Elton Gospel: When Faith Meets Pop — Elton John's Admiration for Pope Francis

Elton Gospel: When Faith Meets Pop — Elton John's Admiration for Pope Francis

In 2014, Elton John made an unexpected statement during a benefit event in New York organized by his AIDS foundation. In an emotional speech, the British singer called Pope Francis "my hero." The reason? The pope’s more welcoming stance toward the LGBTQIA+ community and his message focused on mercy, love, and inclusion.

For Elton, Francis represents a break from the traditional rigidity of the Catholic Church, being a leader willing to listen, engage in dialogue, and walk alongside the marginalized. During his speech, the artist even said the Pope should be canonized while still alive, highlighting the pontiff’s courage in promoting a more compassionate view of Christian faith.

This public admiration generated global repercussions and marked a rare moment in which such an iconic pop figure aligned with a religious leader — not through tradition, but through transformation.

Sources:

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/elton-john-brands-pope-francis-my-hero-he-is-a-compassionate-loving-man-who-wants-everybody-to-be-included-in-the-love-of-god-9825296.html

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/elton-john-pope-francis-is-my-hero/

https://d24am.com/mundo/elton-john-pede-que-papa-francisco-seja-santificado-ja/

https://time.com/2938347/elton-john-pope-francis-jesus-gay-marriage/

Spirituality Between the Lines: The Presence of God, Jesus, and Saints in Elton John’s Work

Throughout his career, Elton John has created a body of work marked not only by extravagance, unforgettable melodies, and romantic lyrics but also by deep spiritual reflections. In many of his songs, there are direct mentions of God, Jesus Christ, and biblical figures such as Moses and Saint Peter, revealing an artist in constant dialogue with the sacred — even if that dialogue is often marked by doubt, anguish, or criticism.

Faith in his lyrics does not appear dogmatically. On the contrary, it appears as a question, a cry for meaning amid chaos, and a search for redemption. At times, there are veiled prayers; in others, spirituality manifests as a metaphor for the human journey. Elton sings about souls seeking salvation, the weight of guilt, divine silence in the face of suffering, and the desire to belong to a spiritual world that often feels inaccessible.

There is also the symbolic presence of saints — such as Saint Peter, guardian of heaven's gates — used to represent judgment and destiny. References to Moses evoke liberation and crossing, alluding to biblical passages of exile and hope. Jesus appears less as an institutional figure and more as a symbol of compassion, pain, and humanity.

When these elements are woven into the melodic richness of his compositions, they reveal a body of work unafraid to move between the earthly and the transcendent. Even for an artist who for many years kept his distance from organized religion, Elton John's music contains a living spirituality — a conflicted faith, yet still present.

Songs:

1. Salvation
Album: Honky Château (1972)

Lyrics excerpt:
"I have to say my friends
This road goes a long, long way
And if we're gonna find the end
We're gonna need a helping hand

"Salvation" presents a gentle and hopeful melody built around Elton John's signature piano, with arrangements reminiscent of gospel hymns. The bassline and percussion maintain a steady rhythm, creating a spiritually tranquil atmosphere. Elton’s voice is serene and reflective, conveying sincerity as he sings about liberation and spiritual light. The instrumental is not grandiose but introspective, reinforcing the intimacy of the message.

Critical comment:
Rolling Stone highlighted Honky Château as one of Elton John's best-constructed albums, with a specific mention of how "Salvation" expresses spirituality without falling into religious cliché, making it one of the most subtle and sensitive tracks on the record.
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/honky-chateau-198909/

2. If There's a God in Heaven (What's He Waiting For?)

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Album: Blue Moves (1976)
Lyrics excerpt:
"If there's a God in heaven
What's he waiting for?"

This song has a somber and introspective melody that perfectly aligns with the existential question posed by the lyrics. Elton John’s piano is melancholic, reflecting skepticism and frustration at God’s apparent silence. His voice is emotionally charged, enhancing the song's dramatic weight. Orchestral arrangements add a sense of grandeur without relieving the emotional tension.

