This is one of the most personal songs that Elton John ever wrote with Bernie. In the summer of 70, Elton John nearly married then-secretary Linda Woodrow. John knew things weren’t right in the relationship, after two years and he didn’t know how to call off the upcoming nuptials. During a night of drinking with blues singer Long John Baldry and Bernie Taupin, they convinced John not to go through with it. The wedding was less than a month away. Quite intoxicated, John came home around 4:30 am, and called the whole thing off. Elton John was very suicidal about this entire situation. Obviously fighting with his own sexuality at the time. When you listen to the song back again and hear it from that point of you. You can see calling her sugar bear and that she was a butterfly it was made to fly. It’s quite amazing
It's about escaping a potential marriage situation that , although he hadn't come out at the time of writing the song, he knew would be impossible for him.
This song resonates with me so deeply! My younger sister died last September. She had Down's Syndrome and eventually succumbed to complications with Alzheimer's. But as a child, she adored this song and always joined in with the "Sugar Bear" line. I am so glad you have covered it!
I can relate Michael. Two years ago we lost my wife’s sister at age 56. She also had Downs and passed as a result of Alzheimer’s complications. She loved music, had a vast collection of tapes and CDs, would dance every song at weddings and, if there happened to be a live band, would march right up on stage and sing a song with them in that typical Downs off key monotone voice. What a precious gift. My condolences on your loss.
@@Paladin70I was in a local band that played pubs and such but we played for the ARC a couple times and it was so fun, fulfilling and uplifting. God bless you.
Released almost 50 years ago and I’m sure I’m not the only one who has listened and gotten lost in Someone Saved My Life Tonight, thousands of times over and over and still want to hear it again. Friendship and love are our great sugar bears. You both are great hosts. Thank you
This was the first 45 single I ever owned. 12 years old and I played it endlessly. It started my love of records. I was a fan of Elton even earlier with "Crocodile Rock." I saw him three times live. Twice in the 80's, and then on this final tour. So yeah, Elton's music has followed me through my life. His music is eternally in my heart and soul.
Elton's producer, Gus Dudgeon, is not given enough public credit for his excellent choices for each and every album. And bassist Dee Murray, rest in peace, and drummer Nigel Olsson absolutely carry most of Elton & Bernie's songs, especially Dee. He did so much more than most bass players do, with his melodic bass lines full of tasty surprises.
British production at its finest. This album was the bench mark for so many rockers growing up in the 70. Just as Guns 'n' Roses and the Stone Temple Pilots.
This song was written about Elton was who was engaged to a lady named Linda Woodrow. He got drunk with Bernie Taupin and Long John Baldry and they convinced him to call off the wedding in 1970. In 1975 Elton wrote the music while on a cruise ship and Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics. A lucky escape for sure. Beautiful instruments, classic Elton's piano, and beautiful vocals made for a great tune. Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️ ❤️ 🇨🇦🇨🇦
Mostly true. The engagement broke off in 1968, though, not 1970, which is an important distinction because Elton's career took off in 1970. Linda was critical of Elton's efforts to do music as a career, and wanted him to get a "sensible job". There were certainly other problems (not the least of which was Elton's sexual orientation), but I doubt Linda wouldn't have complained so much once Elton started making the big bucks. That said, I'm sure Elton wouldn't have hung on for much longer either, since he met John Reid in '70, and it became clear to him then that he was attracted to men.
Great choice. This one often gets lost among his mammoth hits. But it’s a beautiful performance. You get virtually every part of Elton’s range in this one.
@@donkey3187 Just because it is one of yours and my favorites of his huge hit catalog does not mean it is up at the top for everyone. I have lived all over the place in my 54 years and some people prefer his "up-tempo" songs and others prefer his "soulful" songs. I may hear this one time in every 100 songs they play of his on the radio in most of the places I have lived...
@Wolverines77 this song is well known. Elton has bigger hit songs than this for sure, but this song is still well known, not only Elton among fans, but also among classic rock fans.
@@donkey3187 I was not saying it’s an unknown tune - I recognize it as a hit and said as much but, to me, it feels like it gets a lot less airplay so would not be as obvious a choice for folks who’ve not heard a lot of Elton to react to. Agree it’s a classic. But isn’t nearly as “best known” as Tiny Dancer, Crocodile Rock, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Candle In The Wind, Can You Feel The Love Tonight, Circle of Life, Don’t Go Breakin My Heart, Daniel, Bennie and the Jets, Saturday Nights Alright for Fighting.. I mean there’s 10 arguably better known songs right there.
The thing about this song is that, beautiful as it is, there’s also so much desperation and anger in it as he describes this dysfunctional relationship he almost committed to before he attempted suicide and Bernie stopped him. One of my favorite Elton John songs. Thank you for listening to it.
Jay & Amber, you'll love his "Philadelphia Freedom", "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding", and "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"!!!! Don't let the title scare you off on the second one, starts off slow, then its a banger!
@Carolyn Cappitelli Also, check out the Oleta Adams (Get Here) version. It's totally awesome as well. It was on an Elton John tribute album called Two Rooms. That entire album great as well. There George Michael does the Elton John song "Tonight."
Philadelphia Freedom was written for his friend, pro tennis star Billie Jean King, who played for Philly's pro tennis team, the Philadelphia Freedoms. It was the only time Elton asked lyricist Bernie Taupin to write a song to honor someone.
Amber & Jay, here are some Elton John songs you should check out that you haven't reacted to yet: "Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding", "Honky Cat", Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me", "Philadelphia Freedom", "Sad Songs (Say So Much)", and "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That".
