I'm 65 yrs old,my dad is dying,he is 92,I play this song and cry my eyes out,because this song is both of us and all we been thew as best buddy's and enemies.Thx so much for uploading and thank you Elton for writing this fab piece. LUV YOU ALWAYS DAD❤
@@jeis1121 I am so excited me and my bff with Cancer is going to Elton's concert on the 22nd of October 2022 his last one in Vancouver. Sorry about yr dad!💗My dad past away on xmas morning 2:30am/2016 just 2.5hrs after we watched a movie together!😞💗 So,i feel yr pain.💗
I lost my dad unexpectedly at 29…I feel your pain and I miss him everyday. I would give anything to just have one more conversation with him. Enjoy the time you have left and all the times y’all had.
I was born in ‘69 and I never knew my father & my mom was never around. So my brother who was 12yrs older quit school and got a job in which he rode his 10speed to work just to keep us together. It’s crazy that you don’t understand the love that it took at such a young age. He was still in his teenage years but he gave up school, missing out on all the fun a regular teenager gets to enjoy just to keep us together! Like I said, it wasn’t til I got older that I realized how much of his life he gave up so we wouldn’t be separated. There was always music playing in our home & I fell in love with Elton. I couldn’t put into words because I was too young but his music grabbed & squeezed at my heart. This song and Daniel will always remind me of my brother. I probably send him this song at least once a month and tell him how much I truly appreciate all he did and all he sacrificed on my behalf, he is my Levon and my Daniel and I love him more than words can say and I praise God that I had him because I don’t know where I would be today without him. This song hits-my heart, it buried itself deep within my soul and lives within me and will forever! Thank You Brother (D.T) I love you sooo much!!! ❤️❣️💯😊😊🙏
To my dad: this is the version you watched. I remember sitting at the table listening to this. I miss you so much. I know you loved this song. When I have kids I will name my son Levon. R.i.p dad. I will see you again
Imagine how Bernie Taupin feels. He writes down lines of words in verses then sends them to Elton. Words. Then Elton reads the words and writes the music. Must be an incredible feeling that Taupin feels when he hears how Elton turns his words into a song. Great song writng partners. Both needed one another to do this, making such beautiful music.
YES! Best writing team in all the world. I am grateful to have lived in his rise, from the very start. No better soulmate writers than these two, to this day!
Probably because you're a book monster. It's about a father, son, and grandson, but manages to give it a mythic feeling -- the life pattern of ALL fathers and sons, good men. The proof is in the comments section. VERY hard to do so well in so few words!
This is my favorite Elton John song. It came out in 1971, the year I was born. Apparently John and Taupin borrowed the name Levon from Levon Helm, lead singer of The Band, one of their favorite bands of the time. Alvin Tostig is Levon's father in the song, but there was a Tostig who was Earl of Wessex; Taupin may have borrowed his surname for the song. Well. I've said too much. It's a great song!
how did he fit all this music into this song? pure genius This should have been in Rocket man. Philadelphia freedom too They don't make music like they used to.
Hi, I'm Lauren. I'm going to name my son (when I have kids) Levon in memory of my dad and this song. My dad didn't listen to a lot of elton john songs but I do. He loved this song and he listened to this song and this exact version, this very video. He was taken at the young age of 50, leaving me now 14 (then 13) without my dad, aka my best friend, so his name will be in memorial of him. Rip dad, I love you. September 18th 1969-April 18th 2020. He died exactly 1 month after my brothers Birthday.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I too, lost both parents when I was young. A few years older than you but, it doesn't change the pain of the loss. I think your idea of naming a son Levon as an homage to your dad is a beautiful one. Maybe your dad's first name could be your Levon's middle name. Either way, it's a beautiful idea. I hope you get to do it some day. Much Love and Light to you.💖💖😘😘🙏🙏👍👍
So you must be 17 now, right? I’m so sorry you lost your dad at such a young age. Thirteen is really a critical time for all of us….going through puberty, etc. It’s an awkward time for sure. It sounds like you loved your dad very much! I too was born in 1969, in June, and I just turned 55 so your dad would be 54 right now, and my son, Jett, was born on Sept 18, 2000. I’ve loved Elton John since I was a child in the 70’s. My parents had some of his albums back then and my brother and I would listen to them. I’ve really come to love this song, Levon, over the past several years. My dad is 77 now and not doing too well. I think of many things when I hear this song. My twin brother passed away in 2016 so I think about him a lot. Do you still think you’ll name your son, Levon, when you have kids? It’s a beautiful name and this song brings to it so much meaning! Anyway, my deepest condolences to you and your family and his many friends. Take care. 😊
Elton John is with out a doubt a musical Genius ! His music has touched the hearts of many for many decade's and without a doubt touch many more people's hearts many years to come. Including Kings and Queens and adults and teens . He is considered by many , one of the most respected and talented music artists in the world today. Thank you Sir Elton John for all of your many beautiful and wonderful songs ❤️
I just heard that he was coming to town in October! best believe i will be there shining my love and thankfulness on him! he has always been here for me and this song specifically speaks to my soul- peace to all that read this ❤
I always thought Elton was saying "leave on". Been listening to this song since it first came out in the 70's and NEVER thought about the lyrics, until today, in 2023! So Levon is a person! And Jesus is his son who wants to break free of Levons tradition's as a pauper to a pawn. Very ingenious of Elton to create such a beautiful sound while building in this father/son storyline. The POWER of music never ceases to amaze me, but why sould it, the sound of music is God's wonderful creation to man.
Bernie Taupin has written all the lyrics, then sends them to Elton to write the music portion and record them. It's always been that way Bernie is a very private man and shuns the spotlight as much as possible.
Great music makes you happy! Take me back when life was just simpler and music was music! People knew how to sing! Man I miss these days! Elton pure genius!😍
With out Elton I wud of taken my life long ago but wen I listen to him brings back simpler times in my life.wish I was rich I ask him to come play for me he's got it going on love you alron John u will always rock in my book and heart.