Critical comment:
AllMusic notes Blue Moves as one of Elton’s most emotional albums, with this track representing one of the most vulnerable moments of his career. The lyrics were praised for their honest treatment of faith and doubt.

davesgenxblog.wordpress.com/album-review-blue-moves/

3. Dear God
Album: 21 at 33 (1980)

Lyrics excerpt:
"Dear God, are you there
Can you hear me, do you care
Dear God, here are we
Less than perfect, far from freeDear God
Album: 21 at 33 (1980)

Lyrics excerpt:
"Dear God, are you there
Can you hear me, do you care
Dear God, here are we
Less than perfect, far from free

"Dear God" features a simple, intimate melody led by piano, enhancing the sincerity and vulnerability of the lyrics. Elton’s voice is delicate and full of despair, mirroring the doubt and confusion expressed. The absence of elaborate arrangements adds to the sense of anguish and the desperate search for answers.

Critical comment:

21 at 33 marked a pivotal moment in Elton John's career, as it signified his return to form after the disappointing Victim of Love. The album blends pop, soft rock, and elements of disco, showcasing Elton’s versatility and willingness to explore new sounds. Critics noted that while the album's thematic cohesion is sometimes lacking, its diversity reflects Elton's search for a fresh artistic direction. Dear God stands out as a deeply introspective moment, with its haunting melody and vulnerable lyrics capturing Elton’s exploration of faith, doubt, and human frailty. The album is a reflection of Elton's emotional complexity and desire for reinvention during this transitional period in his career.

https://ticket-2-ride.com/2020/04/19/elton-john-21-at-33-1980/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

4. Levon

Album: Madman Across the Water (1971)
Lyrics excerpt:
"He was born a pauper to a pawn on a Christmas Day
When the New York Times said, 'God is dead and the war's begun'

"Levon" has a grand melody, with orchestral arrangements that create a sense of drama and majesty. The piano and strings bring an almost religious atmosphere, while Elton’s expressive vocals convey internal struggle and disillusionment. The reference to God’s death, popularized by existentialist philosophy, is heightened by the intensity of the music.

Critical comment:
Pitchfork described Madman Across the Water as a deeply introspective album, with "Levon" as one of its most reflective tracks on the human condition, blending social criticism and existential questions.

5. Border Song
Album: Elton John (1970)

Lyrics excerpt:
"Holy Moses I have been removed
I have seen the specter he has been here too"

"Border Song" has a soft and introspective melody, influenced by gospel and soul, typical of Elton's early work. The piano, alongside delicate orchestral arrangements, creates a solemn atmosphere, while Elton’s vocal delivery is deep and heartfelt. The song conveys spiritual searching and redemption, with references to Moses and the specter reinforcing the theme of a journey of faith.

Critical comment:
Rolling Stone pointed to "Border Song" as one of the most spiritual tracks on his debut album, praising Elton’s ability to blend gospel and pop to explore existential and spiritual issues with raw emotional honesty.

https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/elton-john-1970/

6. Where To Now St. Peter?
Album: Tumbleweed Connection (1971)

Lyrics excerpt:
"So where to now St. Peter
If it's true I'm in your hands
I may not be a Christian
But I've done all one man can
I understand I'm on the road
Where all that was is gone
So where to now St. Peter
Show me which road I'm on"

"Where to Now St. Peter?" has a calm and contemplative melody, featuring acoustic guitars and minimal instrumentation that enhance the sense of vulnerability and seeking. Elton’s vocal delivery is filled with uncertainty, conveying existential fear. The lyrics question fate after death, matched by music that evokes the fragility of the human condition.

Critical comment:
NME identified Tumbleweed Connection as a thematically rich album where biblical and spiritual references are used to explore the search for meaning and confrontation with destiny. This song is seen as one of the most introspective on the record.

https://www.nme.com/reviews/album-reviews/elton-john-tumbleweed-connection-review

7. Religion
Album: Too Low for Zero (1983)

Lyrics excerpt:
"Religion, well, you do the best you can
'Cause we all make the same mistakes
We're gonna wind up with the man
[...]
That's when he got religion
And the light went on inside
He said somebody up there likes me
Now he's working for the holy guide

"Religion" has an upbeat and ironic melody, with a pop beat and synthesizer arrangements that give the song a light, almost satirical feel. Elton’s vocals express cynical criticism of institutionalized religion, highlighting hypocrisy and the lack of genuine inquiry. The irreverent tone delivers a direct critique of dogmatism.

