Is he writing (bi) for BOTH the city (a Canadian who visited and also fell in luv with the city) or for a favourite church from Revelations in the Bible? Either way, don't care, one of the BEST written songs ever, and you can see it in Elton's eyes as he sings it!
I like Philadelphia Freedom cause, Philadelphia is where our Liberty Bell is and Freedom is what us in the USA have no matter what. Even though Elton's from London but i'd count this as an American song for different occasions, Memorial day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, D-Day, and so on.
@@fromtheparkbench1979 He wrote it for Billie Jean King, arising from his friendship with her. I believe she played for the team. I had the original single, which had some sort of dedication to BJK on it.
Elton always sings live. We all must have tremendous respect for this man even if you're not into his music. To perform at this level for 40+ years is absolutely remarkable.
@@bestintuba Totally agree. So glad he realized that too. Often singers end their own careers because they can't hit the same keys. So what!!!!! Give us the new you!!!!!!
He was playing a charity concert to raise funds for the Royal College of Music where he was a student. He and his band were blown away by the professionalism of the student orchestra after only a couple of rehearsals. Great performance !
Your comment is doing a great job of helping me to feel like what it must have been to be there. Incredible, for sure. The word INVINCIBLE comes to mind, too.
My first concert seeing ELTON JOHN in Orlando by myself! Broke my new shoes walking there from my hotel...in a new gold sequin dress...great MUSIC....took a bicycle pulled buggy back to hotel.....would love to here this orchestra someday! 😘
I Love your reply Kim. Can I suggest, however humbly, that if you liked this with the band orchestra, that you seek out his CD (or stream it) of the concert he did back in 1986 in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (Live In Australia). I attended and it was one of his greatest concerts playing both, old and new songs. With a 100 piece orchestra behind him playing Paul Buckmaster arrangements it was sheer brilliance!
I just have to say if you didn't live during the 70s you missed a hell of a lot of great music! Stevie! Elton! Rod! Bruce! Marvin! Al! All absolute legends! And don't let me mention some of the groups! What a great period of music!
when I was a young man, I used to listen to this song on my RCA cassette all the time.. I thought I was so cool in my bedroom. I am now 33 and this song is now on my spotify, right next to Saturday is al right for fighting
How could a mommy’s boy from England write the ultimate tribute to the majestic sound of 1970s Philadelphia? Elton John’s brilliant fusion of pop, soul, and lush orchestral background was a declaration of freedom to be black or gay or just too full of life to keep it all inside. And so we have Elton’s masterpiece, a capstone to his personal growth from closeted musical lightweight to a happily married family man who is gay and loved around the world.
In the 70s Philadelphia was in decline and had one of the worst mayors in its history, Frank Rizzo. However the film Rocky was made then. And this song became the city's theme. ❤
I was 23 years old when this song came out in 1975 my son he was a baby when I Hurd it on the radio I caught the bus down town and brought it and it is my favorite song and I love Sir Elton John
Cripes, how does he and the band and that fantastic orchestra not get a standing ovation for that performance? It was flawless and Sir Elton knew it! :)
@@jackmchugh5597 yeah I saw that....Had to be the only Yankee there. Those are my thoughts! What a performance! CHILLS.... and to boot... playing " PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM" in England.... Priceless! Caught him pre pandemic! Eric Underwood Class of 81 Downey High school CA ✌️❤️🇺🇸🗽
After his vocal surgery he didn't hide his voice behind backups and synthesizers, he just sang deeper, and changed his delivery, and he is still Sir Elton!
Have NO musical talent, but just spent my time watching all others who, in the background, managed to keep their attention on their violins, french horns (hard to play), drums and guitars, and keep their eyes TOTALLY off Elton!!!! Professionalism at it's best!!!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👊👈
this extraordinary musician is what makes america great again: sir regg ~ the real "queen" of england ;) ~ my unabiding love for you shall never suffer boundaries ~~ xxoo ~~ m.b.
In honor of our US Veterans who serve with honor and respect. Some gave all! In 1994, I returned home from working in inner City New Orleans, Louisiana at a major teaching hospital. I know for a fact that some gave all. Shine the light on our Veterans who deserve their service related VA benefits.
