My God but my generation was so blessed musically. Almost too much greatness. What the hell has happened to music today?? I guess it has gone like a candle in the wind.
Thanks very much for submitting this song, DJ. This is from my favorite Elton album. It’s a beautiful song and he keeps it simple with limited accompaniment. I think the instrument Harri you’re wondering about is the mandolin, I’m not positive. Another great early song from EJ!
For unless they see the sky. But, they can't and that is why. They know not if its dark outside or light. Bernie was my favorite lyricists in my 64 years on earth. My favorite Elton John songs never made the radio. Talking Old Soldiers, Indian Sunset, Blues for Baby and Me, Harmony, Salvation, My Father's Gun, Sweet Painted Lady, Come Down in Time, Country Comfort, Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters. I want Goodbye played at my funeral.
Old Elton is the best Elton. Adore this song. Have you listened to Mad Man Across the Water as of yet? If not, you must. He was so great before he sold himself to Disney. Then it was just mundane.
I’m 64. Listened to this guy throughout the 70s This is a song I never had patience for Was too slow for my teenage mind. Would change the station when it came on. I love this song
I'm the same age and I don't think I ever heard this song back in the 70s on the radio. The one I would hear a lot was Honky Cat on NYC am stations. And I liked it a lot.
It's my favorite Elton song. Thank you. First listened to this album on a rainy day in Oregon many years ago. It always hits deep. Thank you again for reacting to this.
So glad you discovered this song. Always one of my top 5 Elton songs, unknown to most. It's a fun and difficult song to sing but I can sing it because it's in my range and key. Keep exploring Elton, his older albums are incredible, most without a bad track. If you haven't heard them yet try "Talking Old Soldiers" and "Burn Down the Mission." Thanks Harri!
Bernie Taupin wrote the words after his first visit to New York. He was amazed how the tall buildings blocked the sun and it looked dark or cloudy all the time. Thus the lyrics, "they say good morning to the night, for unless they see the sky, but they can't and that is why, they know not if it's dark outside or light."
I agree with you, Harri--the early, direct, bluesy, acoustic Elton is my favorite. His best attributes are front and center, on his early albums: in chronological order: Elton John, 17-11-70 (a live recording of a radio broadcast), Tumbleweed Connection, Madman Across The Water, and the album Mad Hatters is from--Honky Chateau. IMO these are Elton's heart and peak, and stand head and shoulders above his later work, great as it is. A particular favorite of mine from HC is Susie (dramas). It's more of a roots rocker, and shows Elton in his muscular prime. Peach and joy to you and yours.
Elton's voice never sounded as sublimely elegant as this. My absolute favorite Elton tune. And as a New Yorker, I love his lyric about the rich and poor sharing the subway.
The song is about New York City and, if I remember correctly, either him or Bernie Taupin got the idea for the song by listening to the sounds of the city one night, which included a shooting in Spanish Harlem. "And now I know....the Spanish Harlem's not just pretty words to say...." I could be wrong though. I'd have to go back and read the story of the song.
I think I heard this song for the first time 22 years ago, when I watched on television as Elton John performed it during The Concert for New York City. It’s astonishing to think he and Bernie Taupin wrote it 30 years before that, not knowing how its haunting lyricism and melody would strike just the right note-so many years later-for everyone in the audience that night. Powerful and classic.
It's a pretty hard song to sing! There's a live version out there and he absolutely nailed it......maybe even better than the studio version. Just beautiful. (I think that's a mandolin?)
Some of Elton John's greatest songs weren't his hits. I don't believe this one ever was in the top 100, and yet among Elton John fans, this has to be near the top of many lists. Such a beautiful song.
Heavy hitting Elton John song with one of the best set of lyrics by Bernie Taupin in their whole catalogue! Now we just need to apply a little bit of the Harri Best magic in this reaction! Can't wait to experience this masterpiece!!!
Such a beautiful song. Just add a little mandolin accompaniment and it takes it over the top imo. A lot of my favourite songs seem to have mandolin included in them. Just seems to give a song nostalgia or something. Also o agree with you about voice in this era was amazing.
For the sheer length and consistency of his career, Elton John is perhaps the greatest songwriter ever. There can't be any one of his tracks that isn't liked by anyone anywhere. His backstory is extremely interesting too.
Harri, I wholeheartedly agree with you about the early Elton John’s voice, tone and piano. I think his first encounter with Taupin was a match made in heaven😂. What an amazing songwriting team! Thanks Harri and DJBilodeau 🌺🌺✌️
When I was a kid, my dad introduced me to this song. There was another song of Elton's that I was listening to from the Reg Strikes Back album that was actually called Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters Part 2, and my dad said that there was another song I should listen to. So, he out on the Honky Tonk Chateau album and this song came on. It sings of a British man's first visit to New York City and his impressions of the city. And it is this song and Empty Garden that help me feel the connection between my dad and I a little stronger.
