The song was written by John and Taupin as a favour to John's friend, tennis star Billie Jean King, who was part of the Philadelphia Freedoms professional tennis team. The song features an orchestral arrangement by Gene Page that includes flutes, horns and strings.
@@Sonny_V No. Elton asked Bernie to write a song about the team but Taupin said he would have a hard time writing a song about a tennis team. So, he interweaved the name of a tennis team into a song about both -- the team and with the city of Philadelphia.
This is one of my favorite Elton John songs. Philadelphia Freedom is one of the most passionate songs you’ll find about American patriotism….and it’s sung by a Brit !! 😉🥰
cmadams7, Elton ask Bernie to write a song about his friend Billy Jean Kings team, Philadelphia Freedom, Bernie told Elton he couldn't write a song about tennis, so he wrote more of a combination tune, with the city of Philly in mind.
When I was 9 years old, I stepped on a piece of glass in a public swimming pool. I remember sitting on a lounge chair while my dear mother, a year before she passed away, tended to my wounded foot. I remember Philadelphia Freedom by Elton John coming from the speaker. Now, roughly four decades later, I feel a sharp stinging pain in my left foot whenever I hear that song.
On the bicentennial (July 4, 1976) the radio station DJ asked if listeners wanted to request a patriotic song. An hour later, he said: "Alright, alright, we get it. Please stop calling. We'll play Philadelphia Freedom every hour, so please stop calling!!"
To find out what a song is about, listen to the lyrics. “Philadelphia Freedom took me KNEE HIGH TO A MAN. Gave me peace of mind MY DADDY NEVER HAD.” He’s talking about a MAN and his FATHER and what America did for them. I fully understand that the song was dedicated to Billie Jean King and the tennis team, but the song is about the freedom that American citizens enjoy….LIKE BILLIE JEAN. The freedom she has here gave her the courage to speak out. The song does NOT SPEAK AT ALL ABOUT THE TENNIS TEAM. Period. It talks about AMERICAN FREEDOM. And it was dedicated to Billie Jean King.
I remember a lot of television programmes covering the bicentennial being on at the time here in England. It was in the midst of the exceptional hot summer we had over here,with a drought - a total rarity for our rain-pummelled land at the time - taking hold.
Philadelphia Wass the center for several Soul/R&B vocal groups in the 70's (many hits written/produced by Gamble & Huff). "Soul Train" started in Chicago, moved to L.A>. Elton, and David Bowie both performed os ST, the Bee'Gee's who liked "the Philly Soul Sound" changed their sound, and vocal range in 1974-'75 to be played on American radio again (not just that old English Band).
@@amnrilYes, on the 2005 CD rerelease. In 1975 when it came out it was just released as a single by "The Elton John Band". It was not on any album until the Captain Fantastic rerelease.
Jay & Amber, you'll love his "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" !!!! Thanks for getting to todays song!! edit- The Philadelphia Freedoms was a professional tennis team. Song written to honor the great trailblazing Billie Jean King, who was player/coach for the team, and a friend of John.
Either that's never going to happen, or they were blocked from posting it on youtube. I've been requesting that song for 2 years. Being that it's a very long song, they might not get away with that on RUclips because of copyright. I could be wrong
Lots of reactions to Funeral For a Friend. Best version is Live from Madison Square Garden One Night Only. And I have probably heard 100 live versions. From 1995 or 2000- not sure what year. Its incredible!
I remember this song being all over the radio when I was growing as a young teen. In people's cars driving by, in backyards, at the beach. The song was everywhere!
@redpine8665 Same here. We were in the back of my dads truck (no camper) wind blowing our hair around, on our way to Huntington Beach, and Philadelphia Freedom blasting on the radio
I was a little kid in Brooklyn NY. This song was so popular back then it brings you right back to that time hearing it now. Like stepping into a time machine.
The orchestral arrangements are by the great Gene Page, a key player in the "Philadelphia Sound". He worked with Cher, Aretha, Whitney, Marvin Gaye and Lionel Richie, among other stars.
October 4, 1988 was my brother's 16th birthday, and we saw Elton John for the 1st time at the Philadelphia Spectrum (RIP). That night, he played this song twice, and both times, the house lights came on so you could see the entire crowd on their feet and singing along. He did it every time I saw E.J. in concert. Great song and review 🙂!