@@evamaria644 The song as I hear it is actually about a father named Levon who rather selfishly plans out a future for his son, Jesus. Levon wants Jesus to run the business that Levon ran and made successful; sending Jesus to the finest school in town - but Jesus decides to leave his dad and go his own way in life. Like a balloon , he floats off in life away from the family business. Levon is crushed by his dashed hopes for himself and his son, Jesus; hurt by what has happened; Jesus leaving him and Jesus not fulfilling his dreams of continuing making money with his Dad's business, Levon slowly dies. Most beautiful song that Elton ever made, IMO Being greedy and wanting to dictate your child's life is not the way go as a father. I think that is what Taupin is saying in this terrific song. People ultimately should make their own decisions, doing what will make them happy and not hurting others. You can't make your child be like you and how you want them to be. In reality, a child has to live his or her own life. Sadly, Levon never came to terms with this truth. Jesus shall not be Levon and be a good man in tradition with the family plan running Levon's business making more money - no matter how much Levon wants Jesus to do this and follow in his dad's footsteps. Jesus flies off like a balloon away from his father and the family business.
Same! All of Elton's songs have meaning to me. I can remember when I first heard many of them and what was happening at that time. It was a good time, all my family was still alive and I was young and happy!
I’m sitting in a tire place waiting to get winter tires on my van. This song comes on - I’ve heard it many times before - but I have no clue why it’s triggering me to just about cry out loud. Eyes are watery…….powerful song. Music is SO healing in ways we don’t even fully comprehend yet.
I love Elton John music, but somehow I alway loved his earlier recordings, especially, Levon. Took me years to figure out the tile of this masterpiece single. Thank you, Mr. Elton for being such a fine songwriter that you are. You music touch many hearts.
Sir Elton John, I want to thank you for the lives you have, and will in the future, change. Although you have probably heard this a million times before, and I am not telling you anything you don’t already know, but I, and everybody else in humanity, owe you a debt of gratitude for the inspiration, courage, and joy you have given us. As a musician, I have seen the power and joy music gives people. Sure, when you are looking at all those faces and seeing how much they love you is a feeling indescribable, but remember why they love you. Reading the posts written by people describing how you got them through the loss of love ones, prevented committing suicide. How you created love, brought people together; the memories you helped create uplifting souls, and given them the means to cherish these memories for the rest of their lives. Past, present, and future generations lives are forever changed all because of Elton John. You helped influence countless lives for the better. I am sure the fame and money you enjoy are nice, you definitely deserve it, but I doubt that is why you do what you do, it is just a benefit. Please just remember: hundreds of years from now, Just as Beethoven, you will be remembered, and rightfully so. Anyways, thank you; thank you for the lives you saved, thank you for changing the world for the better, and thank you for the gift you have given us. Regards, Human Kind
Just when you think you'll never find new favorite songs, you hear works from the 1960s and 1970s from people like Elton John. His old songs are the best!
My favorite Elton John song. My Brother Daniel died many years ago, and it was and still is hard not to get misty hearing this song. Thank You so much, Sir Elton John.
My dad was named after this song, i teared up thinking that this song will probably play at his funeral, Elton John, im 13 years old, and your the greatest voice ive heard ever sing, and im so glad these songs make me feel the way i do.
This is actually my favorite Elton John song Just saw him in concert Prob my favorite artist 😁 I think I am going to make a tshirt that says, "Who is Alvin Tostig?"
There is no shortage of great Bernie Taupin lyrics ... here, he outdoes himself... then we have Elton sounding like he is truly a character, a living, breathing man telling this important story of a father and son filled with sound and fury. Absolutely stunning. Ecstatic. Euphoria.
The sign of great lyrics is that they mean so many things to so many different people. Don't worry too much about what the song represented to Elton John. Your meaning of the song is the right meaning, in a sense. Summary: the song is written in a way where you can put your own meaning to it and it's not wrong.
yes, EJ often doesn't really know what he's singing about. He was asked very early on by a Swedish interviewer what Burn Down The Mission was about. He went slightly red and mumbled something but you could tell he didn't have a clue!!
i saw elton john in nashville april 5th 2013, my 26th birthday. fuckin unbelievable! he played a 3 hour set i was in a state of shock after the show it was so incredible. ive seen a lot of concerts but this was by far the best show i have ever seen. what an amazingly talented man. i will never forget it. never. i still cant believe it. i was there. i saw sir elton perform live! what????!!!!!!!!!!! MIND BLOWING!!!!!
crosseyedharry I saw Sir Elton John on March 17th of 2012 and I absolutely agree with you, it was a glorious concert. He had on a fabulous St. Patrick's Day outfit, the crowd was giving him shamrocks and necklaces (which he gladly accepted and wore), the whole atmosphere was perfect. My mom and I were blown away by what an entertainer he his, especially considering his age. That concert was the best night of my life.
Yes mine too. The day I heard it, well it brought me to tears. Back when it was first released... Also Harry Neilson... Glad you enjoyed it... Maybe try Steve Wilson or Porcupine Tree.... Enjoy😌
Shoutout my pops for putting me on this as a child. 90s baby with a love for that 70s vibe. Elton is my top 3 outside of my typical music. I still can love & appreciate this song & so many other classics by Elton. Pops u still here standing front line with me but thank u for putting me on this gold. Had a hard head growing up & made ur life hard but all the lessons u taught me. Gonna give my dad his flowers while he is here. Thank u & Love u pops 💚
I met Elton Johm music in the 70s. Classic music that inspired my chilhood. Levon was one of the classic songs. One time in my classroom in the 80s in high school our instrutor told us to exposed a song in the class. I didnt have the equiptment and i lived with my elderly parents. I didnt know what to expose in my class. But i had a long play record and i sected "Levon". It was my turn. Everybody exposed good music. I did firts my presentantion, then i played the record with the song " Levon". My surprise, the sudents liked it. I got the firts place. They applaused me. My teacher loved it too. Thanks, Elton for your classic goldem music.
