I always really liked this song. It's very unique. It doesn't sound like a hit single, of course, but its a great album track to my ears. It has a great spirit and energy. ❤️
It reached No.5 in the Official UK Singles Charts. So many people made it a hit. Granted there isn't much to it but it sticks in your head and that's what a good song should do. ☮
The Journey of the Denied Passengers in Elton John's 'Passengers' Elton John's song 'Passengers' addresses deep and complex themes, using the metaphor of a train and its passengers to explore issues of exclusion, hypocrisy and the struggle for acceptance. The insistent repetition of the phrase 'Deny the passenger, who wants to get on' suggests a constant barrier faced by those who want to be part of something bigger but are continually rejected. The lyrics mention 'a chain of fools' and 'one hypocritical fool', indicating that exclusion is not just a matter of being left out, but also of being manipulated by those in power. The image of a 'black train built of bones on a copper rail' evokes a sense of despair and fatalism, as if the train represents an oppressive system that feeds on the suffering of the excluded. Additionally, the song touches on themes of emotional pain and stagnation, as evidenced by the line 'falling on a ticket that no one's used in years'. This suggests that many are stuck in a cycle of waiting and frustration, unable to move forward. The idea of 'living in a blood bank and riding on this train' reinforces the feeling of being trapped in a system that drains people's vitality. However, the line 'the spirit's free, but you always find passengers stand and wait in line' offers a note of hope, suggesting that despite hardships, the human spirit remains resilient.
Number 15 on my list of favourite Elton John songs. Like "Bennie And The Jets," "The Wide-Eyed And Laughing," and "Lord Of The Flies," "Passengers" sounds like nothing EJ recorded before (or since). A deserved top ten in the U.K. Special cameo by Bernie Taupin who wanted to make a "matching pair." 😉
I just looked up the lyrics for this song none of it makes any sense. But then again Elton John was a weirdo back then and so was his writer. Sounds like the Village People in the background singing. Why not.
I believe this was about South Africa and apartheid, so I understood the unusual rhythm and feel. The verses and the bridge of the song are great, even if the chorus is a bit too repetitive and irritating. An oddity in Elton's catalogue, but it grew on me.
![Chino Pacas - Smith (ft. Junior H & Fuerza Regida) [Video Visualizador Oficial]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/BVK6k56X30Y/mqdefault.jpg)
I always really liked this song. It's very unique. It doesn't sound like a hit single, of course, but its a great album track to my ears. It has a great spirit and energy. ❤️
It reached No.5 in the Official UK Singles Charts. So many people made it a hit. Granted there isn't much to it but it sticks in your head and that's what a good song should do. ☮
It does sound like a hit single to me 😮
I belted it out at karaoke recently 😂
This song was a single in Britain and did well. It was not released as a single in the U.S. having released "Who Wears These Shoes ?" instead.
The Journey of the Denied Passengers in Elton John's 'Passengers'
Elton John's song 'Passengers' addresses deep and complex themes, using the metaphor of a train and its passengers to explore issues of exclusion, hypocrisy and the struggle for acceptance. The insistent repetition of the phrase 'Deny the passenger, who wants to get on' suggests a constant barrier faced by those who want to be part of something bigger but are continually rejected.
The lyrics mention 'a chain of fools' and 'one hypocritical fool', indicating that exclusion is not just a matter of being left out, but also of being manipulated by those in power. The image of a 'black train built of bones on a copper rail' evokes a sense of despair and fatalism, as if the train represents an oppressive system that feeds on the suffering of the excluded.
Additionally, the song touches on themes of emotional pain and stagnation, as evidenced by the line 'falling on a ticket that no one's used in years'. This suggests that many are stuck in a cycle of waiting and frustration, unable to move forward. The idea of 'living in a blood bank and riding on this train' reinforces the feeling of being trapped in a system that drains people's vitality. However, the line 'the spirit's free, but you always find passengers stand and wait in line' offers a note of hope, suggesting that despite hardships, the human spirit remains resilient.
Number 15 on my list of favourite Elton John songs. Like "Bennie And The Jets," "The Wide-Eyed And Laughing," and "Lord Of The Flies," "Passengers" sounds like nothing EJ recorded before (or since). A deserved top ten in the U.K.
Special cameo by Bernie Taupin who wanted to make a "matching pair." 😉
Love Taupin’s appearance! Very rare in an Elton video.
this song is sooo cool.
Nice 80's feel and represents a great time for everyone, even Elton. And he didn't slap the dog shit out of anyone in the whole video!
Released: June 18, 1984
Omg I didn’t know there was a music video for this song!
I just looked up the lyrics for this song none of it makes any sense. But then again Elton John was a weirdo back then and so was his writer. Sounds like the Village People in the background singing. Why not.
Elton John has had some fantastic songs. This isn’t one of them.
True, he's had better songs ...
You don’t think so? I think it’s pretty good. It’s not an all time hit, but good lyrics and a fun beat!
Sure it's no Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters but it's also no Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters Part II
I believe this was about South Africa and apartheid, so I understood the unusual rhythm and feel. The verses and the bridge of the song are great, even if the chorus is a bit too repetitive and irritating. An oddity in Elton's catalogue, but it grew on me.
I totally understand your comment.
Love elton but this one isnt good
yes it is actually.