I study Sir Elton, and amazing as he is as an influence, pianist and songwriter, those who play piano primarily deal with only the treble and bass staves in most sheet music. Knowing how challenging this is, I’m amazed at the incredible minds of the composers that score such grand and melodious orchestrations, who write for multiple instruments on multiple staves. Seamlessly weaving it all together, each part though unique unto itself, standing out and having its own place in the collective, is truly inspiring. The marriage of the orchestra and rhythm section in contemporary music is what gave Motown and T.S.O.P. both Instant identity and such a unique and timeless sound. Kudo’s to these great minds, and rock on Elton!!!
@@RobertJackson-sl1mk I don’t intend to enter into a debate on the matter, but as a piano student, I’ve heard it referred to as the GRAND STAFF which includes both treble and bass clef. In any case the IPhones auto correct which cannot be disabled, is also notorious for changing what you type, into what it thinks you meant.
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One brilliant musician with top level backup - a musical masterpiece. From Crocodile Rock to a huge symphony, Elton is perhaps one of a few top musicians of this era.
You’re right to be emotional about this sing. It is a celebration of freedom from the lies and prejudices kept so many good people down in the ‘70s. Nevermore!
I've watched videos on RUclips where great classic bands like Deep Purple, Scorpions, etc perform with the full force of an orchestra behind them, and I gotta say, this ranks at or near the top of any of those performances!
That orchestra and band tore this song up!!! I love this song for the violins and other string instruments!!!!! Wish I would have been there to hear this one. It’s a mixture of gospel, classical and rock.
i was 8th grade and my big sister gave me elton john greatest hits loved his songs ever since she is with god now thank sis you were always the cool one love you
I have loved this song for 52 years now...❤❤
i'm right there with you ❤🤍💙
Such a privilege working for him
This song was MADE to play with an orchestra. Outstanding arrangement, A+
So true, dear Captain Nice !!! So true !!!
Thank Thom Bell
100% agree; best way to hear this song!
the hair stands up everywhere from the energy. Orchestra makes this song.
Yes, a big orchestra was an essential part of the Philly sound,
Look at Elton. Look at the happiness he is experiencing. He loves his job.
Surrounded by an actual orchestra is superb!
Not a job but his life. Just like breathing it is in his bones.
That's why he is a Rock star.
Great
💯 percent !!
I’m from Philadelphia both and raised-love this song! Who cares if he originally wrote it for a now-defunct tennis team, it’s catchy as hell!
Is he writing (bi) for BOTH the city (a Canadian who visited and also fell in luv with the city) or for a favourite church from Revelations in the Bible? Either way, don't care, one of the BEST written songs ever, and you can see it in Elton's eyes as he sings it!
I like Philadelphia Freedom cause, Philadelphia is where our Liberty Bell is and Freedom is what us in the USA have no matter what. Even though Elton's from London but i'd count this as an American song for different occasions, Memorial day, Independence Day, Veterans Day, D-Day, and so on.
that’s not exactly the story
@@fromtheparkbench1979 He wrote it for Billie Jean King, arising from his friendship with her. I believe she played for the team. I had the original single, which had some sort of dedication to BJK on it.
@@Hensley316 those freedoms are under threat in the USA
Elton always sings live. We all must have tremendous respect for this man even if you're not into his music. To perform at this level for 40+ years is absolutely remarkable.
You can tell his voice is declining but he modulates the difficult parts well.
i absolutely love his music his manners and his smie
@@TheHardDonuts everything changed after his throat cancer.
@@paulrosebush9137 His voice had a second life from 1992-early 1998.
@@bestintuba Totally agree. So glad he realized that too. Often singers end their own careers because they can't hit the same keys. So what!!!!! Give us the new you!!!!!!
Man...this is a tune. "The less I say, the more my work gets done..."
There is only one word for Elton and that orchestra ...AWESOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lawd have mercy those strings
That song was built for an orchestra. Just a masterpiece
He was playing a charity concert to raise funds for the Royal College of Music where he was a student. He and his band were blown away by the professionalism of the student orchestra after only a couple of rehearsals. Great performance !
Gotta
Love Elton!
Orchestration is amazing
It is a great nod to the Philly sound of strings and horns, made famous by both the Philadelphia Orchestra and Philly R&B bands.
Lets go PA, you can do it!