Like so many others here, I'm just amazed at how well Bernie and Elton hold up after fifty years. I grew up in the 1970s with their songs all around me, but it's almost as if I never really listened to them -- I keep "rediscovering" them. My first reaction is always: "OMG I forgot about that!" But then I study the lyrics and realize: "That's even BETTER than I thought." And it just keeps happening. Last year it was "Tiny Dancer." Now it's "Levon."
my son's middle name is Levon. his son's middle name is Levon. my son was born July 1987. i had never heard this song. my husband played it for me and i have loved it ever since.
I'm 63 and remember this song so well from my teen years. Both of my parents are dead now and didn't leave me with many happy memories, even this song. My teen years are filled with loneliness and sneaking around trying not to get caught. Prob. why I let my kids get away with so much, yet they turned out pretty good😊. In spite of my "bad parenting".
The piano....strings...band....that voice..that great song....is just beautiful beyond compare! Sincerely,BobbyK Goodbye 2017,and Happy New Year,2018,to all!! Sincerely,BobbyK
Most beautiful song I ever heard, ...and a very sad one as I hear it. A boy growing up leaving his father to go his own way in life. Not going to take over dad's business in tradition with the family plan like Levon wants him to do. This is what Levon wished for as Levon raised his son with dreams of keeping his business strong sending Levon to the finest school in town. Levon is Alan Tostig's son, and indeed, Levon did run the business in tradition with the family plan. After his son, Jesus, leaves the home, Levon is left to slowly die alone without Jesus at his side. You shouldn't be greedy and try to dictate your child's life. Jesus wants to live his own life. He takes off like a balloon flying away from his father, Levon, and the family business. Very sad story is told with this hauntingly beautiful music. Taupin is a genius lyricist.
While I always thought "Tumbleweed Connection" was Elton's finest moment (and it was) -- that "Madman Across the Water" album had some gripping Elton John moments on it. I knew this man was here to stay with that album. "Levon" & "Tiny Dancer" are enduring classics. Absolutely superb songs written perfectly and sung with a sincerity rarely found in rock.
Wow I remember hearing this song in the car when I was about 7 or 8, and not understanding a single word, but getting goosebumps when the chorus played. When I heard it again, the nostalgia was crazy.
I describe many songs I love By Elton John as songs I used to listen to when I was a little kid in the car. I get it. They mean so much more to me now but even then they were magic
I listened to this all the time back then. I thought he, Elton John was saying, " Live On ". You know sometimes the English Accent shows up. Beautiful Elton, Beautiful ❤️ Mars = Man, Venus = Woman Mercury = Freddie
"Levon" is a song written and recorded by Elton John with lyrics written by Bernie Taupin. It is from John's fourth album Madman Across the Water and was recorded on February 27, 1971. Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics for "Levon", was inspired by The Band's co-founder, drummer, and singer Levon Helm to name the title character after him. The Band was apparently Elton John's and Bernie Taupin's favourite group in those days. The "Alvin Tostig" mentioned in the song (Levon's father) is, according to Taupin, purely fictional.Many of the songs on this album are abstract comments on modern American (cosmopolitan) society and culture which reflects Taupin's thinking of the time. EJ put the music and accent together and hey presto!
Long before Wikipedia we would just sit around and share great stories and trivia like this. Back then we just would have joked "Cliff Claven" Please don't be afraid to catch someone's glance today and have the courage to say HELLO 🍀❤🍀❤🍀❤🍀❤ GOOD LUCK AND ALL LOVE PEOPLE OF 🌎🌍🌏
@@fredlougee2807 isn't a lougee another name for a big glob of snot spit out on the sidewalk ?? it is a whole germy world down there on that ground so go on and join your friends...be a polite little snot rocket and mind your own fucking business next time....dope !! oh, happy holidays...
Like most great poetry, this means different things to different people. To me it's three generations of men. I see Alvin Tostig as a poor immigrant in America who works hard to get a better life for his family. His son Levon follows in his father's footsteps and builds family fortune. Jesus is a dreamer who lives for love rather than money, having never known poverty and struggle. There is no right or wrong, they are all products of circumstances and opportunity.
yeah actually they do, but sometimes it may be in a genre you don't listen to!! Try listening to some Five Finger Death Punch and you'll see their lyrics can be pretty powerful. " listen to the meaning before you judge the screaming."
It is about the relationship of a father and son. Parents have intentions of what they want their children to do when they grow up. Levon controls his son Jesus's life and wants him to be a balloon maker. Jesus wants his own life. He wants to break away from Levon. There is alot of change going on during the song. The war reference by the N.Y. Times, and breaking tradition.
I think its about a heroin dealer. He likes his money and blows up balloons all day as in heroin balloons. Jesus wants to try it and it send him to venus ,and he is addicted . .... God is dead and the war begun. The war on drugs and drugs are the devil hence God is dead. His war wound like a crown is his addiction
just yesterday i went to see elton john in concert. i have been so several concerts, one of which was my second favorite band even still him singing this song is the greatest live performance i have ever seen. and that is beating both styx: come sail away AND def leopard: hysteria.
This and Tiny Dancer...WOW, WOW, Brilliant !!!!!!!! Good old days. Never will be seen again. I so miss the 70s and 80s Elton John and Bernie Turpin have an uncanny gift for producing extremely catchy lyrics and songs.
Well hasn't been a comment for a while. To all the friends of him and his family, and to the world, we have to admire Elton John's visceral power to produce powerful music and lyrics. Had this song in my head for some reason this morning, so i had to play it. Here's to our good friend, and the knighted Elton John! Cheers!
Maybe being a bit of a oldie at 61, I think that although Elton had many great songs this is one of a couple that for some reason will always stop me in my tracks and get my total attention. GREAT tempo and harmony.....
Karie Fox-Stanton: same here. i was a kid in grade school, both my parents were alive, i was riding my bike around the neighborhood, if i got lucky i'd kiss a girl or two. age of innocence.