Two of my favorite lines in a song: “Prima-donna, Lord you really should have been there, sittin like a princess, perched in her electric chair.” & “strangled by your haunted social scene, just a pawn outplayed by a dominating queen.” Ouch! I’d hate to be the person this is written about.
This is just a powerful song based on a real life event that turned what could've been a tragedy into a saving grace. Elton was engaged and feeling the pressure of what was expected and considered and even tried a suicide attempt. Luckily Bernie was one of the friends who found him and convinced him that he didn't HAVE to get married and that he could walk away because what everyone else wanted for/expected of him was not more important than what he wanted for himself. Fortunately he had Bernie and his other friends who saw him struggle and refused to let him cave to that pressure and take the worst way out and helped him find his truth/way. So it's a therapeutic song for both Elton and Bernie.
I remember this as my friends and I were in the car driving into the sunset. We all sang along, sadly two of the five have now passed on, but it remains a huge memory of my youth.
Funeral For A Friend / Love Lies Bleeding is Elton's masterpiece. An opus or overture if you will. I feel privileged I got to see him perform it live 3 times.
Yes! Me too! Saw him in 1974 1976 and 2014. Opened with Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding each time. My most favorite song EVER! I so hope they do that one some day, they will be so blow away.
Long, long ago, while we were sitting in the audience waiting for Elton to come on, I told my sister that it was a dream of mine for him to start his concert with Funeral for A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding. When the stage darkened and the sound of wind blowing with a bell in the distance rang out she gripped my arm so tight that I probably still have marks on it! It may sound silly but it was a moment that I won't forget with my sister who I love so much. Music is powerful!
Yes!! When we saw him with Billy Joel the first time they toured, when he broke out “Funeral With a Friend,” I was like, “the show could end right here and I’m perfectly happy!”
This song is an account between Long John Baldry, Bernie Taupin, and Elton John on a night of drinking where they talked Elton John out of marrying his fiancee at the time, but it also gets very dark, talking about different suicide attempts. It's a haunting song.
I worked in a Bar in Edmonton during the 80's and Sugar Bear would come around on tour an play there. He'd fill the house and what a great entertainer!
Interesting - I always (and still) have interpreted "Sugar Bear" to be the person from whom Elton was rescued - he's telling that person (Sugar Bear) that someone convinced him to leave SB. "Someone saved my life tonight, Sugar Bear. You almost had your hooks in me..."
@@moleman1976 Sugar Bear is Long John Baldry who, with Bernie, found Elton after a suicide attempt. Elton apparently tends to give out nicknames and/or drag names to friends - according to his autobiography. Lyrically Sugar Bear is calling back to the line before it ‘someone saved my life tonight’
@@Carlyn88413 bear is slang for a burly gay man, grizzly adams type. But baldry was tall and thin IIRC so perhaps this predates the use of bear as a term and is just an endearment.
23 years ago I went to see Elton John perform live when he did a Solo concert and I sat in the fourth row right in front of his piano and watched him play his hits for 3 hours with just his voice and piano and no other musicians or backing band whatsoever. He would sometimes stand up to thank the audience for their applause and he would make eye contact and point at the audience members who were most vocal/active with their applause and cheering and a couple of times I was the one he pointed at and he mouthed 'thank you' at each person. Pretty magical night and a great showcase for his musical talent.
Music by Elton John and lyrics by Bernie Taupin. Taking from a real life event when Taupin saved his friend from a suicide attempt in a desperate attempt to get out of a toxic relationship Elton was in at the time.The song talks both about the relationship and the way it held him down and suffocating him.
It wasn't Taupin, it was John Baldry that rescued Elton. His nickname was Sugar Bear. Baldry was the band leader of Bluesology, and gave a young Elton his big break. As the story goes, Baldry stopped Elton from attempting suicide, stayed up all night with him and convinced him to break up with the fiance he didn't love, and stayed with him until his parents could come and take him home.
Not quite, it may have been written by Elton and Bernie Taupin but it is about Long John Baldry who stopped Elton from committing suicide, at the time Elton was engaged to a woman who wasnt the right person for him.
It was an attempted suicide with him sticking his head in an oven but the windows were opened so there was no chance he would have died. I wasn't aware it was bernie who found him. Always thought it was long John baldry, a famous English blues singer who also gave Rod Stewart his musical break.
@@denisemeredith2436 Actually, both Bernie and Long John found Elton and stopped him from committing suicide. It was Long John who convinced Elton to break it off with Linda Woodrow.
My favorite Elton song. It's just gut-wrenching. Thank you so much for reacting to this. If I had to name my second-favorite, it would be "Philadelphia Freedom" or "NIkita", both of which I hope you get to some day. Also - your next Sir Elton song will be your TWENTIETH. :)
@@donkey3187 Maybe "exhilarating" would be a better word. Elton's passion when he hits the final chorus, declaring his freedom, still gives me goosebumps after forty years of hearing this song.
When this song came out, I was in high school and was extremely frustrated that, even though I was a good tenor in the high school and church choirs, I could not sing it--or, at least, not sing it well. Elton's works have served to train my voice, because I could never stop TRYING to sing them. It is a great joy to me that I can sing this song--and so many of his others--so much better than in years past. On a good day, I can sing "Tower of Babel" completely without falsetto. Sounds like I'm bragging on myself, but it's all because he has put a song in my heart every day of my life and taught me how to sing it, too.
So glad y'all listened to this one. It's not only one of my favorite Elton songs, but one of my all time faves. I knew Amber would love the Butterfly lyrics.