Just a friendly FYI, this song was actually released as a single and first appeared on John's Greatest Hits II. It later appeared on a 40th anniversary of GYBR.
Was hoping someone would offer that friendly correction. It’s probably a shared video and whomever made it, used that album cover as their poster or thumbnail image. But yeah, “PF” was after GYBR.
"John was looking to honour Billie Jean King, and so asked Taupin to write a song called "Philadelphia Freedom" as a homage to her tennis team, the Philadelphia Freedoms." - Wiki
Song was written for Billie Jean King's Philadelphia Freedoms Tennis team, but we in Philly take great pride in this song because he did a great job in getting our vibe! A Summer Bop here
I would say that, Elton John - Someone Saved My Life Tonight (Live at the Playhouse Theatre 1976) is probably one of the greatest solo live songs that I've ever witnessed. It is in this performance that we see Elton at the top of his game. Elton John fans that have never watched this particular performance will be absolutely blown away by it.
I must have heard this 1000 + times. I have not listened to it for over 2 decades and I could hear every detail in my mind before I did with my ears. Music of that era had literally become a part of me. And still is.
One of his best songs. I'm glad you finally got to this song. 😎This song was not originally on the "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album. It actually came out as a single only, and went to #1 in 1975. In 1977, it was on his greatest hits vol. 2 album. It was included on the 40th anniversary edition of the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album, which I find strange. 🤔
Elton is paying homage to the sound of Philly soul (TSOP). The strings, the horns, even that flute; all parts of that fabulous sound. To anybody from the area, it's unmistakable and pure Philly.
My Mom passed a month ago...she loved this tune. We both rocked it in the car before we knew we would lose her a few months later....she loved Elton John for her whole life.
This is one of his best and definitely a person favorite of mine. "From the day that I was born I waved the Flag" This song always brings a good feeling. I knew y'all would love it.
Great reaction! This song is actually from the Captain Fantastic sessions recorded in 1974. "Philadelphia Freedom" was a stand-alone single released February 1975.
As a 9 yr. old kid the summer of 1976 it was a great 4th of July! For practically an entire year leading up to that 4th of July the US was in a deep dive into all things Colonial and Revolutionary period America, heck we even had special money! It was a great summer to be a kid and an even better Independence Day!! Philadelphia Freedom was a big part of those memories!
When this generation of musicians die off (and they're almost there) who is going to replace these bands producing this quality and variety of sound, lyrics and singing?
This song came out my sophomore year of high school. Living in a suburb of Philadelphia, this song was everywhere! We all knew the words in a day and couldn’t get enough of it. I saw him about 5 or 6 years later and the concert was amazing. The only downer was he didn’t play this song. Trust me though, the concert was AMAZING!
This song came out when everybody was gearing up for the upcoming celebration of the bicentennial of the United States, while it wasn't written for that reason it still had a very patriotic feeling. i miss the 70's.
When my mom and I used to take the bus an hour long from the suburbs into Philadelphia to visit family there, she and one of her best friends (her friend was always singing, "shine the light, shine the light...") would always go to the clubs and I remember this was "The Jam"!!! ❤
From 1975, 2 years after the release of the GBYBR album. A non album single and EJ's foray into white boy soul. A number 1 in the USA, no 12 in the UK.
The song was written for the bicentennial forthcoming in 1976 but also as a tribute to Billie Jean King, the famed women's tennis pro who was forming a tennis league in the US. It was an idea ahead of it's time that didn't really work out. But the song was a huge hit because of the bicentennial. I graduated high school in '76 and the American flag was on the cover of our yearbook. Great song at the right time and a smash hit!
Growing up during this time so enjoyed his music. Also got to see him twice live in concert. He was beyond amazing!!! Talk about high energy concerts!! Such a show man!!😊😊
This song was actually, originally, released on 45 RPM record around the same time that his album, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" was released. The later Special Editions and Deluxe Editions added it to the album again.
"Are You Ready For Love" was produced in Philadelphia in 1979, and rightfully became a massive worldwide hit 2003 upon its re-release. A fantastic, uplifting, joyful song.
