If you saw Rocketman, the musical/biopic about music industry legend Sir Elton John, chances are you instantly fell in love with the songs in the movie. I mean, how TF could you not? They’re all masterpieces! And apparently, the voters of the Academy thought so too, because the movie managed to secure an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song for the film’s closing track, “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again.” A pretty big feat, if you ask me.
Naturally, you’re probably wondering, I love this song, but what is it even about? Well, according to Elton, the song—which is an uplifting duet between him and Taron Egerton, who plays him in the movie—was meant to represent and celebrate the triumph that came with Elton finally overcoming alcohol and substance abuse.
“We wanted an up-tempo song to capture the spirit at the end of the film,” he told Indie Wire. “It had to sit perfectly alongside ‘I’m Still Standing’ [the anthem-like hit from ’83] and lyrically refer to my recovery from drugs and alcohol and the personal redemption that has come with it.” If you recall feeling oddly inspired after the movie ended, this is probs why.
So what are you waiting for? Go ahead—read the lyrics and hit the play button on this track in honor of the Oscars, because something tells me this one juuust might be a winner.
[Verse 1: Elton John]
Oh, the joke was never hard to tell
Threw my spare change in the wishing well
The dream alone is always in your hands
If that don’t fill the boy and build the man
A heart has many secrets, so I’m told
Through the years, a theory can grow cold
I’m up to be the king, it’s gotten clear
The voice inside my head is the one I hear
[Chorus: Elton John and Taron Egerton]
Singing, I’m gonna love me again
Check in on my very best friend
Find the wind to fill my sails
Rise above the broken rails
Unbound by any ties that break or bend
I’m free, and don’t you know?
No clown to claim he used to know me then
I’m free, and don’t you know?
And oh-oh-oh, I’m gonna love me again
[Post-Chorus]
Hoo-ooh-ooh-ooh
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh
[Verse 2: Taron Egerton]
The golden age was somehow bittersweet
But now the past lies sleepin’ in the deep
The peaceful days that followed hollow nights
A kiss or touch could feel like kryptonite
Praise the saints that hung up on my wall
For trust is left in lovers after all
A whispered word emergin’ from a tale
My wake-up call to claim the cursed spell
[Chorus: Elton John and Taron Egerton]
Well, I’m gonna love me again (love me again)
Check in on my very best friend
Find the wind to fill my sails
Rise above the broken rails
Unbound by any ties that break or bend
I’m free, and don’t you know?
No clown to claim he used to know me then
I’m free, and don’t you know?
And oh-oh-oh, I’m gonna love me again
[Chorus: Elton John and Taron Egerton]
Sing, I’m gonna love me again
Check in on my very best friend
Find the wind to fill my sails
Rise above the broken rails
Unbound by any ties that break or bend
I’m free, and don’t you know?
No clown to claim he used to know me then
I’m free, don’t you know?
And oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, I’m gonna love me again
[Outro: Elton John and Taron Egerton]
I’m gonna love me again
I’m gonna love me again