Elton John was among the many musicians influenced by Levon Helm and The Band. That impact is memorialized in the song “Levon,” "I had no idea he was sick so I’m very dismayed and shocked that he died so quickly. But now my son [Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John] has his name.”
![Megan Thee Stallion - Mamushi (Remix) [feat. TWICE] [Official Audio]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/5c0_u9PsrsQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm 65 yrs old,my dad is dying,he is 92,I play this song and cry my eyes out,because this song is both of us and all we been thew as best buddy's and enemies.Thx so much for uploading and thank you Elton for writing this fab piece. LUV YOU ALWAYS DAD❤
Bernie wrote all of Elton’s lyrics, Elton wrote all the music buck
I heard Elton sing this in concert this summer. I was singing and crying at the same time. Thank goodness it was dark in there!
@@jeis1121 I am so excited me and my bff with Cancer is going to Elton's concert on the 22nd of October 2022 his last one in Vancouver. Sorry about yr dad!💗My dad past away on xmas morning 2:30am/2016 just 2.5hrs after we watched a movie together!😞💗 So,i feel yr pain.💗
Don't be sad! You've had him for 92 years. He lived a good life.
I lost my dad unexpectedly at 29…I feel your pain and I miss him everyday. I would give anything to just have one more conversation with him. Enjoy the time you have left and all the times y’all had.
I was born in ‘69 and I never knew my father & my mom was never around. So my brother who was 12yrs older quit school and got a job in which he rode his 10speed to work just to keep us together. It’s crazy that you don’t understand the love that it took at such a young age. He was still in his teenage years but he gave up school, missing out on all the fun a regular teenager gets to enjoy just to keep us together!
Like I said, it wasn’t til I got older that I realized how much of his life he gave up so we wouldn’t be separated. There was always music playing in our home & I fell in love with Elton. I couldn’t put into words because I was too young but his music grabbed & squeezed at my heart. This song and Daniel will always remind me of my brother. I probably send him this song at least once a month and tell him how much I truly appreciate all he did and all he sacrificed on my behalf, he is my Levon and my Daniel and I love him more than words can say and I praise God that I had him because I don’t know where I would be today without him. This song hits-my heart, it buried
itself deep within my soul and lives within me and will forever! Thank You Brother (D.T) I love you sooo much!!! ❤️❣️💯😊😊🙏
what a beautiful tribute to your brother! Thank you for sharing!
@@jenniferlynnebecker7316 Thank You 🙏
Beautiful 😢
did he ever get the chance to go to school
Obviously your mother went for the asshole BAD BOYS!
To my dad: this is the version you watched. I remember sitting at the table listening to this. I miss you so much. I know you loved this song. When I have kids I will name my son Levon. R.i.p dad. I will see you again
I kknow.
He
Shall
Be
Levon
Your father had good taste in music.
Lost my dad 7 years ago, i remember playing pool in our house with this blasting.
🖤🎹🦇
Absolutely Perfect and Poignant!
Beautiful song from 1971, It really sounds very sentimental.
Imagine how Bernie Taupin feels. He writes down lines of words in verses then sends them to Elton. Words. Then Elton reads the words and writes the music. Must be an incredible feeling that Taupin feels when he hears how Elton turns his words into a song. Great song writng partners. Both needed one another to do this, making such beautiful music.
That's why the Lord created them. To write great music together! And their music has lasted over 5 decades! That should tell you something!
YES! Best writing team in all the world. I am grateful to have lived in his rise, from the very start. No better soulmate writers than these two, to this day!
@@richardmoore2124YES! 😊👏
I love this song because my son was. Born on Christmas and I named him levon
Kathleen Okimaw maybe one day he’ll call his child Jesus.
AR Stubbs and send him to the finest school in town
Kathleen Okimaw wow I’m named Levon too
Im levon too
Very cool !
I don't know why but I absolutely love this song. I love almost every thing Elton does but this song is one of my favorites.
Same
Probably because you're a book monster. It's about a father, son, and grandson, but manages to give it a mythic feeling -- the life pattern of ALL fathers and sons, good men. The proof is in the comments section. VERY hard to do so well in so few words!
The reason you love it is its repetitive and melancholic and has Jesus in it
Turning 24 and thanking my dad for blasting this throughout my childhood.
This is my favorite Elton John song. It came out in 1971, the year I was born. Apparently John and Taupin borrowed the name Levon from Levon Helm, lead singer of The Band, one of their favorite bands of the time. Alvin Tostig is Levon's father in the song, but there was a Tostig who was Earl of Wessex; Taupin may have borrowed his surname for the song. Well. I've said too much. It's a great song!
No you didn't say too much. I am reading the lyrics as always and trying to figure out what it's about, so thank you!
The instrumental part at the end with the violin and instruments is top 10 pieces of music I’ve ever heard it’s so dope
I wondered about the name. I thought about Levon Helm. Thanks.
how did he fit all this music into this song?
pure genius
This should have been in Rocket man. Philadelphia freedom too
They don't make music like they used to.
69 likes no comment?
He's the Mozart of the 21st century.
Hi, I'm Lauren. I'm going to name my son (when I have kids) Levon in memory of my dad and this song. My dad didn't listen to a lot of elton john songs but I do. He loved this song and he listened to this song and this exact version, this very video. He was taken at the young age of 50, leaving me now 14 (then 13) without my dad, aka my best friend, so his name will be in memorial of him. Rip dad, I love you. September 18th 1969-April 18th 2020. He died exactly 1 month after my brothers Birthday.
Such a poignant memory.
Sorry for your loss. May you continue to draw from the love he gave you . When times get ruff
I'm so sorry for your loss. I too, lost both parents when I was young. A few years older than you but, it doesn't change the pain of the loss.
I think your idea of naming a son Levon as an homage to your dad is a beautiful one. Maybe your dad's first name could be your Levon's middle name.
Either way, it's a beautiful idea. I hope you get to do it some day.