Critical comment:

In a review published on the Review From The Crates blog, the author notes that Too Low For Zero is an album marked by 1980s influences, with prominent pop and synthesizer sounds. "Religion" is highlighted as one of the tracks that exemplifies the social critique present on the album. The author mentions that the song presents an ironic and critical approach to religion, aligning with the album's overall theme of addressing social and personal issues with a critical perspective.

https://illegalforeignobject.com/2023/08/10/review-from-the-crates-elton-johns-too-low-for-zero/

8. If the River Can Bend
Album: The Big Picture (1998)

Lyrics excerpt:

"If the river can bend
I'll find you waiting
Home at last from the wild sea

Song overview:
"If the River Can Bend" has a gentle and optimistic melody, with an instrumental arrangement that blends pop and ambient elements. Elton John’s vocals are warm and hopeful, delivering a message of transformation, reconciliation, and emotional resilience. The lyrics use nature-based metaphors to explore the themes of change, unity, and adaptability—suggesting that if even a river can bend, so too can human hearts and relationships.

Critical comment:
According to a review on Daily Vault, "If the River Can Bend" must be considered among Elton's best of the '90s. The vocals are powerful, the string arrangements recall the glory days of Madman Across the Water, and echoes of "Burn Down The Mission" permeate throughout the wild, guitar-screaming final minute.

https://dailyvault.com/toc.php5?review=2851

9. Answer in the Sky
Album: Peachtree Road (2004)

Lyrics excerpt:
"And it's all so much bigger than it seems
And it all overwhelms us now and then
And I'm banking on a chance we believe
That good can still control the hearts of men"

Song Overview:
"The Answer in the Sky" by Elton John carries philosophical and spiritual undertones, although it is not explicitly religious. The line "And the answer is in the sky / You just have to look around" suggests that there is a greater meaning or answer found in the world around us, particularly in nature or the universe, and that we can find it through observation and reflection. This idea may evoke a sense of spirituality or existential thought, implying that, even in moments of despair, there is something larger that provides answers.

The song speaks to the search for meaning and understanding during tough times, with a message of hope that the answers lie "in the sky," which could be interpreted as a metaphor for finding purpose in the universe or in something higher.

Critical comment:

In a review by The Guardian, the song "Answer in the Sky" is described as potentially resembling something that could have been written by an American televangelist, suggesting a critique of its lyrical content.

Link: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2004/nov/05/popandrock.shopping7

10. Joseph, Better You Than Me
Artist: The Killers feat. Elton John & Neil Tennant (2008)

Lyrics excerpt:
And the desert
It's a hell of a place to find heaven
Forty years lost in the wilderness looking for God
And you climb to the top of the mountain
Looking down on the city
Where you were born

Song Overview:
"Joseph, Better You Than Me" is a reflective song that intertwines themes of faith, identity, and the burdens of responsibility. The lyrics explore the character of Joseph, a biblical figure, and offer a modern-day reflection on his struggles with fame, faith, and the weight of decision-making. The line "While the scholars look for answers / With their pencils and their pens" hints at the idea of intellectual inquiry and the search for meaning, emphasizing that answers might not always be easily found in traditional or academic spaces.

The song, while touching on religious themes, is more about the personal experience of facing challenges, making difficult decisions, and standing up for one’s beliefs. It speaks to both spiritual and existential dilemmas, considering whether one can endure the weight of faith and responsibility.

Critical Comment:
The song is praised for its unique collaboration and depth. The combination of The Killers, Elton John, and Neil Tennant is described as an unorthodox mix that results in a stroke of musical brilliance. The track is noted as a Christmas tune that stretches the possibilities of musical greatness and sets a new high standard for what a Christmas song can be.

https://culturechallenged.com/2012/12/04/the-best-christmas-song-you-have-never-heard-joseph-better-than-me-by-the-killers-with-elton-john-and-neil-tennant/

With a career marked by boldness, vulnerability, and melodic beauty, Elton John has built a rare bridge between the sacred and the profane, the altar and the stage. His admiration for Pope Francis — a symbol of compassionate and inclusive faith — reflects an unexpected but deeply meaningful encounter between spirituality and pop culture.

Over the decades, his music has revealed a soul in constant search: for redemption, for answers, for meaning. Between veiled prayers and sharp critiques, between doubts and declarations of faith, Elton sings not only about himself but about all of us — fragile human beings trying to understand the divine. In this way, his art becomes a modern altar where love, compassion, criticism, and hope coexist in harmony.

And perhaps that is the true miracle: the ability to unite, through music, what the world so often insists on separating.

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