67| Your Song Elton John As is the case with so many artists, Elton John’s first hit is also his best loved. Remarkably, lyricist Bernie Taupin was just 17 years old when he wrote the words, although it was not until four years later that the song became a hit. The duo’s partnership came about by chance. Both Elton and Taupin had replied to a record label advert seeking new talent.
Song facts
Composer
Elton John/Bernie Taupin
Genre
Pop
Album
Elton John
Year of Release
1970
UK Chart Position
7
Neither did quite enough to impress on their own, but the label saw potential in both and suggested they team up. The pair hit it off straight away and one of pop’s most enduring collaborations was born. Taupin soon moved in with Elton and his mum in north-west London and began furiously bashing out lyrics – “Your Song” was actually conceived one breakfast, while he was eating scrambled eggs. The most striking thing about the song is its innocence – it couldn’t have been written by anyone other than a teenager who, in Taupin’s own words, “had never got laid in his life”. Elton’s uncomplicated music perfectly complements Taupin’s unpretentious lyrics and that really sums up why “Your Song” works so well and has remained such a favourite – it’s no more and no less than a simple but great pop song.
Elton John talks about working with Bernie Taupin and writing “Your Song”
Elton John on collaboration: "I didn't interfere with lyrics ... he didn't interfere with melodies"
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