Island Girl

Elton John

About Island Girl

"Island Girl" is a song performed by Elton John that went to number one for three weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U. S. and number 14 in the UK in 1975. In the U. S., it was certified Gold in 1975 and Platinum in 1995 by the RIAA. It was the first single taken from the album Rock of the Westies. The song was written by John and his songwriting collaborator Bernie Taupin. The song which "Island Girl" replaced at number one was "Bad Blood," by Neil Sedaka. Elton had provided uncredited backing and duetting vocals on this collaboration.  


Year:
1990
3:44
743 
#3

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

I see your teeth flash, Jamaican honey so sweet
Down where Lexington cross 47th Street
Oh she's a big girl, she's standing six-foot three
Turning tricks for the dudes in the big city

Island girl
What you wanting with the white man's world?
Island girl
Black boy want you in his island world

He want to take you from the racket boss
He want to save you, but the cause is lost
Island girl, island girl, island girl
Tell me what you wanting with the white man's world

Well she's black as coal, but she burn like a fire
And she wrap herself around you like a well-worn tire
You feel her nail scratch your back just like a rake, oh oh
He one more gone, he one more John who make the mistake

Island girl
What you wanting with the white man's world?
Island girl
Black boy want you in his island world

He want to take you from the racket boss
He want to save you, but the cause is lost
Island girl, island girl, island girl
Tell me what you wanting with the white man's world

Island girl
What you wanting with the white man's world?
Island girl
Black boy want you in his island world

He want to take you from the racket boss
He want to save you, but the cause is lost
Island girl, island girl, island girl
Tell me what you wanting with the white man's
Tell me what you wanting with the white man's
Tell me what you wanting with the white man's

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


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, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"Island Girl" is a pop song, specifically of the pop rock and reggae fusion genres.
Chart Performance
The song was a major hit, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and number 14 on the UK Singles Chart.
Album Information
It was the first single from Elton John's album "Rock of the Westies", released in 1975.
Songwriting Credits
"Island Girl" was written by Elton John, with lyrics by his longtime collaborator, Bernie Taupin.
Music Video
Unlike many of Elton John's other hits, "Island Girl" does not have an official music video.
Controversies
While popular, the song has been critiqued for its lyrics which some consider to be culturally insensitive or potentially offensive.
Song Length
The runtime of "Island Girl" is three minutes and 45 seconds.
Certified Sales
According to the RIAA, "Island Girl" has sold over one million copies in the United States alone, gaining it a gold certification.
Live Performances
Despite its popularity, "Island Girl" is rarely performed live by Elton John. He included it in his setlist during his 1975 tour but has seldom performed it since.
Cover Versions
A few artists have covered "Island Girl", notably Eliana Pittman, a Brazilian singer who released her version in 1977.
Song Interpretation
The lyrics of "Island Girl" tell the story of a prostitute from Jamaica who is unhappy with her life in New York City.
Collaboration
Elton John's band member, Davey Johnstone, is credited for playing the guitars and sitar on the song.

Discuss the Island Girl Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Island Girl Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4278820/Elton+John/Island+Girl>.

    Missing lyrics by Elton John?

    Know any other songs by Elton John? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Island Girl

    375.9K
    875     39

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1975

    Billboard #1


    more tracks from the album

    To Be Continued...

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Who played the guitar solo in Michael Jackson's "Beat It"?
    A Angus Young
    B Jimi Hendrix
    C Keith Richards
    D Eddie Van Halen

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Elton John tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!