One of Elton's best songs, and if you ever saw him in concert, this song always brought the house down! Probably my favorite song his, thanks for the reaction!
Elton was at the top of his game when this was released as the single. Anyone remember how on the record (the 45) it was credited as The Elton John Band?
The song was written by John and Taupin as a favour to John's friend, tennis star Billie Jean King, who was part of the Philadelphia Freedoms professional tennis team. The song features an orchestral arrangement by Gene Page that includes flutes, horns and strings.
Some More Elton John Songs To Recommend: Song For Guy Island Girl Nobody Wins Part Time Love Kiss The Bride Too Low For Zero Crystal Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
Being from the Philly area, thus has always been one of my favorite Elton John songs! Imagine what it was like seeing this song in Philly back in the day when you were from that area! Loved it!
I believe Elton had a hand in these lyrics, as it was written for his friend Billie Jean King. It was released in FEB 1975 and the Bicentennial celebration was already in full swing. Billie was a proponent of Woman's rights and equal pay. Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding Live version is to DIE FOR!!!
1975 was a watershed year for Elton John. "Philadelphia Freedom" went to #1 in the U.S, Elton's duet with Neil Sedaka "Bad Blood" went to #1 also, two albums that debuted on the Billboard Album charts at #1 (Capt. Fantastic and Rock Of The Westies), first time an artist or group had back-to-back albums debut at #1 on Billboard, His cover of The Beatles "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" went to #1 in the U.S. And although Elton's version of "Pinball Wizard" was never commercially released as a single, it was all over the radio in 1975.
One of my favorite songs because of a memory it invokes. I was in the 8th grade when this song came out. We had a jukebox in the school cafeteria and this song was on it. It was played over and over and everyone soon learned all the words. When it was played after that THE WHOLE CAFETERIA would sing the entire song together! This went on for many days until the Principal came in one day and said we couldn't sing out loud because they could hear us in the classrooms in the main building! We tried not to sing. We really did but it was too much fun singing this song together. When the Principal came in we would notice and stop singing immediately. He eventually had that song taken off the jukebox. We switched to singing Island Girl out loud and he eventually took our jukebox away. Good times.
My goodness....nearly 50 years ago......America was such a different country, not perfect to be sure, but definitely seemed to be moving in the right direction.......
This one is so eclectic in the grit, the cadence and the instruments. The lyrics and arrangement vocally and musically keeps this song fresh even after nearly 50 years.
Thank you for listening to and loving my all time favorite song! Thrilled by your reactions and got chills listening to it fresh through your ears. The song was the second # 1 hit of his in a row that was not previously on an album (it was not on the original Goodbye Yellow Road); the hit before is one should listen to: Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds. Philadelphia Freedom was written as a tribute to Billie Jean King.
THE ENTIRE TWO-ALBUM SET IS AWESOME!!! "BALLAD OF DANNY BAILEY". " ALL THE GIRLS LOVE ALICE". "GREY SEAL" AND EPITOME OF ELTON JOHN IN "FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND" 🙏❤❤❤🙏
One of my favorite Elton John songs and that’s saying a lot because he was absolutely prolific!!! Reminds me of my childhood and hearing this song on the radio!
I've always assumed that the arrangement and instrumentation on this track, heavy on strings, was an homage to the "Philly Sound" of Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International records, which was peaking in the mid-70s. Edit: Indeed, found this on Wikipedia: The song was dedicated in part to "the Philadelphia sound", which included the soul music of the Delfonics and the Spinners and the talents of writer-producers Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell; John would work with Bell two years later on an EP that came to be known as The Thom Bell Sessions.
Just about all of Eltons songs were so well produced that the music, vocals and all the instruments come through exceptionally rich, clear and full. Such a listening pleasure!
The song was written for Billy Jean King! How cool is that!
I ❤❤❤ this song!!!!!
The song was written by John and Taupin as a favour to John's friend, tennis star Billie Jean King, who was part of the Philadelphia Freedoms professional tennis team. The song features an orchestral arrangement by Gene Page that includes flutes, horns and strings.
NOPE. The song was written by John and Taupin as a favor to John's friend, tennis star Billie Jean King,
Correct. All about the Pro Tennis Team
@@Sonny_V No. Elton asked Bernie to write a song about the team but Taupin said he would have a hard time writing a song about a tennis team. So, he interweaved the name of a tennis team into a song about both -- the team and with the city of Philadelphia.