Much Love and Light to you.💖💖😘😘🙏🙏👍👍
Hold onto each memory you have of him and he'll always be with you, right by your side.
So you must be 17 now, right? I’m so sorry you lost your dad at such a young age. Thirteen is really a critical time for all of us….going through puberty, etc. It’s an awkward time for sure. It sounds like you loved your dad very much! I too was born in 1969, in June, and I just turned 55 so your dad would be 54 right now, and my son, Jett, was born on Sept 18, 2000. I’ve loved Elton John since I was a child in the 70’s. My parents had some of his albums back then and my brother and I would listen to them. I’ve really come to love this song, Levon, over the past several years. My dad is 77 now and not doing too well. I think of many things when I hear this song. My twin brother passed away in 2016 so I think about him a lot. Do you still think you’ll name your son, Levon, when you have kids? It’s a beautiful name and this song brings to it so much meaning! Anyway, my deepest condolences to you and your family and his many friends. Take care. 😊
Elton John is with out a doubt a musical
Genius !
His music has touched the hearts of many for many decade's and without a doubt touch many more people's hearts many years to come.
Including Kings and Queens and adults and teens .
He is considered by many , one of the most respected
and talented music artists in the world today.
Thank you
Sir Elton John for all of your many beautiful and wonderful songs ❤️
I just heard that he was coming to town in October! best believe i will be there shining my love and thankfulness on him! he has always been here for me and this song specifically speaks to my soul-
peace to all that read this ❤
@@jenniferlynnebecker7316 Beautiful! Enjoy seeing him in October ❤️
I always thought Elton was saying "leave on". Been listening to this song since it first came out in the 70's and NEVER thought about the lyrics, until today, in 2023! So Levon is a person! And Jesus is his son who wants to break free of Levons tradition's as a pauper to a pawn. Very ingenious of Elton to create such a beautiful sound while building in this father/son storyline. The POWER of music never ceases to amaze me, but why sould it, the sound of music is God's wonderful creation to man.
Bernie Taupin has written all the lyrics, then sends them to Elton to write the music portion and record them. It's always been that way
Bernie is a very private man and shuns the spotlight as much as possible.
Great music makes you happy! Take me back when life was just simpler and music was music! People knew how to sing! Man I miss these days! Elton pure genius!😍
I couldn't agree more
i'M 57 NOW AND WAS LISTENING TO THIS WHEN I WAS 17, STILL LISTENING, THANK YOU.
me too
me too.
Creams greatest hits
Yes
Me too 💕
When i sit alone in my man cave and listen to this song i get feelings i cant explain....All i can say ....God have Mercy and love for all man kind.
It makes my heart swell.
All white men do it's Y'all athem! I hate my father! If you're anywhere from 60-75 yo and successful
With out Elton I wud of taken my life long ago but wen I listen to him brings back simpler times in my life.wish I was rich I ask him to come play for me he's got it going on love you alron John u will always rock in my book and heart.
I wish you best of luck with that...?!?!?
@@evamaria644 The song as I hear it is actually about a father named Levon who rather selfishly plans out a future for his son, Jesus. Levon wants Jesus to run the business that Levon ran and made successful; sending Jesus to the finest school in town - but Jesus decides to leave his dad and go his own way in life.
Like a balloon , he floats off in life away from the family business. Levon is crushed by his dashed hopes for himself and his son, Jesus; hurt by what has happened; Jesus leaving him and Jesus not fulfilling his dreams of continuing making money with his Dad's business, Levon slowly dies. Most beautiful song that Elton ever made, IMO
Being greedy and wanting to dictate your child's life is not the way go as a father. I think that is what Taupin is saying in this terrific song. People ultimately should make their own decisions, doing what will make them happy and not hurting others. You can't make your child be like you and how you want them to be. In reality, a child has to live his or her own life.
Sadly, Levon never came to terms with this truth.
Jesus shall not be Levon and be a good man in tradition with the family plan running Levon's business making more money - no matter how much Levon wants Jesus to do this and follow in his dad's footsteps. Jesus flies off like a balloon away from his father and the family business.
Good old days. Never will be seen again. I so miss the 70s and 80s
Same! All of Elton's songs have meaning to me. I can remember when I first heard many of them and what was happening at that time. It was a good time, all my family was still alive and I was young and happy!
❤70s and 80s
Absolutely, me too! 70's were the best days EVER! Wish that i could go back.....
Yep yep this pop music now is garbage. Yo i hate to be a hater but its instagram awful
💚💜💙
I’m sitting in a tire place waiting to get winter tires on my van. This song comes on - I’ve heard it many times before - but I have no clue why it’s triggering me to just about cry out loud. Eyes are watery…….powerful song. Music is SO healing in ways we don’t even fully comprehend yet.
Good music moves us like this. God bless.
I love Elton John music, but somehow I alway loved his earlier recordings, especially, Levon. Took me years to figure out the tile of this masterpiece single. Thank you, Mr. Elton for being such a fine songwriter that you are. You music touch many hearts.
The Early Stuff, " Honey Hush" 🤫😂. Don't get a whole lot better than that. If that's how you ROLL 😅
Sir Elton John,
I want to thank you for the lives you have, and will in the
future, change. Although you have probably heard this a million times before,
and I am not telling you anything you don’t already know, but I, and everybody
else in humanity, owe you a debt of gratitude for the inspiration, courage, and
joy you have given us. As a musician, I have seen the power and joy music gives
people. Sure, when you are looking at all those faces and seeing how much they
love you is a feeling indescribable, but remember why they love you. Reading
the posts written by people describing how you got them through the loss of
love ones, prevented committing suicide. How you created love, brought people together;
the memories you helped create uplifting
souls, and given them the means to cherish these memories for the rest of their
lives. Past, present, and future generations lives are forever changed all because
of Elton John. You helped influence countless lives for the better. I am sure
the fame and money you enjoy are nice, you definitely deserve it, but I doubt
that is why you do what you do, it is just a benefit. Please just remember: hundreds
of years from now, Just as Beethoven, you will be remembered, and rightfully so.
