Passengers
Bernie Taupin, Davey Johnstone, Phineas McHize, Elton John
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Deny the passenger, who want to get on Deny the passenger, who want to get on Deny the passenger, who want to get on Want to get on He want to get on Want to get on He want to get on To make a chain of fools You need a matching pair One hypocritical fool And a crowd that's never there There's anger in the silence There's wheels upon the jail A black train built of bones On a copper rail Company conductor You need the salt of tears Falling on a ticket That no one's used in years Non-commercial native It's tattooed in your veins You're living in a blood bank And riding on this train The spirit's free, but you always find Passengers stand and wait in line Someone in front and someone else behind But passengers always wait in line
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Written by: BERNIE TAUPIN, DAVEY JOHNSTON, ELTON JOHN, PHINEAS MCHIZE
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Album Inclusion"Passengers" is a song by British musician Elton John from his sixteenth studio album, "Breaking Hearts" which was released in 1984.
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Chart SuccessIn the UK, "Passengers" reached the number 5 spot on the Singles Chart. This achievement marked it as a major hit, contributing to the overall success of the "Breaking Hearts" album.
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Music GenreThe song falls under the pop rock genre, a blending of pop's catchy rhythm with the raw elements of rock. This genre was particularly popular during the 80s.
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Songwriting TeamThe song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. This formidable songwriting team had been responsible for many of Elton John's biggest hits.
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Album ThemeUnlike many of the songs on the "Breaking Hearts" album, which reflect on love and relationships, "Passengers" is known for its more political themes, addressing topics of human rights and freedom.
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Single Release"Passengers" was released as the third single from the "Breaking Hearts" album, following "Sad Songs (Say So Much)" and "In Neon".
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Music VideoThe music video for "Passengers" was directed by Simon Milne and featured Elton John and a diverse cast of characters on a tram ride, reflecting the theme of unity and inclusivity in the song.
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MusiciansAlongside Elton John's vocals and piano, "Passengers" features Davey Johnstone on guitar, Dee Murray on bass, and Nigel Olsson on drums, all long-term collaborators in Elton's band.
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Backing vocalsGospel choir The London Community Gospel Group provided the backing vocals for this song, offering a unique richness to the sound.
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Song InfluenceElton John has cited the African music genre "Mbaqanga" as a major influence on the song "Passengers".
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Citation
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"Passengers Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2025. Web. 18 Feb. 2025. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric-lf/860039/Elton+John/Passengers>.
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