Are y'all done comparing body parts? Oy....
This is one of my favorite Elton John songs. Philadelphia Freedom is one of the most passionate songs you’ll find about American patriotism….and it’s sung by a Brit !! 😉🥰
And written by another Brit, Bernie Taupin,Lol.
@@bkm2797 Yes, that’s right….his words.
It’s not about America really. It’s about a Tennis Team “Philadelphia Freedom” that Billie Jean King was a member.
The irony!
cmadams7,
Elton ask Bernie to write a song about his friend Billy Jean Kings team, Philadelphia Freedom, Bernie told Elton he couldn't write a song about tennis, so he wrote more of a combination tune, with the city of Philly in mind.
Philly born and raised! We love this song, especially on July 4th!!
Sung by Brit, ironic that..... luv from London UK
When I was 9 years old, I stepped on a piece of glass in a public swimming pool. I remember sitting on a lounge chair while my dear mother, a year before she passed away, tended to my wounded foot. I remember Philadelphia Freedom by Elton John coming from the speaker. Now, roughly four decades later, I feel a sharp stinging pain in my left foot whenever I hear that song.
wow, that is a powerful memory/moment.
Eltons spirit is stuck in your foot
You have that ability to hear a piece of music and remember exactly where you were. Same as me. My wife? NOT AT ALL. Sucks, in a way. ;-)
On the bicentennial (July 4, 1976) the radio station DJ asked if listeners wanted to request a patriotic song. An hour later, he said: "Alright, alright, we get it. Please stop calling. We'll play Philadelphia Freedom every hour, so please stop calling!!"
Every city everywhere. Great story. Brought me straight back
Now America is facing losing those freedoms due to the MAGA Cult. How far America has fallen, but it's not too late.
There are people on here trying to say the song is not about being patriotic. They say it’s about tennis. Lol.
To find out what a song is about, listen to the lyrics. “Philadelphia Freedom took me KNEE HIGH TO A MAN. Gave me peace of mind MY DADDY NEVER HAD.” He’s talking about a MAN and his FATHER and what America did for them. I fully understand that the song was dedicated to Billie Jean King and the tennis team, but the song is about the freedom that American citizens enjoy….LIKE BILLIE JEAN. The freedom she has here gave her the courage to speak out. The song does NOT SPEAK AT ALL ABOUT THE TENNIS TEAM. Period. It talks about AMERICAN FREEDOM. And it was dedicated to Billie Jean King.
I remember a lot of television programmes covering the bicentennial being on at the time here in England. It was in the midst of the exceptional hot summer we had over here,with a drought - a total rarity for our rain-pummelled land at the time - taking hold.
There's a clip of Elton performing this song on "Soul Train" that you need to see... Pure joy!!
That video IS a treasure!
ruclips.net/video/NPiY81uCxHg/видео.html tnx its great!
May 20, 1975 he sang this song then later Bennie and the jets.
Philadelphia Wass the center for several Soul/R&B vocal groups in the 70's (many hits written/produced by Gamble & Huff). "Soul Train" started in Chicago, moved to L.A>. Elton, and David Bowie both performed os ST, the Bee'Gee's who liked "the Philly Soul Sound" changed their sound, and vocal range in 1974-'75 to be played on American radio again (not just that old English Band).
Just qued it up. Thanks ✌️
Written for Billie Jean King's tennis team.
Go deeper with Elton's music! "Have Mercy on the Criminal."
Have mercy on the criminal is an absolutely brilliant suggestion!! Sublime song!!
Written by Elton for Billie before either of them had come out as gay.
It’s about American patriotism and dedicated to Billie Jean.
The purpose of his channel is to do chart hits, not deep album cuts.
THIS IS UP BEAT 70s Elton John my fav BY FAR
This is NOT on the 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'[1973]album. 'Philadelphia Freedom' was released 2 years later in 1975.
Wasn’t it on ‘some’ versions of ‘Captain Fantastic and the Dirt Brown Cowboy?’