Anyways, thank you; thank you for the lives you saved, thank you for changing
the world for the better, and thank you for the gift you have given us.
Regards,
Human Kind
👍
Amen. I love you Elton. Biggest fan and always will be.
The lyrics are off the charts, as compared to today's songs! I too am 56 and grew up listening to this! Love it!
Genious,genious,genious!! I've been listening to this song since I was 15,now I'm 54 and still get touched by this song. Cry like ababy.
Just when you think you'll never find new favorite songs, you hear works from the 1960s and 1970s from people like Elton John. His old songs are the best!
Try *"Ticking"* by him or *"Funeral for a Friend."*
none like it
Lotta beautiful strings in this gem 💎.
My favorite Elton John song. My Brother Daniel died many years ago, and it was and still is hard not to get misty hearing this song.
Thank You so much, Sir Elton John.
I love u!
why not the song Daniel than?
@@jakeg3126 because this song is objectively better.
I just laid my Dad to rest Feb 10th he loved to hear me sing Levon and the whole Madman album, thank you Elton &Bernie!!!
one of the best song l never heard in my life ... amazing singer with a fantastic band .
I’m 39 years old. And I love Elton John. One of the greatest song writers ever.
I’m 37 and remember my mom blasting this song in the 1980s
My dad was named after this song, i teared up thinking that this song will probably play at his funeral, Elton John, im 13 years old, and your the greatest voice ive heard ever sing, and im so glad these songs make me feel the way i do.
This song will make me cry on command, the feelings, are just, i cant even...
how did he fit all this music into this song?
pure genius
Hurt in a wreck call lerner and roe
The same way Oprah fit all that crack under
her 👗 dress ,
It just came natural🎹🎶🎼🎵
L. Smith Lmao. That made me crack up
This is actually my favorite Elton John song
Just saw him in concert
Prob my favorite artist 😁
I think I am going to make a tshirt that says, "Who is Alvin Tostig?"
Alvin Tostig is Jesus' grandfather.
Mine too !!!
My favorite too
Copying comments?
@@jacobhendrickson9718 ???
A song from the ages! I love this song.
A song FOR the ages!
Elton John and Bernie Turpin have an uncanny gift for producing extremely catchy lyrics and songs.
Taupin
Why would you call it uncanny? Call it unique!
With all due respect my friend..when these two wrote songs.... they didn't write songs....they told stories!!!Love and peace to you!!!
Wow this comment annoys me. Saying Elton John's songs are catchy is like saying da Vinci paints pretty pictures.
He's complimenting people! Don't take it personal.
Yesterday I became an aunt to a beautiful baby boy named Levon Conner Frye and I couldn’t be prouder that this is a song he’s representing.
YaY!!!
When is he gonna be Levon the hospital?
And he shall be a good man
Peter Piper I love the pun
@@peterpiper47 you sir, just made my day. Thank-you!!! Lol!!
I heard this song when the album first came out, still love it.......
What an incredible talent.
There is no shortage of great Bernie Taupin lyrics ... here, he outdoes himself... then we have Elton sounding like he is truly a character, a living, breathing man telling this important story of a father and son filled with sound and fury. Absolutely stunning. Ecstatic. Euphoria.
Dopeness overload
The sign of great lyrics is that they mean so many things to so many different people. Don't worry too much about what the song represented to Elton John. Your meaning of the song is the right meaning, in a sense. Summary: the song is written in a way where you can put your own meaning to it and it's not wrong.
yes, EJ often doesn't really know what he's singing about. He was asked very early on by a Swedish interviewer what Burn Down The Mission was about. He went slightly red and mumbled something but you could tell he didn't have a clue!!
Naked Flame Music Maybe he knew, but didn’t want to talk about it 😁
Yahweh God wrote this song.
@@MrBargemonkey Bernie taupin would write the lyrics, & often mailed them to Elton. I think that's correct. Elton would put them to 🎵🎶🎵🎶 l
@@Iamsome61 Bernie Taupin wrote most of EJ lyrics.....
This song was written with admiration of Levon Helm of The Band (The Weight) whom most rock stars were influenced by in the late 60s and early 70s.
Mike m That’s what I have been wondering. Levon Helm was a musical genius also. Both EJ & Levon are unsurpassable.
I never knew that Mike m. Thank you! Love people like you, thank you!
Love them both
Levon was a special man.. I wish he would played drums for this song with elton
This song moves me, takes me to places like few others can...
i saw elton john in nashville april 5th 2013, my 26th birthday. fuckin unbelievable! he played a 3 hour set i was in a state of shock after the show it was so incredible. ive seen a lot of concerts but this was by far the best show i have ever seen. what an amazingly talented man. i will never forget it. never. i still cant believe it. i was there. i saw sir elton perform live! what????!!!!!!!!!!! MIND BLOWING!!!!!
crosseyedharry I saw Sir Elton John on March 17th of 2012 and I absolutely agree with you, it was a glorious concert. He had on a fabulous St. Patrick's Day outfit, the crowd was giving him shamrocks and necklaces (which he gladly accepted and wore), the whole atmosphere was perfect. My mom and I were blown away by what an entertainer he his, especially considering his age. That concert was the best night of my life.
crosseyedharry, I was not a fan, until I went to a concert. soul and energy...well this was 1979! Seriously, I'm a fan!
You are a very lucky person!
crosseyedharry jealous.....
This is actually my favorite Elton John song
RobRobertTheMusicMan i agree !
Yes mine too. The day I heard it, well it brought me to tears. Back when it was first released... Also Harry Neilson... Glad you enjoyed it... Maybe try Steve Wilson or Porcupine Tree.... Enjoy😌
i like this song but dont know what it is about
This and Tiny Dancer....don't force me to decide....
Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me and this.
