Tiny Dancer

Elton John

About Tiny Dancer

"Tiny Dancer" is a song by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It appears on John's fourth album, Madman Across the Water, and was released as a single in 1972. In the U. S. it was certified Gold on 19 May 2005, and Platinum on 19 August 2011, and 3x Platinum on 26 April 2018 by the Recording Industry Association of America. In the UK, "Tiny Dancer" has been certified Gold on 17 August 2018 by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for sales of 400,000 copies. On 2 August 2019 it was certified Platinum for sales of 600,000 despite never being released as an official single. Back-up vocals are provided by Tony Burrows. 


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Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band
Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you'll marry a music man
Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand
And now she's in me, always with me, tiny dancer in my hand

Jesus freaks out in the street
Handing tickets out for God
Turning back she just laughs
The boulevard is not that bad

Piano man he makes his stand
In the auditorium
Looking on she sings the songs
The words she knows, the tune she hums

But oh how it feels so real
Lying here with no one near
Only you and you can hear me
When I say softly, slowly

Hold me closer tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
You had a busy day today

Hold me closer tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
You had a busy day today

Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band
Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you'll marry a music man
Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand
And now she's in me, always with me, tiny dancer in my hand

But oh how it feels so real
Lying here with no one near
Only you and you can hear me
When I say softly, slowly

Hold me closer tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
You had a busy day today

Hold me closer tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
You had a busy day today

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Elton John

Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947) is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor. He has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin as his songwriter partner since 1967; they have collaborated on more than 30 albums to date. more »

44 fans

Written by: Bernie Taupin, Elton John

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Tiny Dancer" is a song by Elton John from his fourth studio album named "Madman Across the Water," released in 1971.
Lyricist
The lyrics of "Tiny Dancer" are written by Bernie Taupin, the long-time song-writing partner of Elton John.
Song Inspiration
The song is said to be inspired by Bernie Taupin's first trip to the United States in 1970. It captures his perception of the 'free-spirited' women he encountered in California.
Song Meaning
Though often mistaken to be about a specific person, Bernie Taupin has clarified that "Tiny Dancer" is actually a tribute to the women of California as a whole, particularly those in the music scene of Los Angeles.
Initial Reception
Despite being one of Elton John's most beloved songs today, "Tiny Dancer" received a lukewarm reception upon its initial release. It didn't chart highly, and it wasn't even released as a single in the UK.
Popular Culture
The popularity of the song soared after its inclusion in the 2000 film "Almost Famous." The song is featured in a memorable scene where the entire cast sings along to it in a bus.
Live Performances
"Tiny Dancer" has been a staple of Elton John's live performances. It often features extended piano solos, showcasing John's virtuosity as a pianist.
Music Video
Despite being over four decades old, the song only received its first official music video in 2017. The video was the winner of a competition run by Elton John and it tells several stories of life in Los Angeles.
Cover Versions
Many artists have covered "Tiny Dancer," including Ben Folds, Dave Grohl, and Tim McGraw. Most notably, it was remixed by DJ Ironik and Chipmunk in 2009, reaching #3 in the UK singles charts.
Accolades
In a 2011 Rolling Stone readers' poll, "Tiny Dancer" was voted as the sixth best Elton John song. Despite its lack of initial commercial success, it has become one of his most iconic tracks.

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    Tiny Dancer

    55.7M
    311.8K     14,452

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1972

    Billboard #41


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