Correct - this song was a single but was later released on the 40th anniversary edition of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
@@tristanoleary7595 It was on the 30th anniversary issue of "Captain Fantastic" - along with his performance of same album recorded at Wembley.
It was a single release, I believe.
@@amnrilYes, on the 2005 CD rerelease. In 1975 when it came out it was just released as a single by "The Elton John Band". It was not on any album until the Captain Fantastic rerelease.
One of Elton's greatest songs dedicated to his friend Tennis legend Billie Jean King and The Philadelphia Freedoms tennis team.
I think this is Elton's best vocal performance
@rickycole6327 For me it's - I feel like a bullet ( in the gun of Robert Ford), but this one vocally is close.
1976 was the 200th anniversary of US independence (The Bicentennial) the whole year was like 4th of July, lots of patriotic spirit 🇺🇸
It, certainly, was!
I always think of the Bicentennial when I hear this song.... good times
Jay & Amber, you'll love his "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding" !!!! Thanks for getting to todays song!!
edit- The Philadelphia Freedoms was a professional tennis team. Song written to honor the great trailblazing Billie Jean King, who was player/coach for the team, and a friend of John.
Either that's never going to happen, or they were blocked from posting it on youtube. I've been requesting that song for 2 years. Being that it's a very long song, they might not get away with that on RUclips because of copyright. I could be wrong
@@magneto7930 I hear ya. They finally got to Philadelphia Freedom after all this time, so lets keep hope alive on this one.
Lots of reactions to Funeral For a Friend. Best version is Live from Madison Square Garden One Night Only. And I have probably heard 100 live versions. From 1995 or 2000- not sure what year. Its incredible!
This song is not on Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.
Yes! Funeral/Blood. His best.
DON'T GO BREAKING MY HEART-ELTON JOHN W/ KIKI DEE 🌹
ANOTHER great song!
It’s my favorite by Elton John, actually. It’s just fun.
.....& a great upbeat song!
They did that one a while back
Now your talking!
I loved this song so much, my dad bought the 45 for me. I was 6 almost 7 years old. You can’t beat 1970’s Elton!
Were the same age. Those were the good 'ol days!
I remember this song being all over the radio when I was growing as a young teen. In people's cars driving by, in backyards, at the beach. The song was everywhere!
@redpine8665 Same here. We were in the back of my dads truck (no camper) wind blowing our hair around, on our way to Huntington Beach, and Philadelphia Freedom blasting on the radio
70s baby ,1975 RELEASED SAME YEAR AS BOHIMAN RHAPSODY By Queen
I was a little kid in Brooklyn NY. This song was so popular back then it brings you right back to that time hearing it now. Like stepping into a time machine.
Daniel is one of my top five Elton John songs.
They say Spain is pretty though I’ve never been…
They already did that one.
The orchestral arrangements are by the great Gene Page, a key player in the "Philadelphia Sound". He worked with Cher, Aretha, Whitney, Marvin Gaye and Lionel Richie, among other stars.
I remember hearing this song a lot in the year 1976 for the U.S. bicentennial.
Sir Elton... Simply the Best.
He was a rock god in the 70s.
He wrote this song for Billy Jean King who had just signed with the Philadelphia Freedom a professional tennis team.
I'm Canadian born in '63 and I sang every word....big part of my childhood ☮️
October 4, 1988 was my brother's 16th birthday, and we saw Elton John for the 1st time at the Philadelphia Spectrum (RIP). That night, he played this song twice, and both times, the house lights came on so you could see the entire crowd on their feet and singing along. He did it every time I saw E.J. in concert. Great song and review 🙂!
I just said the same thing! See my comment above. Only I saw him in 1976.
Just a friendly FYI, this song was actually released as a single and first appeared on John's Greatest Hits II. It later appeared on a 40th anniversary of GYBR.
Thanks. I was wondering why Goodbye Yellow Brick Road was up on the screen.
@@KenRoerden, GYBR ... Greatest double album of all time?
🤦🏻♂️
Was hoping someone would offer that friendly correction. It’s probably a shared video and whomever made it, used that album cover as their poster or thumbnail image. But yeah, “PF” was after GYBR.
