67听|听 Your Song Elton John As is the case with so many artists, Elton John鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 most enduring collaborations was born. Taupin soon moved in with Elton and his mum in north-west London and began furiously bashing out lyrics 鈥 鈥淵our Song鈥 was actually conceived one breakfast, while he was eating scrambled eggs. The most striking thing about the song is its innocence 鈥 it couldn鈥檛 have been written by anyone other than a teenager who, in Taupin鈥檚 own words, 鈥渉ad never got laid in his life鈥. Elton鈥檚 uncomplicated music perfectly complements Taupin鈥檚 unpretentious lyrics and that really sums up why 鈥淵our Song鈥 works so well and has remained such a favourite 鈥 it鈥檚 no more and no less than a simple but great pop song.
Elton John talks about working with Bernie Taupin and writing 鈥淵our Song鈥
Elton John on collaboration: "I didn't interfere with lyrics ... he didn't interfere with melodies"
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