Elton John

This song, with lyrics by Bernie Taupin, showcased John's storytelling abilities and piano skills.

Elton described wanting to capture the sound of nostalgic rock and roll, naming the Beach Boys, Eddie Cochran and earlier pop hits as touchstones. The recording features him on piano and Farfisa organ. It was already...

The contrast between rural and city life

Ray Bradbury's short story "The Rocket Man"

Elton described wanting to capture the sound of nostalgic rock and roll, naming the Beach Boys, Eddie Cochran and earlier pop hits as touchstones. The recording features him on piano and Farfisa organ. It was already...

Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin Inspired by a Vietnam War veteran

Title track from John's double album of the same name References "The Wizard of Oz"

Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin Inspired by a short story by Ray Bradbury

Elton John's career combines piano playing, singing and composition with a long songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin. The two were brought together in 1967, before the debut album Empty Sky and the...

Satirical view of the music industry and glam rock

Collaboration with Bernie Taupin about fading relationships

Disillusionment with fame and nostalgia for simpler times

Bernie Taupin's wife's use of the phrase

A cover of The Beatles' psychedelic classic, with John Lennon on backing vocals.

Billie Jean King recalled Elton offering to write a song for her in 1974 and choosing a title connected with her Philadelphia Freedoms tennis team. Their friendship and love of the Philadelphia sound informed the...

Elton's official history traces this song to a conversation with Long John Baldry at London's Bag O'Nails pub. Baldry urged the conflicted young musician to reconsider an impending marriage and protect his future....

Elton John's career combines piano playing, singing and composition with a long songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin. The two were brought together in 1967, before the debut album Empty Sky and the...

Elton John's career combines piano playing, singing and composition with a long songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin. The two were brought together in 1967, before the debut album Empty Sky and the...

Elton John's career combines piano playing, singing and composition with a long songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin. The two were brought together in 1967, before the debut album Empty Sky and the...

Elton chose producer Thom Bell for sessions shaped by the Philadelphia soul sound in 1977. Mama Can't Buy You Love reached listeners on a three-song EP in 1979; a later release expanded the sessions. The recording...

John's reflection on his past relationships and desire for a meaningful connection.

From John's album "21 at 33," this track showcased his piano-driven pop style.

Written by Elton John and Gary Osborne, believed to be about Elizabeth Taylor.

This song is Elton and Bernie Taupin's tribute to John Lennon. It appeared on Jump Up!, recorded at AIR Studios on Montserrat with Chris Thomas producing. The title therefore belongs to a documented memorial song,...

Featured Stevie Wonder on harmonica and became one of John's most enduring hits.

A defiant comeback song after John's struggles with addiction.

The song was inspired by the feelings of longing and separation in long-distance relationships.

John was inspired by the therapeutic nature of sad songs and their ability to express deep emotions.

George Michael appears on this recording from Ice on Fire. The album reunited Elton with Gus Dudgeon, the producer associated with many of his 1970s records. Nikita subsequently became the album's biggest hit; the...

Elton John's career combines piano playing, singing and composition with a long songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin. The two were brought together in 1967, before the debut album Empty Sky and the...

The frustration of a deteriorating relationship

A love song dedicated to Elton John's future husband, David Furnish.

The Lion King soundtrack includes both the film performance by Joseph Williams and Sally Dworsky and Elton's own recording. Elton and Tim Rice wrote the song; Chris Thomas produced Elton's tracks. These performances...

Elton's own performance is a separate track from Carmen Twillie's film rendition on The Lion King soundtrack. Tim Rice supplied the words, and Chris Thomas produced Elton's soundtrack recordings. Distinguishing the...

A reflection on faith and personal beliefs.

Elton and Bernie Taupin made this separate version as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales. Taupin explained that he wanted it to speak from the country's perspective. Its recording identity is distinct from the...

This John-Taupin song appears on The Big Picture, a studio album dedicated to Elton's late friend Gianni Versace. Chris Thomas produced the album, with orchestral arrangements credited to Guy Babylon and Anne Dudley....

Elton and Bernie Taupin made this separate version as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales. Taupin explained that he wanted it to speak from the country's perspective. Its recording identity is distinct from the...

This John-Taupin song appears on The Big Picture, a studio album dedicated to Elton's late friend Gianni Versace. Chris Thomas produced the album, with orchestral arrangements credited to Guy Babylon and Anne Dudley....