It's also on Capt. Fantastic reissue cd 👍
"John was looking to honour Billie Jean King, and so asked Taupin to write a song called "Philadelphia Freedom" as a homage to her tennis team, the Philadelphia Freedoms." - Wiki
Yes indeed! The first 2 songs I heard from Elton was Benny and the Jets and PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM!
Song was written for Billie Jean King's Philadelphia Freedoms Tennis team, but we in Philly take great pride in this song because he did a great job in getting our vibe! A Summer Bop here
I would say that, Elton John - Someone Saved My Life Tonight (Live at the Playhouse Theatre 1976) is probably one of the greatest solo live songs that I've ever witnessed. It is in this performance that we see Elton at the top of his game. Elton John fans that have never watched this particular performance will be absolutely blown away by it.
I must have heard this 1000 + times. I have not listened to it for over 2 decades and I could hear every detail in my mind before I did with my ears. Music of that era had literally become a part of me. And still is.
Same here ❤😊❤
Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding has to be your next Elton song.
One of his best songs. I'm glad you finally got to this song. 😎This song was not originally on the "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album. It actually came out as a single only, and went to #1 in 1975. In 1977, it was on his greatest hits vol. 2 album. It was included on the 40th anniversary edition of the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album, which I find strange. 🤔
Love learning something new every day. 🎉 ty
True. Not on original album.
His best vocal performance.
Elton is paying homage to the sound of Philly soul (TSOP). The strings, the horns, even that flute; all parts of that fabulous sound. To anybody from the area, it's unmistakable and pure Philly.
This song was on the radio once an hour over the summer of 1976.
Yeah, the Bi Centennial
NO ONE CAN BEAT THE BASS NO ONE PERIOD THEM 70s WOOOOW
An absolute Elton banger.
My Mom passed a month ago...she loved this tune. We both rocked it in the car before we knew we would lose her a few months later....she loved Elton John for her whole life.
One of the best produced / arranged songs Elton ever did - and that's saying something! Every instrument is perfect.
His best vocal performance.
Dee Murray is killin it on the bass guitar!
This is one of his best and definitely a person favorite of mine. "From the day that I was born I waved the Flag" This song always brings a good feeling. I knew y'all would love it.
Great reaction! This song is actually from the Captain Fantastic sessions recorded in 1974. "Philadelphia Freedom" was a stand-alone single released February 1975.
❤️❤️❤️❤️This is my all time favorite song from Elton John❤❤❤
I'm with you on that 👍
..."Class of 76"...This has always been a great song!
As a 9 yr. old kid the summer of 1976 it was a great 4th of July! For practically an entire year leading up to that 4th of July the US was in a deep dive into all things Colonial and Revolutionary period America, heck we even had special money! It was a great summer to be a kid and an even better Independence Day!! Philadelphia Freedom was a big part of those memories!
When this generation of musicians die off (and they're almost there) who is going to replace these bands producing this quality and variety of sound, lyrics and singing?
No One 😢
Indeed@😢😢😢
This song came out my sophomore year of high school. Living in a suburb of Philadelphia, this song was everywhere! We all knew the words in a day and couldn’t get enough of it. I saw him about 5 or 6 years later and the concert was amazing. The only downer was he didn’t play this song. Trust me though, the concert was AMAZING!
You’re still mossing out on one of his best: Funeral For A Friend/ Love Lies Bleeding.
This song came out when everybody was gearing up for the upcoming celebration of the bicentennial of the United States, while it wasn't written for that reason it still had a very patriotic feeling. i miss the 70's.
Tribute to Billie Jean King. Speaking of the Yellow Brick Road album, “Funeral for a Friend/Loves Lies Bleeding” is on that album - hint hint
This was not of the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album. It was released as a stand alone single
🔥BURN DOWN THE MISSION 🔥 Has to be your next Elton John song! You won’t be disappointed!
When my mom and I used to take the bus an hour long from the suburbs into Philadelphia to visit family there, she and one of her best friends (her friend was always singing, "shine the light, shine the light...") would always go to the clubs and I remember this was "The Jam"!!! ❤
From 1975, 2 years after the release of the GBYBR album. A non album single and EJ's foray into white boy soul. A number 1 in the USA, no 12 in the UK.
I haven't been so overwhelmed by music like this that makes me wanna break out and just dance ... dance for a long while ... wow. Thank You so much.