Not only is this song fantastic, this entire album fantastic, but the artwork on the album is creatively weird and wonderful. Elton is my second favorite artist. I imagine you can figure out #1. 🤭😁
my favorite elton song of all. im so glad you got to listen to this one. legend has it, elton was about to get married to a woman that didnt like his music career and wanted him to do different, but also he wasnt in love with her but got carried away to plan the marriage until he saw no escape and wanted to shove his head in the oven and his friend and writing partner bernie taupin save him from ending his life that night and help him got out of that unwanted marriage. i think you would enjoy the movie rocketman, it is a biopic about elton life and i dont think you will be spoil that many songs, because you have listen to most of them by now
This era , for me, is the quintessential Elton John. Captain Fantastic is a phenomenal album. I remember being mesmerized as a child with the artwork on the album cover of my Sister's copy.
I cannot think of any song of Sir Elton John’s that has ever been a disappointment. The man is just pure charisma and talent. We are just lucky and blessed to be able to hear his music 🎶❤, that he never gave up on his passion and the rest of the world is better for it.🎹🎧
There is NO one like Elton - such a huge musical influence of mine. I even like "Victim of Love" - his one disco effort! Who would have ever though that Elton would try disco but that is how huge the genre got at the time! :-)
My absolutely favorite Elton John song. Came out when I met my husband in college. He truly saved my life as as I was drinking and doing way too many drugs at that time. Song means so much to me.
Elton John's songs enter your heart residing there forever as a cherished friend who always makes you smile. Thank you Rob Squad for making me smile as well.
Please listen to that whole album. You don't have to do it on the air, but if you like this, you'll love the rest of it. Every song is a story of Elton and Bernie's journey.
Elton's melodic soft rock is very hard to beat. There is a fullness to his work that simply satisfies. The musicianship is absolutely incredible as well. Great reaction!
The Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy album is a great album, and sadly not talked about enough. From start to finish the songs are about Elton and Bernie's journey together. Elton is Captain Fantastic and Bernie The Brown Dirt Cowboy. So many songs on that album that I love. From the title track to, Bitter Fingers, Tell Me When The Whistle Blows and on and on. The lyrics in this song are mind bogglingly good.
My wife and I recently attended Sir Elton's final American performance in Los Angeles(although we pray its not) it was the day after the mass shooting in Colorado at a gay nightclub and when he performed this song it just hit different. There was not a dry eye in Dodger Stadium!...His final words to all of us were"Be kind to each other". ❤✌🏽🌈
Fun facts: This song is about when Elton was going to marry a woman named Lisa Woodrow, however a friend of his named, Long John Baldry gave him advice not to do it, which Elton heeded. The "Sugar Bear" lyrics refers to Baldry.
Very timely, I saw Sir Elton just last weekend at his last ever Australian concert. 2 and a half hours with only a few minutes break in the middle, the man is in his 70s and still gives it everything. And yes, he performed this song!
When I was 14 and this song came out, I fell in love with it even though I didn't really know what it was about. The 70s were loaded with amazing pop songs and this one had a hauntingly beautiful melody. I still love it today. "Listen to it good!" And the CODA is so addictive. It could go on forever.
Thank y’all for listening to this and as always giving the piece so much space and respect. I feel so grateful to have been able to watch you both experience my all time favorite Elton John song for the first time; it was like hearing it with new ears. Thank you for sharing with us, and for your wonderful channel!💛
Definitely one of my favorite Elton hits. Almost every song of his is an absolute masterpiece. I cannot suggest "Harmony" enough; it's the final track off of his Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album. I always thought that one was just heavenly. It wasn't a chart-topper by any means but it's a lasting fan favorite. So many of his best songs are deep cuts/B-sides. Watching all of y'all's videos brings me great joy, especially when you're enjoying Sir Elton. I can't wait to see which song of his you listen to next
You say so many of his best songs are deep cuts l totally agree, most of my favourite Elton John songs are album tracks. Many of these songs are never mentioned, Holiday Inn, Razor Face,The Ballad of Danny Bailey, Blues for Baby and Me, Amy, The Tower of Babel, Cage the Songbird and Border Song are a few examples. Harmony has been another favorite since l bought GYBR.
@@marks9140 One of my favourite songs from GYBR is I've Seen That Movie Too, in fact there aren't any songs on the album l don't like. The early work from Elton John (and Bernard Taupin) was phenomenal, sounding just as fresh today. His last great album for me was Captain Fantastic which is indeed fantastic (side 1 is my favourite though) after that album things did start to go downhill a little bit, l was still buying his albums and enjoying them, probably hoping the album was going to be as good as the early ones. There were l think two later albums which did almost achieve that quality of work, they are The One and Songs From the West Coast, some strong tracks on those two, a favourite from SFTWC is The Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes, it sounds almost like something from Madman which is my favourite Elton album having the 'warmth' of songs from his early years if that makes sense.
Elton at his musical peak! He had everything working for him - Gus Dudgeon as his producer, bernie as his lyricist, davey, nigel and dee as his backing band/backing singers plus great songs! Wow!
Oh Amber you summed up the song perfectly! The song brings up so many emotions for me for so many reasons. I love this song and love Elton John! His music lives on for generations! 💛💚💛💚
Absolute master of key, tempo, shifting time signatures and mood... most phrases in pop tunes are 4 bars before the return to chorus, stay in the same key and time signature for the most part.... his are about 30+bars, have 5 or 6 key changes and similar time signature changes...there are also unique "coda" phrases in another pitch altogether... and it fits perfectly. They literally don't write them like this anymore.
Elton and Bernie were heavily influenced by the songwriting legends of Tin Pan Alley. Tiny Dancer is the best example of the Tin Pan Alley influence on their music.