Shoutout my pops for putting me on this as a child. 90s baby with a love for that 70s vibe. Elton is my top 3 outside of my typical music. I still can love & appreciate this song & so many other classics by Elton. Pops u still here standing front line with me but thank u for putting me on this gold. Had a hard head growing up & made ur life hard but all the lessons u taught me. Gonna give my dad his flowers while he is here. Thank u & Love u pops 💚
I met Elton Johm music in the 70s.
Classic music that inspired my chilhood. Levon was one of the classic songs.
One time in my classroom in the 80s in high school our instrutor told us to exposed a song in the class. I didnt have the equiptment and i lived with my elderly parents. I didnt know what to expose in my class. But i had a long play record and i sected "Levon".
It was my turn. Everybody exposed good music. I did firts my presentantion, then i played the record with the song " Levon".
My surprise, the sudents liked it. I got the firts place. They applaused me. My teacher loved it too.
Thanks, Elton for your classic goldem music.
Still a great song ✌️
This is one of my all time favorite songs! His play on play of words is brilliant
This song totally rocks!
I am sick and I feel I have to be honest to my friends and family!
This song is so powerful from beginning to end omg!!! Never get tired of if 💜💜
I've been listening to it over and over again today ....I used to like it until first seen lyrics now I'm obsessed with it
Yes and also Lionel Richie!!
Pure sweetness
59 now. Started at 13 listening to Elton and Bernie. Will be listening until I die! This is still one of the best albums I've ever heard!
This and Tiny Dancer...WOW, WOW, Brilliant !!!!!!!!
Jo Blow and don't forget Mona Lisa And Mad Hatters
Bernie Taupin wrote "Tiny Dancer" as a tribute to his wife, who is a Los Angeles native and a dancer.
Absolutely 💕💕
happen to be from the same album, how about that
Why tiny dancer and this???
Like so many others here, I'm just amazed at how well Bernie and Elton hold up after fifty years. I grew up in the 1970s with their songs all around me, but it's almost as if I never really listened to them -- I keep "rediscovering" them. My first reaction is always: "OMG I forgot about that!" But then I study the lyrics and realize: "That's even BETTER than I thought." And it just keeps happening. Last year it was "Tiny Dancer." Now it's "Levon."
I think it's cool that he gave his eldest son Levon as a middle name.....and Daniel for his youngest.
+Stephanie Edmonds And, if I remember correctly, his eldest was born on Christmas day.
And the war's begun? No, it did not. But that would be a good parody headline.
my son's middle name is Levon. his son's middle name is Levon. my son was born July 1987. i had never heard this song. my husband played it for me and i have loved it ever since.
What is Levons first name? Who is Alvin Tunsgsteen?
His middle name is Kevin because he was born on Christmas and one of the lines is he was born a pauper to a pawn in a Christmas Day
I'm 63 and remember this song so well from my teen years. Both of my parents are dead now and didn't leave me with many happy memories, even this song. My teen years are filled with loneliness and sneaking around trying not to get caught. Prob. why I let my kids get away with so much, yet they turned out pretty good😊. In spite of my "bad parenting".
The piano....strings...band....that voice..that great song....is just beautiful beyond compare! Sincerely,BobbyK Goodbye 2017,and Happy New Year,2018,to all!! Sincerely,BobbyK
This is my favorite EJ song of all time.
The drumming in this is even more powerful than heavy metal ....it absolutely goes off
Drumming and bass are brilliant
It’s a tribute to Levon Helm one of the best drummers ever
@@cashwaynemusic777 and singer's
What a remarkable man!
He and Bernie Taupin were such an amazing miraculous team! Will Always have a special place in my heart for Elton John.
BEST song E.J Ever Made
nope
What, all of them? They're all good and the best ever made
I agree
ONE of the best
Most beautiful song I ever heard, ...and a very sad one as I hear it. A boy growing up leaving his father to go his own way in life. Not going to take over dad's business in tradition with the family plan like Levon wants him to do. This is what Levon wished for as Levon raised his son with dreams of keeping his business strong sending Levon to the finest school in town. Levon is Alan Tostig's son, and indeed, Levon did run the business in tradition with the family plan.
After his son, Jesus, leaves the home, Levon is left to slowly die alone without Jesus at his side. You shouldn't be greedy and try to dictate your child's life.
Jesus wants to live his own life. He takes off like a balloon flying away from his father, Levon, and the family business. Very sad story is told with this hauntingly beautiful music. Taupin is a genius lyricist.
While I always thought "Tumbleweed Connection" was Elton's finest moment (and it was) -- that "Madman Across the Water" album had some gripping Elton John moments on it. I knew this man was here to stay with that album. "Levon" & "Tiny Dancer" are enduring classics. Absolutely superb songs written perfectly and sung with a sincerity rarely found in rock.
im not sure what it is about this song but it lifts me up. i love it. thank u elton john
Another Elton john classic. 1971.
The sound engineering on this song is superb. Listen to the string arrangement and drums, needless to say the vocals and lyrics are excellent.
Such a soulful song...One of my favorites. I play this once on Christmas day.
Wow
I remember hearing this song in the car when I was about 7 or 8, and not understanding a single word, but getting goosebumps when the chorus played. When I heard it again, the nostalgia was crazy.
Bookworm87 so weird that I never even heard this song til a couple years ago. And IMO IT IS HIS BEST SONG!!! Amazing.
isn't it crazy how mentally you dont even understand what it means but physically you do?
I describe many songs I love By Elton John as songs I used to listen to when I was a little kid in the car. I get it. They mean so much more to me now but even then they were magic
I listened to this all the time back then. I thought he, Elton John was saying, " Live On ". You know sometimes the English Accent shows up. Beautiful Elton, Beautiful ❤️ Mars = Man, Venus = Woman Mercury = Freddie
"Levon" is a song written and recorded by Elton John with lyrics written by Bernie Taupin. It is from John's fourth album Madman Across the Water and was recorded on February 27, 1971. Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics for "Levon", was inspired by The Band's co-founder, drummer, and singer Levon Helm to name the title character after him. The Band was apparently Elton John's and Bernie Taupin's favourite group in those days. The "Alvin Tostig" mentioned in the song (Levon's father) is, according to Taupin, purely fictional.Many of the songs on this album are abstract comments on modern American (cosmopolitan) society and culture which reflects Taupin's thinking of the time. EJ put the music and accent together and hey presto!
well, you must be the guy who founded Wikipedia....