The song was written for the bicentennial forthcoming in 1976 but also as a tribute to Billie Jean King, the famed women's tennis pro who was forming a tennis league in the US. It was an idea ahead of it's time that didn't really work out. But the song was a huge hit because of the bicentennial. I graduated high school in '76 and the American flag was on the cover of our yearbook. Great song at the right time and a smash hit!
My top 5 Elton song!!!
Growing up during this time so enjoyed his music. Also got to see him twice live in concert. He was beyond amazing!!! Talk about high energy concerts!! Such a show man!!😊😊
This song was actually, originally, released on 45 RPM record around the same time that his album, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" was released. The later Special Editions and Deluxe Editions added it to the album again.
This song is my absolutely all-time favorite song from Sir Elton John. I LOVE THIS song!!! 🎉🎉🎉
This one…this ONE…Philadelphia Freedom - the violins in particular inspired me to take up violin lessons and decades later still lovin’ it all.
Elton is so good...
Favorite Elton John song, soulful with a nice bump in it...🎶
Remember singing this on the swing set in the 70's.
And now u swing on the underground swinging set 😅😊🥃🎸🎸🚬👍
Elton was one of the main contributors to the soundtrack of the 70s! Hit after hit after hit.
SOUNDS LIKE THE FANTASTIC 70s to me
It's the one Elton hit that is criminally under-reacted to. Such a dynamic and detailed musical gem.
Oh yes Indeedy! The Strings, Horns, Bass, Percussion.Just everything.Gus Dudgeon really knew how to do this Song 💗
His best vocal performance.
"Burn Down the Mission" "The Bitch is Back" "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" "Island Girl" are all bangers
"Are You Ready For Love" was produced in Philadelphia in 1979, but rightfully became a massive hit worldwide when it was re-released
"Are You Ready For Love" was produced in Philadelphia in 1979, and rightfully became a massive worldwide hit 2003 upon its re-release. A fantastic, uplifting, joyful song.
One of Elton's best songs, and if you ever saw him in concert, this song always brought the house down! Probably my favorite song his, thanks for the reaction!
His best vocal performance.
EJ did a great Live of Philadelphia Freedom on Soul Train. Another up-tempo underrated gem is his - Teacher I Need You.
I'm disappointed that they didn't react to the live gem on Soul Train 😞
@@63saruman Maybe if we all ask nice J&A will do that one!
On May 20, 1975 he performed this song then later Bennie and the jets.
My fav Elton John song ,awesome reaction as always ,love y’all.Thanks 😊 for always making me smile. 🙏🤗❤️
Love this Song! Philadelphia Freedom, Amoreena, and Pinball Wizard are the top 3 Elton Songs imo.
Amoreena is so sadly neglected. Although it was the opening track to the movie Dog Day Afternoon. Just a somewhat obscure piece of trivia.😊
@@brucedillinger9448 Yea that’s where I first heard it.
And Crocodile rock!
Can't have fun without snapping gators!
I liked, Don't go breaking my heart with Kiki Dee. I wasn't very old, but had a huge crush on her.
Elton's cover Pinball Wizard is even better than The Who song.
I love this young lady. Her reactions are soulful, no BS and are all there. Angelic.
Gosh...Brings me right back to riding the junior high school bus -this song sounds like that time FELT...Thanks for this...
ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS OF ALL-TIME!!!
Elton was at the top of his game when this was released as the single. Anyone remember how on the record (the 45) it was credited as The Elton John Band?
I remember everybody doing "The Bump" to this song back in the day.
WHO ELSE MISSE THE 1970s ?
My favorite Elton John song it sure brings back memories of highschool
Yes!!! Love this track!!!✌️😊🧿🦋💙
This is one of my all time favorite songs ever. Every time I hear it I just smile.😊
Thanks for your reaction.
Great song! You have to react to “Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding” by EJ next. I think you’ll be surprised!
The song was written by John and Taupin as a favour to John's friend, tennis star Billie Jean King, who was part of the Philadelphia Freedoms professional tennis team. The song features an orchestral arrangement by Gene Page that includes flutes, horns and strings.
Some More Elton John Songs To Recommend:
Song For Guy
Island Girl
Nobody Wins
Part Time Love
Kiss The Bride
Too Low For Zero
Crystal
Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding is an epic masterpiece!
