The Meaning Behind The Song: Your Song by Elton John
When “Your Song” was released on October 26, 1970, it quickly became a hit and turned Elton John into an international star. The song has been covered by countless artists and is regarded as one of the greatest love songs of all time. But what is the meaning behind the song? Let’s take a closer look.
The Inspiration
The lyrics to “Your Song” were written by Bernie Taupin, Elton John’s long-time collaborator. According to Taupin, he wrote the lyrics while he was staying at his parents’ house in Lincolnshire.
“I remember locking myself in my parents’ bedroom and sitting at the foot of the bed with my lyric book,” Taupin said in an interview with The Guardian. “I remember looking at the fields outside and thinking, ‘This is where I want to be. This is where I want to write these lyrics.’ I knew it was going to be a special song.”
Taupin drew inspiration from his then-girlfriend, Maxine Feibelman, and their relationship.
“The lyric is basically about someone who can’t find the words to tell the person they love how they feel,” Taupin told Songwriters Hall of Fame. “It’s about the simplicity of love, and how you don’t need grand gestures or flowery language to express it.”
The Composition
While Taupin wrote the lyrics, it was Elton John who composed the music. John has said that the melody came to him quickly and easily.
“I sat down at the piano in the morning, wrote it by lunchtime, and then we recorded it that evening,” John recalled in an interview with BBC Radio 2.
The song features John on piano and vocals, with additional instrumentation from other musicians. The arrangement is simple and unassuming, allowing the lyrics and melody to shine through.
The Meaning
At its core, “Your Song” is a love letter. The song expresses the deep admiration and gratitude that one person feels for another.
“I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words / How wonderful life is while you’re in the world,” John sings in the chorus.
The song is not just a celebration of love, however. It is also a reflection on the power of music.
“My gift is my song, and this one’s for you,” John sings in the opening line. The song itself becomes the gift, a way for the singer to express feelings that might be hard to put into words otherwise.
The Legacy
“Your Song” has stood the test of time and remains one of Elton John’s most beloved and enduring hits. In addition to being covered by countless artists, the song has appeared in numerous movies and TV shows, including Moulin Rouge! and Glee.
The song’s legacy extends beyond the world of music, however. In 2017, “Your Song” was added to the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry, which honors recordings that are “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
“Your Song” is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and move listeners around the world.
Conclusion
“Your Song” is a song that captures the essence of love and music. It’s a simple, heartfelt expression of gratitude that has resonated with audiences for over 50 years. Bernie Taupin’s lyrics and Elton John’s melody come together to create a perfect harmony that touches our hearts and reminds us of the power of love and the universality of music. As Elton John sings in the chorus, “How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.”