I find this to be his best tune. LOVE this song. The lyrics are incredible and true life story. Incredible piano. The live version is amazing and really shows his talent. Pull up the lyrics when you listen to it again. The lyrics are powerful.
One of my all time favorites. Still in my playlist. "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding", "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me", and "All The Girls Love Alice" are wonderful tunes as well. Cheers!
Bernie Taupin wrote this about Elton when he almost got married for all the wrong reasons " You almost had your hooks in me, didn't you dear, you nearly had me roped and tied, altar bound hipnotized sweet freedom whispered in my ear " , what a great master piece, thanks guys, great reaction
I love Sir Elton.. He is amazing and my favorite artist and singer of all time.. Many of my friends who also loved him have all passed now. Sir Elton has been at the top of his career since the 70s and he is still popular today by many generations.
This is a beautiful moment. It is so rare to see you both react to a song that is so captivating that you can’t say anything but just listen to it. Elton John is one that can do that. Get lost in his music and lyrics.
This is a true story of when Elton John almost married a girl who basically trapped him into it. Sugar Bear is a real person. A friend who talked him out of it.
My personal Elton John favorite!
Might be my favorite Elton John song.
This is one of the most personal songs that Elton John ever wrote with Bernie. In the summer of 70, Elton John nearly married then-secretary Linda Woodrow. John knew things weren’t right in the relationship, after two years and he didn’t know how to call off the upcoming nuptials. During a night of drinking with blues singer Long John Baldry and Bernie Taupin, they convinced John not to go through with it. The wedding was less than a month away. Quite intoxicated, John came home around 4:30 am, and called the whole thing off. Elton John was very suicidal about this entire situation. Obviously fighting with his own sexuality at the time. When you listen to the song back again and hear it from that point of you. You can see calling her sugar bear and that she was a butterfly it was made to fly. It’s quite amazing
Actually, Sugar Bear was his friend John Baldry's nickname.
Yeah, that makes sense. I’ve just always elaborated in my mind after hearing the story.
You know it's a good song when they listen for a long time before stopping the video to comment.
Elton goes deep on this one. The desperation is real. You believe you every word.
It's about escaping a potential marriage situation that , although he hadn't come out at the time of writing the song, he knew would be impossible for him.
Yeah, Bernie wrote it about Elton's experience. How amazing for Elton to write the music to **that** story.
its very honest n real...just like Elton
His wife said if they got a divorce she would inject herself with oxygen @thewomble1509
"Saved in time, thank God my music's still alive!"
Indeed! That line always gives me chills.
Here too.
Soooo many times.
Hallo?
"It's four o'clock in the morning, DAMMIT, listen to me good."
The peak of the song.
This is not only one of Elton John's greatest songs, but also one of the greatest musical compositions of the 20th century!!
Lets not push it.
this is my favourite Elton John song. amazing song. google the backstory, I believe it had something to do with Long John Baldry.....
Absolutely correct.
@@johnnybmean74 Of all human history!
@@quikmart1 You can always rely on a stubborn moron to double down on being dumb.
"Just a pawn outplayed by a dominating queen"
One of the best song lines, imo.
Taupin is one of the best lyricists of the last 50 years.
Taupin loved classic American western novelists, and their ability to draw a strong image with few words. It shows. :)
This song resonates with me so deeply! My younger sister died last September. She had Down's Syndrome and eventually succumbed to complications with Alzheimer's. But as a child, she adored this song and always joined in with the "Sugar Bear" line. I am so glad you have covered it!
I can relate Michael. Two years ago we lost my wife’s sister at age 56. She also had Downs and passed as a result of Alzheimer’s complications. She loved music, had a vast collection of tapes and CDs, would dance every song at weddings and, if there happened to be a live band, would march right up on stage and sing a song with them in that typical Downs off key monotone voice. What a precious gift. My condolences on your loss.
That's so sweet Michael and Richard thank you for sharing with us ❤️
@@Paladin70I was in a local band that played pubs and such but we played for the ARC a couple times and it was so fun, fulfilling and uplifting. God bless you.
@@Paladin70 children with downs syndrome give off a heavenly glow i can feel. best i can explain the effect they have on me.
❤
Released almost 50 years ago and I’m sure I’m not the only one who has listened and gotten lost in Someone Saved My Life Tonight, thousands of times over and over and still want to hear it again. Friendship and love are our great sugar bears. You both are great hosts. Thank you
Listened to this & every Elton/Bernie song a million times. Got lost in them for many years.
💗💗💗
This was the first 45 single I ever owned. 12 years old and I played it endlessly. It started my love of records. I was a fan of Elton even earlier with "Crocodile Rock." I saw him three times live. Twice in the 80's, and then on this final tour. So yeah, Elton's music has followed me through my life. His music is eternally in my heart and soul.
Elton's producer, Gus Dudgeon, is not given enough public credit for his excellent choices for each and every album. And bassist Dee Murray, rest in peace, and drummer Nigel Olsson absolutely carry most of Elton & Bernie's songs, especially Dee. He did so much more than most bass players do, with his melodic bass lines full of tasty surprises.
British production at its finest. This album was the bench mark for so many rockers growing up in the 70. Just as Guns 'n' Roses and the Stone Temple Pilots.
This song was written about Elton was who was engaged to a lady named Linda
Woodrow. He got drunk with Bernie Taupin and Long John Baldry and they convinced him to call off the wedding in 1970.
In 1975 Elton wrote the music while on a cruise ship and Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics. A lucky escape for sure. Beautiful
instruments, classic Elton's piano, and beautiful vocals made for a great tune.