@@francisseidel8014 It is indeed!
Love this song so much. Brings back the memories from the 70s and the good times.
Philadelphia Freedom is not on "Goodbye yellow brick road."
Being from the Philly area, thus has always been one of my favorite Elton John songs! Imagine what it was like seeing this song in Philly back in the day when you were from that area! Loved it!
One of my favorite EJ songs! So joyful and triumphant!!!!
His best vocal performance.
I feel fortunate to have seen Sir Elton in concert. Hit after hit.
I believe Elton had a hand in these lyrics, as it was written for his friend Billie Jean King. It was released in FEB 1975 and the Bicentennial celebration was already in full swing. Billie was a proponent of Woman's rights and equal pay. Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding Live version is to DIE FOR!!!
Best Elton John song, together with don’t do breaking my ❤️
1975 was a watershed year for Elton John. "Philadelphia Freedom" went to #1 in the U.S, Elton's duet with Neil Sedaka "Bad Blood" went to #1 also, two albums that debuted on the Billboard Album charts at #1 (Capt. Fantastic and Rock Of The Westies), first time an artist or group had back-to-back albums debut at #1 on Billboard, His cover of The Beatles "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" went to #1 in the U.S. And although Elton's version of "Pinball Wizard" was never commercially released as a single, it was all over the radio in 1975.
Philadelphia Freedom was released as a single in 1975 and was on his Greatest Hits Album Vol II. Great song...like you said...it has it all.
One of my favorite songs because of a memory it invokes. I was in the 8th grade when this song came out. We had a jukebox in the school cafeteria and this song was on it. It was played over and over and everyone soon learned all the words. When it was played after that THE WHOLE CAFETERIA would sing the entire song together! This went on for many days until the Principal came in one day and said we couldn't sing out loud because they could hear us in the classrooms in the main building! We tried not to sing. We really did but it was too much fun singing this song together. When the Principal came in we would notice and stop singing immediately. He eventually had that song taken off the jukebox. We switched to singing Island Girl out loud and he eventually took our jukebox away. Good times.
Elton John's "yellow brick road" was definitely true magic at the end of the 70s! man that sure was some rock and roll legendary magic!!!!
I live 30 miles west of Philly, when this song came out many many years ago, we took a lot of pride in this song.
Great song. I remember listening to it in college. Never get tired of it. One EJ's best
I love this song. Elton John is a true legend!💖💖
My goodness....nearly 50 years ago......America was such a different country, not perfect to be sure, but definitely seemed to be moving in the right direction.......
This one is so eclectic in the grit, the cadence and the instruments. The lyrics and arrangement vocally and musically keeps this song fresh even after nearly 50 years.
Thank you for listening to and loving my all time favorite song! Thrilled by your reactions and got chills listening to it fresh through your ears. The song was the second # 1 hit of his in a row that was not previously on an album (it was not on the original Goodbye Yellow Road); the hit before is one should listen to: Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds. Philadelphia Freedom was written as a tribute to Billie Jean King.
THE ENTIRE TWO-ALBUM SET IS AWESOME!!!
"BALLAD OF DANNY BAILEY". " ALL THE GIRLS LOVE ALICE". "GREY SEAL" AND EPITOME OF ELTON JOHN IN "FUNERAL FOR A FRIEND" 🙏❤❤❤🙏
First E.J. song I heard as a little kid in the 70's
Great memories
PINBALL WIZARD is a great one, yes!
One of my favorite Elton John songs and that’s saying a lot because he was absolutely prolific!!! Reminds me of my childhood and hearing this song on the radio!
I've always assumed that the arrangement and instrumentation on this track, heavy on strings, was an homage to the "Philly Sound" of Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International records, which was peaking in the mid-70s.
Edit: Indeed, found this on Wikipedia: The song was dedicated in part to "the Philadelphia sound", which included the soul music of the Delfonics and the Spinners and the talents of writer-producers Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell; John would work with Bell two years later on an EP that came to be known as The Thom Bell Sessions.
Just about all of Eltons songs were so well produced that the music, vocals and all the instruments come through exceptionally rich, clear and full. Such a listening pleasure!