Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Elton John

About Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" is a ballad performed by musician Elton John and the title track on his 1973 album. The song's music was composed by John, while the lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin. Its musical style and production was heavily influenced by 1970s soft rock. It was widely praised by critics, and some critics have named it John's best song.


Year:
1989
3:15
1,579 
#1

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When are you gonna come down
When are you going to land
I should have stayed on the farm
I should have listened to my old man

You know you can't hold me forever
I didn't sign up with you
I'm not a present for your friends to open
This boy's too young to be singing the blues

So goodbye yellow brick road
Where the dogs of society howl
You can't plant me in your penthouse
I'm going back to my plough

Back to the howling old owl in the woods
Hunting the horny back toad
Oh I've finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick road

What do you think you'll do then
I bet that'll shoot down the plane
It'll take you a couple of vodka and tonics
To set you on your feet again

Maybe you'll get a replacement
There's plenty like me to be found
Mongrels who ain't got a penny
Sniffing for tidbits like you on the ground

So goodbye yellow brick road
Where the dogs of society howl
You can't plant me in your penthouse
I'm going back to my plough

Back to the howling old owl in the woods
Hunting the horny back toad
Oh I've finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick road

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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, Tratore

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Album Origin
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" is the title track from Elton John's seventh studio album released in 1973.
Writing Team
The song was co-written by Elton John and his long-time lyricist Bernie Taupin.
Inspiration
The song’s lyrics were inspired by the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz." The Yellow Brick Road is a metaphor relating to Dorothy's desire to return home from the magical Land of Oz.
Recording Process
The entire "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album was recorded in just two weeks at the Château d'Hérouville near Paris, France.
Recognition
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" reached No. 2 on the UK singles chart and No. 1 on the Adult Contemporary chart in the United States.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by numerous artists including The King's Singers and Sara Bareilles.
Concerts
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" is regularly performed during Elton John's live performances. It has become one of his signature songs.
Lyrics
The lyrics of the song metaphorically relate to John's and Taupin’s disillusionment with the music industry, using the analogy of Oz where the allure of fame (Emerald City) was not as glamorous as it appeared.
Album Cover
The album cover depicts Elton John stepping into a poster, signifying him quitting his superstar life (just like how in the song, he talks about leaving the "yellow brick road").
Popularity
The song remained continuously popular, and decades later, in October 2018, the YouTube video of John's 1973 live performance of the song garnered more than 23 million views.
Musical Style
The song is known for its harmonic complexity and change of mood and tone throughout, with an elaborate melody line.
Revisit
Elton John revisited the 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road' in a 40th anniversary deluxe edition, released in 2014.

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    Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1973

    Billboard #2


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