All Quiet on the Western Front

Elton John

About All Quiet on the Western Front

"All Quiet on the Western Front" is a song by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It is the closing track of his 1982 album, Jump Up!. It was also released as a single in the UK without charting. It is an anti-war song about World War I, and could easily have been influenced by the book of the same name. The song also ends in a big orchestral finale including a church organ chord sequence played by James Newton-Howard on a synthesizer, which could be reminiscent of his earlier album closers such as "The King Must Die" and "Burn Down the Mission". The song's only live performances came during John's world tour during 1982, outside North America. At a concert on Christmas Eve of the same year at the Hammersmith Apollo, London, John jokingly announced that, at the time, it was "the worst-selling single in Phonogram's history". The version issued on single is shorter, whilst the B-side contains a rockier version of album track "Where Have All the Good Times Gone"; neither have been released in digital form. 


Year:
1982
6:07
408 
#5

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All quiet on the Western Front, nobody saw
A youth asleep in the foreign soil, planted by the war
Feel the pulse of human blood pouring forth
See the stems of Europe bend under force

All quiet
All quiet
All quiet on the Western Front

So tired of this garden's grief, nobody cares
Old kin kiss the small white cross, their only souvenir
See the Prussian offense fly, weren't we grand
To place the feel of cold sharp steel in their hands

It's gone all quiet on the Western Front, male angels sigh
Ghosts float in a flooded trench as Germany dies
Fever reaps the flowers of France, fair-haired boys
String the harps to Victory's voice, joyous noise

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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 »

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Written by: BERNIE TAUPIN, ELTON JOHN

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Background Information
Elton John's song "All Quiet on the Western Front" was released in 1982 in his album "Jump Up!"
Composition Details
The song is composed by Elton John, and Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics. This songwriting partnership has been incredibly prolific, producing many of Elton John's biggest hits since they first started working together in the 1960s.
Song Inspiration
"All Quiet on the Western Front" was inspired by the novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque. The novel, written by a German veteran of World War I, presents a grim and somber depiction of war, something that is reflected in the song's lyrics and atmosphere.
Song Theme
The song juxtaposes a soft, melodic tune with heavy, tragic lyrics. It paints a picture of war's aftermath and its sobering effects on the survivors.
Popularity
While "All Quiet on the Western Front" was not a chart topper for Elton, it is regarded by many fans and critics as one of the most poignant and touching songs on the album "Jump Up!"
Musical Style
Musically, the song represents a range of Elton John's talent, with dramatic instrumental breaks that intensify the emotional narrative of the lyrics.
Live Performances
The song, despite its emotional depth, is rarely performed live by Elton John.
Unique Lyrics
The song's lyrics do not shy away from depicting the truths of war, as seen in the lyric: "They battled on through the night with no hope in sight".
Critical Reception
Despite the album "Jump Up" garnering mixed reviews from critics, "All Quiet on the Western Front" was often singled out for praise due to its searing anti-war narrative and impressive musicianship.
Relevance
Though written over three decades ago, "All Quiet on the Western Front" continues to be relevant, serving as a timeless anti-war anthem.

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