I've seen a couple of people mention it, but you really should check out Maren Morris's cover version of this song. As good as Elton's original is, I think the Morris cover is even better.
Good try bro, but a Mandolin, not a uke or a banjo, most commonly used in Bluegrass, but the Zep uses it a lot on the album w/ Battle of Evermore, & Stairway to Heaven, maybe Zepellin 4..... But this is an amazing & emotional, beautiful tune. Always brings me to tears.
Hard to argue that this is Elton's most underrated song. Majestic top to bottom.
they know not if its dartk outside or light.❤
It sounds like a mandolin
“I thank the Lord, for the people I have found…” I live by this every day. Fantastic song.
Not one of Elton’s songs that received much radio air time but it’s my favorite tune of his❤
It's a dang masterpiece of a song that's for sure; from an equally amazing record.
This one makes me think of my mom.. A Queens girl, and St John’s grad.. Miss you Rosemary..
Bernie Taupin is one of the great lyricists, and it is amazing how Elton John interprets them so brilliantly.
I agree with you about his early music being so good!
My God but my generation was so blessed musically. Almost too much greatness. What the hell has happened to music today?? I guess it has gone like a candle in the wind.
I believe it is a mandolin
Thanks very much for submitting this song, DJ. This is from my favorite Elton album. It’s a beautiful song and he keeps it simple with limited accompaniment. I think the instrument Harri you’re wondering about is the mandolin, I’m not positive. Another great early song from EJ!
One of my favorites ... also love Madman Across the Water
One of my favorite Elton John songs. Maren Morris, a country singer, did a rendition of this song that will bring tears to even Elton's eyes.
Heart does a version also. ❤
Heart Does an Amazing Rendition of this!! Nancy singing Lead and strumming a 12 string Guitar. Live in Seattle 2002
I'll check that out. I like her. I didn't know she did it. Thank you.
Can you imagine Elton had a short visit with Gentle Giant. As I got gray with Elton, I've come to love all his old songs all over again ✨️🎶✨️
mandolin. its' used a fair amount in the elton of the 70's. and each use is a delight.
For unless they see the sky. But, they can't and that is why. They know not if its dark outside or light. Bernie was my favorite lyricists in my 64 years on earth. My favorite Elton John songs never made the radio. Talking Old Soldiers, Indian Sunset, Blues for Baby and Me, Harmony, Salvation, My Father's Gun, Sweet Painted Lady, Come Down in Time, Country Comfort, Mona Lisa and Mad Hatters. I want Goodbye played at my funeral.
Old Elton is the best Elton. Adore this song. Have you listened to Mad Man Across the Water as of yet? If not, you must. He was so great before he sold himself to Disney. Then it was just mundane.
This is my favorite Elton tune. Love the mandolin.
I think this is one of my favourite Elton John songs. I just love it thank you DJ and Harri.
Some of Bernie's finest lyrics
In my opinion his early stuff was his absolute best. The entire Madman across the water album is nothing but classics!
I was born in NYC, it's a great song.
Elton has SO many great songs and here are a few more that are sure to please! "Ticking" "Salvation" "Country Comfort" and "Someones Final Song"
I’m 64. Listened to this guy throughout the 70s This is a song I never had patience for Was too slow for my teenage mind. Would change the station when it came on. I love this song
I'm the same age and I don't think I ever heard this song back in the 70s on the radio. The one I would hear a lot was Honky Cat on NYC am stations. And I liked it a lot.
It's my favorite Elton song. Thank you. First listened to this album on a rainy day in Oregon many years ago. It always hits deep. Thank you again for reacting to this.
So glad you discovered this song. Always one of my top 5 Elton songs, unknown to most. It's a fun and difficult song to sing but I can sing it because it's in my range and key. Keep exploring Elton, his older albums are incredible, most without a bad track. If you haven't heard them yet try "Talking Old Soldiers" and "Burn Down the Mission." Thanks Harri!
Bernie Taupin wrote the words after his first visit to New York. He was amazed how the tall buildings blocked the sun and it looked dark or cloudy all the time. Thus the lyrics, "they say good morning to the night, for unless they see the sky, but they can't and that is why, they know not if it's dark outside or light."
Adore this song. Ty for reaction!
My favorite song by Elton John ever.
My all time favorite Elton John song.
Early Elton=PRICELESS
I have to come back to this one again, Harri. Of all his songs, this is such a powerful one.
A favorite Bernie T.-Elton J' epic poem. (Discovered through the fictional/true Rock film "Almost Famous -before getting the album of Honky Ch')
This was used effectively in the movie Almost Famous!
The title song from Mad Man Across the Water is a must! Nothing like it since!
