admitted he cried when singing it for the first time.

It was the first single whose profits were directed to the newly established Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Quick Facts from Wikipedia

“Tiny Dancer” originally peaked only at #41 in the U.S. and wasn’t released as a single in the U.K. due to its “lack of a strong chorus.”

“Bennie and the Jets” was so successful on R&B radio that Elton was invited to appear on Soul Train, becoming only the second white artist ever to perform there.

On “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” the backing vocals initially featured members of the Beach Boys and Dusty Springfield — but most were cut because the mix sounded “too messy.”

Daniel (1973)

Written by Bernie Taupin, inspired by a blind Vietnam War veteran (the narrator’s brother), based on an article he read in Newsweek (or Time Out), though many have interpreted it as a gay love song.

The original lyrics included a verse explaining the blindness and the escape to Spain, but Elton cut it for making the song too long.

Even without the extra verse, the realistic theme remains: “Your eyes have died but you see more than I” strongly reflects the literal blindness.

Your Song (1970)

Written in 1967: lyrics by Taupin during breakfast, music by Elton completed in about 20 minutes, becoming his first true international hit.

Recognized as one of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

Bennie and the Jets (1974)

Inspired by Taupin as a fictional “proto-sci-fi punk” band led by an androgynous frontwoman in the style of Helmut Newton.

Though it sounds live, the piano was recorded in the studio — the audience sounds were added afterward, stemming from an impromptu piano outburst by Elton.

Elton was initially reluctant to release it as a single; it started as a B-side and only became an A-side after becoming a hit on Canadian radio stations.

Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny) (1982)

Written by Elton and Bernie, the song is a tribute to John Lennon, who was murdered in December 1980 — the “empty garden” symbolizes Madison Square Garden, where Elton and Lennon had performed together in 1974.

In the video, Elton plays piano in front of a replica of the Dakota building in New York, where Lennon was killed.

Released as a single: reached #13 in the U.S. and #51 in the U.K. Elton stated he rarely performed it live after 1982, as it brought back painful memories.

It was performed at two iconic appearances: one with Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon at Madison Square Garden in 1982, and another on Saturday Night Live in April 1982, when Johnny Cash hosted.

Elton had previously composed an instrumental called “The Man Who Never Died,” but feared tributes to Lennon might seem “cheesy” — it was only after reading Bernie’s lyrics that the project took shape.

I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues (1983)

Marked the return of the classic Elton John Band lineup — Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, and Nigel Olsson — for the first time since 1975.

The harmonica was played by Stevie Wonder — a collaboration that added a soulful and nostalgic feel to the track.

Composed and recorded almost spontaneously: Elton and the band built the song in about 20 minutes while recording in Montserrat.

The single spent 4 weeks at #2 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and reached #4 on the Hot 100, becoming one of Elton’s biggest hits of the 1980s.

In the words of critic Bill Janovitz, the track “has stood the test of time as a classic.”

Although the chorus repeats “I guess that's why they call it the blues,” the lyrics don’t explicitly explain the reason — it’s more of an expressive refrain capturing the melancholic feeling Taupin wanted to convey.

Island Girl (1975)

Became Elton’s last solo #1 hit on the Billboard charts for 22 years — holding the top spot for three weeks.

The lyrics describe a Jamaican prostitute in New York, but today are viewed as both racist and sexist — as a result, Elton has not performed it live since 1990.

The song combines reggae, funk, marimba, synthesizers, and gospel piano — but many critics felt the attempt to sound “Caribbean” came off as artificial.

Facing criticism for its lyrics, Elton described the song as “not that great” and dismissed it for those reasons.

Crocodile Rock (1972)

Elton’s first U.S. #1 single, holding the top spot for three weeks in early February 1973.

The main riff is played on a Farfisa organ — a deliberately “cheesy” sound reminiscent of 1960s hits, especially inspired by Johnny and the Hurricanes.

Despite its success, Elton and Bernie have regarded the song as somewhat of a “joke” or “throwaway pop” — Elton even said, “I don’t want people to think of me for ‘Crocodile Rock.’”

In 2021, he stated he would “throw a party when I never have to play it again,” revealing his fatigue with performing it repeatedly.

A band member once described that, during live performances, he wore a crocodile costume while playing the organ — “the hardest part was that the jaw pointed straight up, so I had to lean back at a 90° angle.”

Blue Eyes (1982)

Co-written by Elton and Gary Osborne, it was the second single from the Jump Up! album.

Reached the Top 10 in the U.K. (#8) and U.S. (#12 Hot 100), and spent two weeks at #1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

Elton often brought it back to his live setlists, performing it regularly until 2012.

Razor Face / Indian Sunset / Holiday Inn / All the Nasties / Rotten Peaches

These lesser-known album tracks feature rich arrangements: Razor Face even has extended versions; Indian Sunset discusses Native American genocide; Holiday Inn has medieval touches; and All the Nasties subtly references Elton’s sexuality.

Reddit users praise the album as “perfect from start to finish,” highlighting tracks like All the Nasties and Razor Face.

Sources and Research Notes

This article was created through extensive research using multiple sources to collect rare facts, behind-the-scenes insights, and historical information about Elton John’s songs. Key references include:

Official Elton John discography, album liner notes, and box set booklets (especially Madman Across the Water 50th Anniversary Box Set and Sleeping with the Past deluxe editions)

Interviews with Elton John and Bernie Taupin published across several decades in outlets such as Rolling Stone, Billboard, NME, and Mojo Magazine

Elton John’s official autobiography Me (2019)

Bernie Taupin’s memoir Scattershot: Life, Music, Elton, and Me (2023)

BBC interviews and documentaries (BBC Radio, Old Grey Whistle Test appearances)

Fan community forums such as EltonFan.net, the EltonJohn.com community, and dedicated subreddits

The Rocket Record Company archives and historical releases

News archives (The Guardian, The Telegraph, Los Angeles Times, New York Times)

Wikipedia articles for cross-referencing specific song histories and public data

Every effort has been made to faithfully compile this information, combining both official and fan-sourced material to preserve rare insights into Elton John’s creative journey.

Discover even more rare Elton John content, archives, and exclusive materials:
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