Burn Down the Mission

Elton John

About Burn Down the Mission

"Burn Down the Mission" is the tenth and final song on Elton John's album Tumbleweed Connection, released in 1970.


Year:
1970
6:37
511 
#4

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You tell me there's an angel in your tree
Did he say he'd come to call on me
For things are getting desperate in our home
Living in the parish of the restless folks I know

Everybody now bring your family down to the riverside
Look to the east to see where the fat stock hide
Behind four walls of stone the rich man sleeps
It's time we put the flame torch to their keep

Burn down the mission
If we're gonna stay alive
Watch the black smoke fly to heaven
See the red flame light the sky

Burn down the mission
Burn it down to stay alive
It's our only chance of living
Take all you need to live inside

Ah ah ah
Deep in the woods the squirrels are out today
My wife cried when they came to take me away
But what more could I do just to keep her warm
Than burn burn burn burn down the mission walls

Now everybody bring your family down to the riverside
Look to the east to see where the fat stock hide
Behind four walls of stone the rich man sleeps
It's time we put the flame torch to their keep

Burn down the mission Lord
If we're gonna stay alive
Watch the black smoke fly to heaven
See the red flame light the sky

Burn down the mission Lord
If we're gonna stay alive
It's our only chance of living
Take all you need to live inside

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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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


7 facts about this song

Song Origin
"Burn Down the Mission" is one of the songs in Elton John's third studio album, titled "Tumbleweed Connection," released in 1970.
Composition
It's a lengthy song with a runtime of approximately 6:22 minutes. - It is written in the key of D minor.
Lyrics and Theme
The lyrics of the song were penned by John's long-time writing partner, Bernie Taupin. - The song tells the story of a poor man's revolt against a wealthy establishment. - It showcases John's storytelling songwriting style and Taupin's lyricism, which often highlights societal injustices.
Live Performances
Elton John often performed "Burn Down the Mission" as a closing number during his live concerts in the 1970s. - It was included in several of his concert DVDs, including "Elton 60 - Live at Madison Square Garden."
Critical Reception
Critics have praised the song for its musical complexity, emotional depth, and powerful vocal performance by John. - It remains a fan-favourite and is often considered one of Elton John's most underrated songs.
Song's Influence
"Burn Down the Mission," along with other songs from the album "Tumbleweed Connection," heavily influenced the modern Americana and folk-rock genres. - It also influenced other artists like Mumford & Sons and First Aid Kit, who have frequently cited Elton John as a major influence.
Trivia
Despite the song's popularity and powerful message, it was never released as a single. Still, it achieved a lot of recognition and appreciation.

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