I agree with you, Harri--the early, direct, bluesy, acoustic Elton is my favorite. His best attributes are front and center, on his early albums: in chronological order: Elton John, 17-11-70 (a live recording of a radio broadcast), Tumbleweed Connection, Madman Across The Water, and the album Mad Hatters is from--Honky Chateau. IMO these are Elton's heart and peak, and stand head and shoulders above his later work, great as it is. A particular favorite of mine from HC is Susie (dramas). It's more of a roots rocker, and shows Elton in his muscular prime.
Peach and joy to you and yours.
One of my top five of Sir Elton.
My favorite Elton John song. Just beautiful. Thanks for sharing this one Harri. 🙂
Excellent ❤
Elton's voice never sounded as sublimely elegant as this. My absolute favorite Elton tune. And as a New Yorker, I love his lyric about the rich and poor sharing the subway.
One of my top 3 EJ songs
I'm pretty sure that a mandolin, but no matter what it is it's beautiful just like everything in this song.
Im a sucker for piano Especially Sir Elton John. Ty Harri and DJ. Slainte ☘️ 5:29
The song is about New York City and, if I remember correctly, either him or Bernie Taupin got the idea for the song by listening to the sounds of the city one night, which included a shooting in Spanish Harlem. "And now I know....the Spanish Harlem's not just pretty words to say...."
I could be wrong though. I'd have to go back and read the story of the song.
Tumbleweed Connection is my fav Elton album. I started piano at 7, so I'm a huge fan ❤
He was at his best on this kind of number in this time period.
I think I heard this song for the first time 22 years ago, when I watched on television as Elton John performed it during The Concert for New York City. It’s astonishing to think he and Bernie Taupin wrote it 30 years before that, not knowing how its haunting lyricism and melody would strike just the right note-so many years later-for everyone in the audience that night. Powerful and classic.
It's a pretty hard song to sing! There's a live version out there and he absolutely nailed it......maybe even better than the studio version. Just beautiful. (I think that's a mandolin?)
One of his bests🩷.
Some of Elton John's greatest songs weren't his hits. I don't believe this one ever was in the top 100, and yet among Elton John fans, this has to be near the top of many lists. Such a beautiful song.
My favorite Elton John song. Thanks as usual for choosing to react to this.
Heavy hitting Elton John song with one of the best set of lyrics by Bernie Taupin in their whole catalogue! Now we just need to apply a little bit of the Harri Best magic in this reaction! Can't wait to experience this masterpiece!!!
Such a beautiful song. Just add a little mandolin accompaniment and it takes it over the top imo. A lot of my favourite songs seem to have mandolin included in them. Just seems to give a song nostalgia or something.
Also o agree with you about voice in this era was amazing.
One of his best songs and albums
For the sheer length and consistency of his career, Elton John is perhaps the greatest songwriter ever. There can't be any one of his tracks that isn't liked by anyone anywhere. His backstory is extremely interesting too.
As usual, an incredible program. We bring you our jewels and you put them in the most beautiful settings! Thanks again Harri!
encore un titre magnifique !...
You should also listen to Blue Eyes
Harri, I wholeheartedly agree with you about the early Elton John’s voice, tone and piano. I think his first encounter with Taupin was a match made in heaven😂. What an amazing songwriting team! Thanks Harri and DJBilodeau 🌺🌺✌️
His best song.
Love this song, nice choice
Harri, love your reactions and how you describe your emotions about the songs. I think that may be mandolin you are hearing also. Thanks!
When I was a kid, my dad introduced me to this song. There was another song of Elton's that I was listening to from the Reg Strikes Back album that was actually called Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters Part 2, and my dad said that there was another song I should listen to. So, he out on the Honky Tonk Chateau album and this song came on. It sings of a British man's first visit to New York City and his impressions of the city. And it is this song and Empty Garden that help me feel the connection between my dad and I a little stronger.
Awesome tune!!!
Marion Morris singing Mad Hatters is also amazing to hear…
This is such an underrated album.
Love this song ❤
Nothing better than early Elton. I sughest My Father's Gun off of Tumbleweed Connection.
Thanks for making my day!
Harri you must listen to : Blues for baby and me: and : Roy Rogers : two underrated EJ songs
Bernie Taupin❤❤
I've seen a couple of people mention it, but you really should check out Maren Morris's cover version of this song. As good as Elton's original is, I think the Morris cover is even better.
I believe that is neither a banjo nor Ukulele but a mandolin.
Good try bro, but a Mandolin, not a uke or a banjo, most commonly used in Bluegrass, but the Zep uses it a lot on the album w/ Battle of Evermore, & Stairway to Heaven, maybe Zepellin 4..... But this is an amazing & emotional, beautiful tune. Always brings me to tears.
Does anyone feel like it has an almost gospel, spiritual feel to it. Least, that is what my ears hear.
Neither ukulele nor banjo, it's a mandolin.
We listened in High school, didn't understand ?
MANDOLIN
I'm going to infer that the instrument you are calling out is actually a mandolin?
Actually, it sounds like a mandolin to me - no banjo or ukelele.