They just did! Philadelphia Freedom has brought Beast Trump to his knees!
@Chuck H ENjoying it already. We are saved!
This sounds incredible. I can't imagine what it must have been like to be there
PPP
Me either so awesome 👌
Your comment is doing a great job of helping me to feel like what it must have been to be there. Incredible, for sure. The word INVINCIBLE comes to mind, too.
Absolutel fucking peak
If you get yourself a really top set of headphones that you can listen at a concert volume you’ll get the same vibe.
My first concert seeing ELTON JOHN in Orlando by myself! Broke my new shoes walking there from my hotel...in a new gold sequin dress...great MUSIC....took a bicycle pulled buggy back to hotel.....would love to here this orchestra someday! 😘
I Love your reply Kim. Can I suggest, however humbly, that if you liked this with the band orchestra, that you seek out his CD (or stream it) of the concert he did back in 1986 in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (Live In Australia). I attended and it was one of his greatest concerts playing both, old and new songs. With a 100 piece orchestra behind him playing Paul Buckmaster arrangements it was sheer brilliance!
I just have to say if you didn't live during the 70s you missed a hell of a lot of great music! Stevie! Elton! Rod! Bruce! Marvin! Al! All absolute legends! And don't let me mention some of the groups! What a great period of music!
I don't know how the musicians manage to keep still. If I was playing this song I'd be rocking my body all over the seat!
Difficult when reading the music and playing at the same time.
I know I would want to get up and dance
You see ELTON rocking back & forth . that's all he can do . and to sign a note and hit the keys in sync I shur that's really hard
Same
Yea man same :D
Wow Elton being backed up with a full orchestra sounds so great.
This was one magical concert ... and this song had to be the highlight.
when I was a young man, I used to listen to this song on my RCA cassette all the time.. I thought I was so cool in my bedroom. I am now 33 and this song is now on my spotify, right next to Saturday is al right for fighting
Those violins and horns are reaching for Heaven
It nearly had me roped and tied
Alter bound hypnotized sweet freedom whispered in my ear😇
When he smiles it cracks me up every time....there is no one like Sir Elton .
So great with the orchestra! My favorite song for close to 50 years now.
God bless Elton John. Philadelphia USA
This is one of my favorite songs from this amazing man.
Yes, this song has a lot of positive energy
THANK YOU PHILLY!!!
We love you from a fellow Pennsylvania
How could a mommy’s boy from England write the ultimate tribute to the majestic sound of 1970s Philadelphia? Elton John’s brilliant fusion of pop, soul, and lush orchestral background was a declaration of freedom to be black or gay or just too full of life to keep it all inside. And so we have Elton’s masterpiece, a capstone to his personal growth from closeted musical lightweight to a happily married family man who is gay and loved around the world.
In the 70s Philadelphia was in decline and had one of the worst mayors in its history, Frank Rizzo.
However the film Rocky was made then. And this song became the city's theme. ❤
I was 23 years old when this song came out in 1975 my son he was a baby when I Hurd it on the radio I caught the bus down town and brought it and it is my favorite song and I love Sir Elton John
Best backing band ever. Love the strings
Yes well done.
One of the great live performances. Everybody's playing their ass off.
LOL with all the smiling Elton does...you can tell he's REALLY enjoying his time there! Love that!
Lol
When one does eternally good music, of course they will eternally enjoy it, dear 'Reginald of Retrospective' !!!
YESS. ❤❤❤
Thank you, Philly!! We love, love, love you, yes we do!!
Cripes, how does he and the band and that fantastic orchestra not get a standing ovation for that performance?
It was flawless and Sir Elton knew it! :)
1
@@jackmchugh5597 yeah I saw that....Had to be the only Yankee there. Those are my thoughts!
What a performance!
CHILLS....
and to boot... playing " PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM"
in England.... Priceless!
Caught him pre pandemic!
Eric Underwood Class of 81 Downey High school CA ✌️❤️🇺🇸🗽
Judging by the look of them the majority of that audience would have struggled to stand up.
@Byrons Reward
What??? Muppet.
RIP MR ROBINSON😢❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
This just gave me chills 'what a performance
Me too
Yes Sir John was larger than life Clay, you really should have been there. He was sittin like Mozart perched in his piano chair 🎹
That orchestra is a just a tsunami of sound and its beautiful!
