Crocodile Rock

Elton John, Jeff Danna

About Crocodile Rock

"Crocodile Rock" is a song written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and recorded in summer 1972 at the Château d'Hérouville studio in France (it was listed as "Strawberry Studios" in the album's credits), where John and his team had previously recorded the Honky Château album. It was released on 27 October 1972 in the UK and 20 November 1972 in the U. S., as a pre-release single from his forthcoming 1973 album Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player, and became his first U. S. number-one single, reaching the top spot on 3 February 1973, and stayed there for three weeks. In the U. S., it was certified Gold on 5 February 1973 and Platinum on 13 September 1995 by the RIAA. In Canada, it topped the chart as well, remaining at No.1 on the RPM 100 national singles chart for four weeks from 17 February through 10 March. It was the first song released as a single on the MCA label (catalogue #40000) after MCA dissolved its Uni, Decca, Kapp and Coral labels. (John had previously been with the Uni label.) "Crocodile Rock" is dominated by a Farfisa organ, played by John. The lyrics take a nostalgic look at early rock 'n' roll, dating and youthful independence of that era. Elton John band members, including Davey Johnstone on guitars, Dee Murray on bass and Nigel Olsson on drums, were also performers on the song. Elton John, however, did all the vocals, including the falsetto backing vocals. 


Year:
2002
3:51
3,098 
#5

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I remember when rock was young
Me and Suzie had so much fun
Holding hands and skimming stones
Had an old gold Chevy and a place of my own
But the biggest kick I ever got
Was doing a thing called the Crocodile Rock
While the other kids were Rocking Round the Clock
We were hopping and bopping to the Crocodile Rock

Well Crocodile Rocking is something shocking
When your feet just can't keep still
I never knew me a better time and I guess I never will
Oh Lawdy mama those Friday nights
When Suzie wore her dresses tight
And the Crocodile Rocking was out of sight

La lalalala la lalalala la lalalala la

But the years went by and the rock just died
Suzie went and left us for some foreign guy
Long nights crying by the record machine
Dreaming of my Chevy and my old blue jeans
But they'll never kill the thrills we've got
Burning up to the Crocodile Rock
Learning fast as the weeks went past
We really thought the Crocodile Rock would last

Well Crocodile Rocking is something shocking
When your feet just can't keep still
I never knew me a better time and I guess I never will
Oh Lawdy mama those Friday nights
When Suzie wore her dresses tight
And the Crocodile Rocking was out of sight

La lalalala la lalalala la lalalala la

I remember when rock was young
Me and Suzie had so much fun
Holding hands and skimming stones
Had an old gold Chevy and a place of my own
But the biggest kick I ever got
Was doing a thing called the Crocodile Rock
While the other kids were Rocking Round the Clock
We were hopping and bopping to the Crocodile Rock

Well Crocodile Rocking is something shocking
When your feet just can't keep still
I never knew me a better time and I guess I never will
Oh Lawdy mama those Friday nights
When Suzie wore her dresses tight
And the Crocodile Rocking was out of sight

La lalalala la lalalala la lalalala la
La lalalala la lalalala la lalalala la
La lalalala la lalalala la lalalala la

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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, Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Release Year
"Crocodile Rock" was released in 1972. It was one of the biggest hits of Elton John's career.
Music Chart Success
"Crocodile Rock" was Elton John's first song to hit the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.
Nostalgic Theme
The song reportedly encapsulates the feel of 1950s-era classic rock and roll, mixed with melodic storytelling which reflects on the simplicity and joy of youth.
Famous Collaboration
"Crocodile Rock" was written by Elton John and his frequent collaborator at the time, Bernie Taupin.
Million Seller Status
Within months of its release, "Crocodile Rock" sold over one million copies and was certified Gold.
Innovative Music Video
The music video for the song was one of the first-ever concept videos and was filmed in London's iconic Crystal Palace Park.
Sing-Along Factor
Known for its distinctive "la-la-la" chorus, "Crocodile Rock" became a popular sing-along song in concerts, continuing to be a crowd-pleaser at Elton John's live performances.
Album Origin
It was included in Elton John's sixth studio album, "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player".
Pop Culture Impact
The song inspired the creation of the character Crocodile Rock in the popular children's TV show, "The Muppets".
Inspiration
"Crocodile Rock", in part, was inspired by a song called "Speedy Gonzales" by Pat Boone.
Grammy Nomination
Despite its commercial success and popularity, the song was nominated for a Grammy award but did not win.
Controversy
The song faced plagiarism accusations from artists like The Doors and Custard due to similar chord progressions. However, the cases were never pursued legally.

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    Billboard #1


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