Long before Wikipedia we would just sit around and share great stories and trivia like this.
Back then we just would have joked "Cliff Claven"
Please don't be afraid to catch someone's glance today and have the courage to say HELLO 🍀❤🍀❤🍀❤🍀❤ GOOD LUCK AND ALL LOVE PEOPLE OF 🌎🌍🌏
@@moondoggarvey4282 …...OMG...let me guess, you once lived in a hippie commune and wore hemp sandals...
@@bendovercrabbeyroadstudio613 Well aren't you just a ray of fucking sunshine?
@@fredlougee2807 isn't a lougee another name for a big glob of snot spit out on the sidewalk ?? it is a whole germy world down there on that ground so go on and join your friends...be a polite little snot rocket and mind your own fucking business next time....dope !! oh, happy holidays...
How is it possible to have so much sentiment and nostalgia for a time period you never grew up in? Breathtaking music.
Elton is One of the Greatest Artists to ever grace the World Stage.
This song is an amazing expression of his genius.🇬🇧👑
Elton John for President!!!!
Touche!
Love this song
Like most great poetry, this means different things to different people. To me it's three generations of men. I see Alvin Tostig as a poor immigrant in America who works hard to get a better life for his family. His son Levon follows in his father's footsteps and builds family fortune. Jesus is a dreamer who lives for love rather than money, having never known poverty and struggle. There is no right or wrong, they are all products of circumstances and opportunity.
How have I missed this...note to self...slow down..there is much you don't yet know or appreciate 😊
Elton John an artistic genius beloved by many.
This song brings back great times and memories of my life. Thank you E.J.
This is my favorite Elton John song!
Brilliant songwriting. Poetic and simultaneously cryptic. Only paralleled by the incredible musicianship of Sir Elton John.
I absolutely love this song.. .. such a incredible artist
I want this song played at my funeral. It's just the kind of high note I'd like to...Levon.
Genius Elton
Elton is an amazing singer/songwriter. Probably the best ever
agreed
Yes along with Lionel Richie
Bernie Taupin penned the lyrics. Elton wrote the music.
Alexander Steiner Frank Zappa!
Don’t forget Neil Diamond
this whole album from the early 70's was just simply incredible. what a talent.
I love Elton John!
classic....they don't write songs like this anymore
yeah actually they do, but sometimes it may be in a genre you don't listen to!! Try listening to some Five Finger Death Punch and you'll see their lyrics can be pretty powerful. " listen to the meaning before you judge the screaming."
The definition of musical perfection!
Just saw him in concert
Prob my favorite artist 😁
I saw him in concert in.....wait for it...
1974, in San Antonio TX.
Bellisimo tema, notable voz e interpretacion. Gracias por subtitular el video. Amo a Elton y a Bernie, son dos genios!!
Tobin genius
that piano. one of the best songs ever made.
how did he fit all this music into this song?
pure genius
This song will always remind me of my daughter, she sings it beautiful from the heart.
It is about the relationship of a father and son. Parents have intentions of what they want their children to do when they grow up. Levon controls his son Jesus's life and wants him to be a balloon maker. Jesus wants his own life. He wants to break away from Levon. There is alot of change going on during the song. The war reference by the N.Y. Times, and breaking tradition.
I think its about a heroin dealer. He likes his money and blows up balloons all day as in heroin balloons. Jesus wants to try it and it send him to venus ,and he is addicted . .... God is dead and the war begun. The war on drugs and drugs are the devil hence God is dead. His war wound like a crown is his addiction
elton john himself said that the song has no real meaning, he just wrote what sounded good
you are very smart to understand this , bravo my kind sir .
just yesterday i went to see elton john in concert. i have been so several concerts, one of which was my second favorite band even still him singing this song is the greatest live performance i have ever seen.
and that is beating both styx: come sail away AND def leopard: hysteria.
This and Tiny Dancer...WOW, WOW, Brilliant !!!!!!!!
Good old days. Never will be seen again. I so miss the 70s and 80s
Elton John and Bernie Turpin have an uncanny gift for producing extremely catchy lyrics and songs.
One hundred years from now people will still be listening to Elton John.
I found this song a while back, i love classic rock.
This song is the definition of perfection!
Well hasn't been a comment for a while. To all the friends of him and his family, and to the world, we have to admire Elton John's visceral power to produce powerful music and lyrics. Had this song in my head for some reason this morning, so i had to play it. Here's to our good friend, and the knighted Elton John! Cheers!
My favorite Elton John song
Maybe being a bit of a oldie at 61, I think that although Elton had many great songs this is one of a couple that for some reason will always stop me in my tracks and get my total attention. GREAT tempo and harmony.....
Takes my soul back to simpler times
Karie Fox-Stanton
Karie Fox-Stanton: same here. i was a kid in grade school, both my parents were alive, i was riding my bike around the neighborhood, if i got lucky i'd kiss a girl or two. age of innocence.
midnight rider, are you old enough to remember Tommy, the opera?
pattie lowe: my oldest sister had the album. It wasn"t til a decade or so after 'tommy' came out that i started to listening to the who. Great band.
midnight rider!
He really went that hard for us on Levon, and that is why it’s (imo) his best, most underrated JAM. I’m a goner anytime I hear it.
Elton John was among the many musicians influenced by Levon Helm and The Band. That impact is memorialized in the song “Levon,”
"I had no idea he was sick so I’m very dismayed and shocked that he died so quickly. But now my son [Zachary Jackson Levon Furnish-John] has his name.”
Elton, you make my life feel so smooth and fulfilled! You, Elton are the reason many people have sanity today!