Great reaction. Buckets of Maple Syrup love from Canada ❤️ ❤️ 🇨🇦🇨🇦
Exactly! And John Baldry's nickname was Sugar Bear.
Everyone knows what John is into so it probably took little 'convincing'.
@@karenduell1027 Yes indeed. 👍✌️🎶🇨🇦
Mostly true. The engagement broke off in 1968, though, not 1970, which is an important distinction because Elton's career took off in 1970. Linda was critical of Elton's efforts to do music as a career, and wanted him to get a "sensible job". There were certainly other problems (not the least of which was Elton's sexual orientation), but I doubt Linda wouldn't have complained so much once Elton started making the big bucks. That said, I'm sure Elton wouldn't have hung on for much longer either, since he met John Reid in '70, and it became clear to him then that he was attracted to men.
Another masterpiece
Hands down my fave!!
Great choice. This one often gets lost among his mammoth hits. But it’s a beautiful performance. You get virtually every part of Elton’s range in this one.
lol..no it doesnt...this is one of his best known songs...a classic
Thank you for not saying it is "under-rated". Everyone will admit is is a true "diamond in the rough"...
@@donkey3187 Just because it is one of yours and my favorites of his huge hit catalog does not mean it is up at the top for everyone. I have lived all over the place in my 54 years and some people prefer his "up-tempo" songs and others prefer his "soulful" songs. I may hear this one time in every 100 songs they play of his on the radio in most of the places I have lived...
@Wolverines77 this song is well known. Elton has bigger hit songs than this for sure, but this song is still well known, not only Elton among fans, but also among classic rock fans.
@@donkey3187 I was not saying it’s an unknown tune - I recognize it as a hit and said as much but, to me, it feels like it gets a lot less airplay so would not be as obvious a choice for folks who’ve not heard a lot of Elton to react to. Agree it’s a classic. But isn’t nearly as “best known” as Tiny Dancer, Crocodile Rock, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Candle In The Wind, Can You Feel The Love Tonight, Circle of Life, Don’t Go Breakin My Heart, Daniel, Bennie and the Jets, Saturday Nights Alright for Fighting.. I mean there’s 10 arguably better known songs right there.
The thing about this song is that, beautiful as it is, there’s also so much desperation and anger in it as he describes this dysfunctional relationship he almost committed to before he attempted suicide and Bernie stopped him.
One of my favorite Elton John songs. Thank you for listening to it.
The man that actually saved him was a man he called sugar bear and that man was Long John Baldry.
Coming out as a gay man was much harder then than it is now - especially with an entire public facing successful career to lose
@@d-rock5235 Wow, didn't know that! Thanks for the info.
One of my favorite Elton songs!! 😊🎹
Elton’s best song, imho, and my personal favorite song of all time.
This whole album is a masterpiece, Lyrical genius from start to finish....
Jay & Amber, you'll love his "Philadelphia Freedom", "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding", and "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"!!!! Don't let the title scare you off on the second one, starts off slow, then its a banger!
His duet of Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me with George Michael is FIRE!
@Carolyn Cappitelli Also, check out the Oleta Adams (Get Here) version. It's totally awesome as well. It was on an Elton John tribute album called Two Rooms. That entire album great as well. There George Michael does the Elton John song "Tonight."
Philadelphia Freedom was written for his friend, pro tennis star Billie Jean King, who played for Philly's pro tennis team, the Philadelphia Freedoms. It was the only time Elton asked lyricist Bernie Taupin to write a song to honor someone.
"Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding", are powerful opening songs to Goodbye Yellow Brick road double album.
Should be saved for around the Fourth of July, IMO
Never forget Sir Elton is only half the genius in these songs. Thank you Bernie !!
Amber & Jay, here are some Elton John songs you should check out that you haven't reacted to yet: "Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding", "Honky Cat", Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me", "Philadelphia Freedom", "Sad Songs (Say So Much)", and "I Don't Wanna Go On With You Like That".
Dont forget Madman across the Water
All excellent choices! 😊
" Mona Lisa's and Mad Hatters" always gets me.. Great song! Especially the 9/11 Tribute Live concert version..
Two of my favorite lines in a song: “Prima-donna, Lord you really should have been there, sittin like a princess, perched in her electric chair.” & “strangled by your haunted social scene, just a pawn outplayed by a dominating queen.” Ouch! I’d hate to be the person this is written about.
Bernie Taupin is an amazing poet, and this might be his best work.
You ain't just kidding man. Sadly that was my wife. I loved even though.
I heard it's about John Reid, his former manager and lover.
@@irishman4671 No it's about Linda Woodward, Elton John's former fiance. He broke off the engagement, they were engaged to be married in 1968 !!!
This is just one of Elton's fabulous songs. Also it's one of my favourite albums. Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.
The title track is in my top five fave EJ songs.
Did you play the pinball machine?
@@O_Towne_Bear This. 1000 times this. It’s autobiographical.
One of my favorites too! ❤
Agreed. Every song on this album is fabulous.
This is just a powerful song based on a real life event that turned what could've been a tragedy into a saving grace. Elton was engaged and feeling the pressure of what was expected and considered and even tried a suicide attempt. Luckily Bernie was one of the friends who found him and convinced him that he didn't HAVE to get married and that he could walk away because what everyone else wanted for/expected of him was not more important than what he wanted for himself. Fortunately he had Bernie and his other friends who saw him struggle and refused to let him cave to that pressure and take the worst way out and helped him find his truth/way. So it's a therapeutic song for both Elton and Bernie.
“It’s 4 o’clock in the morning DAMMIT!”
Love that line.
Bernie's wonderful lyrics and Elton's talent in composing beautiful melodic songs made them a phenomenal team!