After his vocal surgery he didn't hide his voice behind backups and synthesizers, he just sang deeper, and changed his delivery, and he is still Sir Elton!
Who else is listening in the US on Election Day + 3?
3/6/2021 and I will listen to this till the day I leave this great earth!
Have NO musical talent, but just spent my time watching all others who, in the background, managed to keep their attention on their violins, french horns (hard to play), drums and guitars, and keep their eyes TOTALLY off Elton!!!!
Professionalism at it's best!!!!
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👊👈
Even if he didn't write this song for the City of Brotherly Love, it's something that all proud Philadelphians can take pride in.
Please explain...I always thought it was about 🇺🇸
Never mind..I looked it up
Billy Jean King...team
Philadelphia Freedom
🥰🥰🥰 from Estonia! Have seen Elton John two times in his concert in Tallinn ... :-)
Damn, I would have loved to be in that room!
@Honest Mark I’m good, thanks. Hope you are as well.
Still gotta love this tune.
Always fun dancing to this in SF discos. during my high school nights out..
Wow wow wow dont get no better
this extraordinary musician is what makes america great again: sir regg ~ the real "queen" of england ;) ~ my unabiding love for you shall never suffer boundaries ~~ xxoo ~~ m.b.
this is so over the top good, I can barely believe it exists. I've watched this video100+ times over the years...
No words... Master play... This is Brilliant!!!
This? Can deliver me straight to Heaven!
The man can sing.
WOW- and that is why my first album was an Elton John record.
In honor of our US Veterans who serve with honor and respect. Some gave all! In 1994, I returned home from working in inner City New Orleans, Louisiana at a major teaching hospital. I know for a fact that some gave all. Shine the light on our Veterans who deserve their service related VA benefits.
Thank you for your activism and contributions for Human Rights and AIDS research, prevention, and education. It's still out there!
Wow, just WOW! That arrangement and performance by Elton, band and orchestra just blew me away! Fantastic!
My very favorite live performance of this up tempo Philadelphia freedom all time ! It makes me smile and feel amazing !
So great, Elton rocking the house and everyone working it, totally feeling the energy from on stage, I love it.
I study Sir Elton, and amazing as he is as an influence, pianist and songwriter, those who play piano primarily deal with only the treble and bass staves in most sheet music. Knowing how challenging this is, I’m amazed at the incredible minds of the composers that score such grand and melodious orchestrations, who write for multiple instruments on multiple staves. Seamlessly weaving it all together, each part though unique unto itself, standing out and having its own place in the collective, is truly inspiring. The marriage of the orchestra and rhythm section in contemporary music is what gave Motown and T.S.O.P. both Instant identity and such a unique and timeless sound. Kudo’s to these great minds, and rock on Elton!!!
It was a beautiful performance
@@RobertJackson-sl1mk I don’t intend to enter into a debate on the matter, but as a piano student, I’ve heard it referred to as the GRAND STAFF which includes both treble and bass clef. In any case the IPhones auto correct which cannot be disabled, is also notorious for changing what you type, into what it thinks you meant.
I love this video, you can see that Sir Elton is having fun. 😊
Captain Elton on this ship of piano, brass, strings and horns is just astonishing!
That is a live performance unlike so many artists and their lip syncing.
Wow! By far the best performance of Philadelphia Freedom! Love the ending!
Diane is shining the light and dancing on the ceiling♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
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I don't care who you are or where your from you have to love Elton John ,great voice,and so damn many great songs.
One brilliant musician with top level backup - a musical masterpiece. From Crocodile Rock to a huge symphony, Elton is perhaps one of a few top musicians of this era.
No God needed
Pure ELLENECE
Elton John is a legendary leader in music and gravely underrated!
This is a perfect music. from every point of view.
I like only few of his songs. But this one is an absolute masterpiece. Great!
only a few?
This song make me cry everytime I hear it.....esp the studio version
You’re right to be emotional about this sing. It is a celebration of freedom from the lies and prejudices kept so many good people down in the ‘70s. Nevermore!
This is how we roll in the UK!
I first heard this as a boy and it STILL sounds fresh!
Ive watched this performance loads of times and never tired of listening to it and the drummer looking about smiling..absolutely class!
