Border Song

Elton John

About Border Song

"Border Song" is a song originally performed by British musician Elton John. Lyrics are credited to Bernie Taupin (although John himself wrote the words to the final verse). The music was composed by John. "Border Song" initially appeared on the 1970 album Elton John, and was released in the spring of 1970 as the LP's first single. After failing to chart in the UK, it was released in North America a few months later. It met with more success there, especially in Canada, where it peaked at #34. The appearance of "Border Song" on the Canadian charts was Elton John's first chart appearance in any country. "Border Song" was also John's first song to chart in the United States, peaking at #92 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #69 in the Cash Box Top 100 in October 1970. A cover by soul icon Aretha Franklin (listed with "Holy Moses" following the title in parentheses, to make it more identifiable as being a repeated phrase in the song) fared better reaching #37 in the Billboard Hot 100 and #23 in the Cash Box Top 100 in December 1970. It was included as the closing track of Aretha's 1972 Young, Gifted and Black album as well. 


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Holy Moses I have been removed
I have seen the spectre he has been here too
Distant cousin from down the line
Brand of people who ain't my kind
Holy Moses I have been removed

Holy Moses I have been deceived
Now the wind has changed direction and I'll have to leave
Won't you please excuse my frankness but it's not my cup of tea
Holy Moses I have been deceived

I'm going back to the border
Where my affairs, my affairs ain't abused
I can't take any more bad water
Been poisoned from my head down to my shoes

Holy Moses I have been deceived
Holy Moses let us live in peace
Let us strive to find a way to make all hatred cease
There's a man over there
What's his colour I don't care
He's my brother let us live in peace
He's my brother let us live in peace
He's my brother let us live in peace

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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


11 facts about this song

Release
"Border Song" is one of Elton John's early works, originally released on his self-titled second studio album "Elton John," in 1970.
Songwriting Partner
The lyrics of "Border Song" were written by Bernie Taupin, Elton John's longtime songwriting collaborator.
First Charting Ballad
The song was Elton John's first to enter the US charts, peaking at No. 92 on the Billboard Hot 100 - marking it as one of his first hits in his prolific career.
Cover Versions
Just a few months after John's release, American singer Aretha Franklin covered "Border Song," raising its popularity. Her cover version reached No. 37 on the Hot 100 and No.5 on the R&B Singles chart.
Gospel Influence
Unlike many of Elton John's later hits, "Border Song" carries the influence of gospel music, marking a unique point in his discography.
Formal Tribute
In 1991, "Border Song" was performed by Eric Clapton at John's "The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert".
Remix Version
An updated version was mixed and appeared on Elton's album "Diamonds" in 2017.
Top Performance
Elton John performed the "Border Song" at his first American appearance at the Troubadour in Los Angeles in 1970.
Lyrics Meaning
The song lyrics have a strong human rights tone, as they are about an individual feeling alien and alienated in a strange land.
Music Video
Despite the song's age, a music video was made and released in 2019 on Elton John's official YouTube channel. The animated video emphasizes the song's themes of love, acceptance, and borders.
Salute to Martin Luther King Jr.
Aretha Franklin's cover version of "Border Song" was a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr., highlighting the message of unity and love in the lyrics.

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    "Border Song Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1309304/Elton+John/Border+Song>.

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    Border Song

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1970

    Billboard #92


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