Great to see you young ones enjoying such CLASS. Thanks and best wishes from North West England.
I remember this as my friends and I were in the car driving into the sunset. We all sang along, sadly two of the five have now passed on, but it remains a huge memory of my youth.
Know the feeling.
I'm right there with you man. My condolences to you. Two of mine are gone now as well. Long live the memories
Funeral For A Friend / Love Lies Bleeding is Elton's masterpiece. An opus or overture if you will. I feel privileged I got to see him perform it live 3 times.
Yes! Me too! Saw him in 1974 1976 and 2014. Opened with Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding each time. My most favorite song EVER! I so hope they do that one some day, they will be so blow away.
Long, long ago, while we were sitting in the audience waiting for Elton to come on, I told my sister that it was a dream of mine for him to start his concert with Funeral for A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding. When the stage darkened and the sound of wind blowing with a bell in the distance rang out she gripped my arm so tight that I probably still have marks on it! It may sound silly but it was a moment that I won't forget with my sister who I love so much. Music is powerful!
Yes!! When we saw him with Billy Joel the first time they toured, when he broke out “Funeral With a Friend,” I was like, “the show could end right here and I’m perfectly happy!”
This song is an account between Long John Baldry, Bernie Taupin, and Elton John on a night of drinking where they talked Elton John out of marrying his fiancee at the time, but it also gets very dark, talking about different suicide attempts.
It's a haunting song.
One of my favorites!!!
It’s just such a HUGE sound! Everything grander than everything else; a masterpiece. Nigel Olssen’s drums are unreal.
Yes!!! The drums are outstanding
Nigel is one of my favorite drummers. Check out "Better Off Dead" from this album. Olssen is off the hook with his choices.
I worked in a Bar in Edmonton during the 80's and Sugar Bear would come around on tour an play there. He'd fill the house and what a great entertainer!
This was Elton's best period, in my opinion!
So grateful to Elton’s ‘sugar bear’ for helping to save him and help him along his journey to the wonderful icon he is today. Beautiful song
Interesting - I always (and still) have interpreted "Sugar Bear" to be the person from whom Elton was rescued - he's telling that person (Sugar Bear) that someone convinced him to leave SB. "Someone saved my life tonight, Sugar Bear. You almost had your hooks in me..."
@@moleman1976 Sugar Bear is Long John Baldry who, with Bernie, found Elton after a suicide attempt. Elton apparently tends to give out nicknames and/or drag names to friends - according to his autobiography.
Lyrically Sugar Bear is calling back to the line before it ‘someone saved my life tonight’
@@Carlyn88413 bear is slang for a burly gay man, grizzly adams type. But baldry was tall and thin IIRC so perhaps this predates the use of bear as a term and is just an endearment.
John Baldry is the source of the JOHN in his stage name.
@@markkauder1288 yes he got Elton from another member of bluesology - Elton Dean
23 years ago I went to see Elton John perform live when he did a Solo concert and I sat in the fourth row right in front of his piano and watched him play his hits for 3 hours with just his voice and piano and no other musicians or backing band whatsoever. He would sometimes stand up to thank the audience for their applause and he would make eye contact and point at the audience members who were most vocal/active with their applause and cheering and a couple of times I was the one he pointed at and he mouthed 'thank you' at each person. Pretty magical night and a great showcase for his musical talent.
Memories to last a lifetime ✌️
Too cool very beautiful
That is a wonderful memory to have,
Music by Elton John and lyrics by Bernie Taupin. Taking from a real life event when Taupin saved his friend from a suicide attempt in a desperate attempt to get out of a toxic relationship Elton was in at the time.The song talks both about the relationship and the way it held him down and suffocating him.
It wasn't Taupin, it was John Baldry that rescued Elton. His nickname was Sugar Bear. Baldry was the band leader of Bluesology, and gave a young Elton his big break. As the story goes, Baldry stopped Elton from attempting suicide, stayed up all night with him and convinced him to break up with the fiance he didn't love, and stayed with him until his parents could come and take him home.
Not quite, it may have been written by Elton and Bernie Taupin but it is about Long John Baldry who stopped Elton from committing suicide, at the time Elton was engaged to a woman who wasnt the right person for him.
@@denisemeredith2436 thanks for the clarification
It was an attempted suicide with him sticking his head in an oven but the windows were opened so there was no chance he would have died. I wasn't aware it was bernie who found him. Always thought it was long John baldry, a famous English blues singer who also gave Rod Stewart his musical break.
@@denisemeredith2436 Actually, both Bernie and Long John found Elton and stopped him from committing suicide. It was Long John who convinced Elton to break it off with Linda Woodrow.
One of my personal favorites!
One of my absolute favorites of his. This entire album is worth a dive.
Yes it is!!!!!
It's a grower and it is superlative
My favorite Elton John song. And very autobiographic. He was suicidal about his marriage, but a friend saved him.
My favorite Elton song. It's just gut-wrenching. Thank you so much for reacting to this. If I had to name my second-favorite, it would be "Philadelphia Freedom" or "NIkita", both of which I hope you get to some day. Also - your next Sir Elton song will be your TWENTIETH. :)
How is it gut wrenching...he was saved from marrying the wrong person? lol
@@donkey3187 Maybe "exhilarating" would be a better word. Elton's passion when he hits the final chorus, declaring his freedom, still gives me goosebumps after forty years of hearing this song.
@@Shrykespeare I agree with all that. I think you just picked the wrong word initially. lol Gut wrenching would indicate something tragic.
This is by far my most favourite Elton John song. I love to hear it, I love to sing it and I love people who appreciate it! :D
It's really stunning.