They were privileged to have been there. Fabulous. They all just nailed it with this wonderful tune
My favorite song of his. What an incredible singer.
Just amazing… brings me back. The first 8 Track that I purchased as a kid was a KTel 8 Track, because this song was one of the songs on it. Love it 😎
The best ever, Sir Elton!!
Those 5 words say it all don't they.....outstanding choice.....
I've watched videos on RUclips where great classic bands like Deep Purple, Scorpions, etc perform with the full force of an orchestra behind them, and I gotta say, this ranks at or near the top of any of those performances!
This is what a Superstar looks like...👍
I used to be a rolling stone you know
If a cause was right
I'd leave to find the answer on the road
I used to be a heart beating for somebody
But the times have changed
The less I say the more my work gets done
'Cause I live and breathe this Philadelphia freedom
From the day that I was born I've waved the flag
Philadelphia freedom took me knee high to a man, yeah
Gave me a piece of mind my daddy never had
Oh Philadelphia freedom, shine on me, I love you
Shine the light, through the eyes of the ones left behind
Shine the light, shine the light
Shine the light, won't you shine the light
Philadelphia freedom, I love you, yes I do
If you choose to you can live your life alone
Some people choose the city (some people the city)
Some others choose the good old family home (some others choose a good old)
I like living easy without family ties (living easy)
Till the whippoorwill of freedom zapped me
Right between the eyes
'Cause I live and breathe this Philadelphia freedom
From the day that I was born I've waved the flag
Philadelphia freedom took me knee high to a man
Mm mm, gave me a piece of mind my daddy never had
Oh Philadelphia freedom, shine on me, I love you
Shine the light, through the eyes of the ones left behind
Shine the light, shine the light
Shine the light, won't you shine the light
Philadelphia freedom, I love you, yes I do
Oh, Philadelphia freedom, shine on me, I love you
Shine the light, through the eyes of the ones left behind
Shine the light, shine the light
Shine the light, won't you shine the light
Philadelphia freedom, I love,
You know I love , you know I love you
Yes I do, Philadelphia freedom
I love you
Yes I do, Philadelphia freedom
You know that I love you
Yes I do, Philadelphia freedom
Don't you know that I love you
Yes I do, Philadelphia freedom
Don't you know that I love you
Yes I do, Philadelphia freedom
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Elton John / Bernard J.P. Taupin
Philadelphia Freedom lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Thank you for giving us the lyric. Bernie Taupin’s masterpiece.
That orchestra and band tore this song up!!! I love this song for the violins and other string instruments!!!!! Wish I would have been there to hear this one. It’s a mixture of gospel, classical and rock.
This is the song of the day!!!!!
I only like a few Elton John songs ..... 164 so far ..... and i would have to say this one is in the top 10 . :)
This amazing song is a masterpiece! I Love it so much, since my childhood in 1975, when this song was recorded!!! Great post! ;-)
Love this song, love this man. Greetings from Brazil!
i was 8th grade and my big sister gave me elton john greatest hits loved his songs ever since she is with god now thank sis you were always the cool one love you
Xoxoxoxo
First saw Elton John in 1975. Davey Johnstone STILL has the same hair.
Lol
Saw them live 4 nights ago! He’s still rocking the hair and the shades😎👌🏼
This gave me goosebumps!
Absolutely BRILLIANT !!!
ABSOLUTELY LOVE ELTON JOHN and this Song !!!! WTG. Fantastic Royal Opera House ... Brilliant
god hes such a good live performer
After seeing Rocketman this song brings tears of joy.
Beautiful
Brilliant! Perfection in every aspect! Wish I had been in the audience at the time.
This kicks so much ass.
Being born in Philadelphia I approve this message!
Americans British CUT from the same cloth brother... ❤❤❤
@@djsimonrossprice9400 beautiful ❤🤍💙
I grew up listening to this guy,So many great songs,what would I have done without you??
Thank You so much.
Love him forever ❤🎉
I would love to visit Philadelphia one day 🙂💚🦅
STUPENDOUS! Love Elton John and his musical genious. Grew up listening to his music.
Thank you Elton for your amazing service to Music.
I saw him in concert in Tampa. He kicked serious ass!!!!!