Me too 🎉
When this song came out, I was in high school and was extremely frustrated that, even though I was a good tenor in the high school and church choirs, I could not sing it--or, at least, not sing it well. Elton's works have served to train my voice, because I could never stop TRYING to sing them. It is a great joy to me that I can sing this song--and so many of his others--so much better than in years past. On a good day, I can sing "Tower of Babel" completely without falsetto. Sounds like I'm bragging on myself, but it's all because he has put a song in my heart every day of my life and taught me how to sing it, too.
So glad y'all listened to this one. It's not only one of my favorite Elton songs, but one of my all time faves. I knew Amber would love the Butterfly lyrics.
This is my favourite Elton John song. Great lyrics from Bernie Taupin...
me too...I knew she would like that lyric also. I saw Elton in concert 3 times and he was fantastic!
It's my favorite too!
Mine too
Love all his songs but THIS is my favorite. It touches my heart and soul.
Oh wow. So glad you have gotten around to this classic! ✌
My favorite Elton song!
3:01 If you listen carefully, it's about his coming out and the struggles of doing so. Beautiful song.
This was the first album I ever bought with my own money. The drums on this song are Incredible.
You never forget that first album, right?
@@courtnayzeitler8564 Never! Love it to this day.
Can’t go wrong with Elton!!
He knows how to hook you….pulls you in with his deep meaning songs! Love him! One of his songs made a come back this year… I was on board!
Elton’s masterpiece. The vocal, the drums, the bass. It’s all perfect.
Not only is this song fantastic, this entire album fantastic, but the artwork on the album is creatively weird and wonderful. Elton is my second favorite artist. I imagine you can figure out #1. 🤭😁
my favorite elton song of all. im so glad you got to listen to this one. legend has it, elton was about to get married to a woman that didnt like his music career and wanted him to do different, but also he wasnt in love with her but got carried away to plan the marriage until he saw no escape and wanted to shove his head in the oven and his friend and writing partner bernie taupin save him from ending his life that night and help him got out of that unwanted marriage. i think you would enjoy the movie rocketman, it is a biopic about elton life and i dont think you will be spoil that many songs, because you have listen to most of them by now
This era , for me, is the quintessential Elton John. Captain Fantastic is a phenomenal album. I remember being mesmerized as a child with the artwork on the album cover of my Sister's copy.
I cannot think of any song of Sir Elton John’s that has ever been a disappointment. The man is just pure charisma and talent. We are just lucky and blessed to be able to hear his music 🎶❤, that he never gave up on his passion and the rest of the world is better for it.🎹🎧
Your song comes to immediately mind....
There is NO one like Elton - such a huge musical influence of mine. I even like "Victim of Love" - his one disco effort! Who would have ever though that Elton would try disco but that is how huge the genre got at the time! :-)
Dang, what a beautiful song. Might be my favorite of Elton's.
My absolutely favorite Elton John song. Came out when I met my husband in college. He truly saved my life as as I was drinking and doing way too many drugs at that time. Song means so much to me.
For me, this is Elton's greatest song and one of the greatest ever.
This is a masterpiece. I can listen to this song on repeat for hours.
I love the simplicity of the drums on this song...simple yet very impactful
Can’t go wrong with Sir Elton!! Brilliant!!🤘🔥
Aside from the musical quality, Elton John's transparency makes his songs so real and approachable. It resonates with us below the surface.
Elton John's songs enter your heart residing there forever as a cherished friend who always makes you smile. Thank you Rob Squad for making me smile as well.
My absolute favourite Elton John song.
Oh I loved this song… it was everything!
That’s a beautiful song, one of my favorites from Sir Elton John.
Please listen to that whole album. You don't have to do it on the air, but if you like this, you'll love the rest of it. Every song is a story of Elton and Bernie's journey.
Elton's melodic soft rock is very hard to beat. There is a fullness to his work that simply satisfies. The musicianship is absolutely incredible as well.
Great reaction!
This song along with Don’t let the sun go down on me are two of my favorite songs of his.
Yes, Don't let the Sun go Down on me is my favorite. Someone Saved My Life Tonight is #2 and then Madman Across the Water #3.
My all-time favourite Elton John song. Thank you!
The Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy album is a great album, and sadly not talked about enough. From start to finish the songs are about Elton and Bernie's journey together. Elton is Captain Fantastic and Bernie The Brown Dirt Cowboy. So many songs on that album that I love. From the title track to, Bitter Fingers, Tell Me When The Whistle Blows and on and on. The lyrics in this song are mind bogglingly good.
My friend and I were 12 years old when this was a hit song. We sang along every time it came on the radio. Best days of my young life!
Elton was in a dark place in his life when he composed this song.
This is about being saved from marrying the wrong person.
This has always been my favorite Elton song! I saw him last year in concert and it made my day to finally see him play this song live! Keep On Rockin'
You can't beat Elton, many great songs! Love the reaction
My wife and I recently attended Sir Elton's final American performance in Los Angeles(although we pray its not) it was the day after the mass shooting in Colorado at a gay nightclub and when he performed this song it just hit different. There was not a dry eye in Dodger Stadium!...His final words to all of us were"Be kind to each other". ❤✌🏽🌈
I am not really an Elton John fan, but this is one of my favorite songs of all time. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
It seems like It would be pretty difficult to be a music fan, but not an Elton John fan.
@@neuvocastezero1838 Not for me
This has always been my favorite, BY FAR, Elton John song! His version of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds is a strong second!
Fun facts:
This song is about when Elton was going to marry a woman named Lisa Woodrow, however a friend of his named, Long John Baldry gave him advice not to do it, which Elton heeded. The "Sugar Bear" lyrics refers to Baldry.
Exactly!
My favorite album by him. Capt. Fantastic is an awesome song.
Yes it's a very underplayed song. Brown dirt cowboy 🤠
Can’t describe it, but to me many Elton John songs have a certain feeling to them. This is definitely one of those songs!
Very timely, I saw Sir Elton just last weekend at his last ever Australian concert. 2 and a half hours with only a few minutes break in the middle, the man is in his 70s and still gives it everything.
And yes, he performed this song!
When I was 14 and this song came out, I fell in love with it even though I didn't really know what it was about. The 70s were loaded with amazing pop songs and this one had a hauntingly beautiful melody. I still love it today. "Listen to it good!" And the CODA is so addictive. It could go on forever.
Thank y’all for listening to this and as always giving the piece so much space and respect. I feel so grateful to have been able to watch you both experience my all time favorite Elton John song for the first time; it was like hearing it with new ears. Thank you for sharing with us, and for your wonderful channel!💛
Check out 'Empty Garden' ...it's about John Lennon and is another fantastic song by Elton
Definitely one of my favorite Elton hits. Almost every song of his is an absolute masterpiece. I cannot suggest "Harmony" enough; it's the final track off of his Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album. I always thought that one was just heavenly. It wasn't a chart-topper by any means but it's a lasting fan favorite. So many of his best songs are deep cuts/B-sides. Watching all of y'all's videos brings me great joy, especially when you're enjoying Sir Elton. I can't wait to see which song of his you listen to next
You say so many of his best songs are deep cuts l totally agree, most of my favourite Elton John songs are album tracks. Many of these songs are never mentioned, Holiday Inn, Razor Face,The Ballad of Danny Bailey, Blues for Baby and Me, Amy, The Tower of Babel, Cage the Songbird and Border Song are a few examples. Harmony has been another favorite since l bought GYBR.
I was also thinking Harmony as another song in this vein. "I've Seen that Movie Too" also from Yellow BR is another one I love - very film noir-ish.
@@marks9140 One of my favourite songs from GYBR is I've Seen That Movie Too, in fact there aren't any songs on the album l don't like. The early work from Elton John (and Bernard Taupin) was phenomenal, sounding just as fresh today. His last great album for me was Captain Fantastic which is indeed fantastic (side 1 is my favourite though) after that album things did start to go downhill a little bit, l was still buying his albums and enjoying them, probably hoping the album was going to be as good as the early ones. There were l think two later albums which did almost achieve that quality of work, they are The One and Songs From the West Coast, some strong tracks on those two, a favourite from SFTWC is The Ballad of the Boy in the Red Shoes, it sounds almost like something from Madman which is my favourite Elton album having the 'warmth' of songs from his early years if that makes sense.
You two are GREAT at doing these reactions!! You are both are perfect ease in front of the camera and have such a passion for the Music!!!
Elton at his musical peak! He had everything working for him - Gus Dudgeon as his producer, bernie as his lyricist, davey, nigel and dee as his backing band/backing singers plus great songs! Wow!
Oh Amber you summed up the song perfectly! The song brings up so many emotions for me for so many reasons. I love this song and love Elton John! His music lives on for generations! 💛💚💛💚
Absolute master of key, tempo, shifting time signatures and mood... most phrases in pop tunes are 4 bars before the return to chorus, stay in the same key and time signature for the most part.... his are about 30+bars, have 5 or 6 key changes and similar time signature changes...there are also unique "coda" phrases in another pitch altogether... and it fits perfectly. They literally don't write them like this anymore.
Elton and Bernie were heavily influenced by the songwriting legends of Tin Pan Alley. Tiny Dancer is the best example of the Tin Pan Alley influence on their music.
I find this to be his best tune. LOVE this song. The lyrics are incredible and true life story. Incredible piano. The live version is amazing and really shows his talent. Pull up the lyrics when you listen to it again. The lyrics are powerful.
This is my favourite one also!!
One of my all time favorites. Still in my playlist. "Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding", "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me", and "All The Girls Love Alice" are wonderful tunes as well. Cheers!
"All the girls love Alice" is a looked over gem.
Bernie Taupin wrote this about Elton when he almost got married for all the wrong reasons " You almost had your hooks in me, didn't you dear, you nearly had me roped and tied, altar bound hipnotized sweet freedom whispered in my ear " , what a great master piece, thanks guys, great reaction
Elton John meant so much to me growing up. I can’t imagine how I would have gotten through everything without his music.
I love Sir Elton.. He is amazing and my favorite artist and singer of all time.. Many of my friends who also loved him have all passed now. Sir Elton has been at the top of his career since the 70s and he is still popular today by many generations.
You can never go wrong with Elton John, he has so much great music ✌❤🎶
It reminds me of Elton’s song “I’m still standing”, only that one has an upbeat tempo. One of my favorite breakup songs.
This is my favorite Elton John tune. Literally everything about this song is amazing and captures my soul.
Great reaction. EARLIER Elton, I will keep telling you; EARLIERRRRR
This is a beautiful moment. It is so rare to see you both react to a song that is so captivating that you can’t say anything but just listen to it. Elton John is one that can do that. Get lost in his music and lyrics.
One of my Elton favorites
3 amazing songs today! Much love to you both for this relaxing and enjoyable Thursday evening! :)
Thank You. 3 great songs from the 70's. Maybe call it 70's Thursday? LOL. THX.
YES!!! You did it!! This song just pulls you in; forever will be a favorite.
This is a true story of when Elton John almost married a girl who basically trapped him into it. Sugar Bear is a real person. A friend who talked him out of it.