3 of the Best Ear-Catching Opening Lines From Elton John Songs

Elton John has one of the most interesting careers in rock music history. Known for his big outfits and flamboyant performances, Sir Elton also was famous for his partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin. Together, Taupin would write the words and John would compose the music. And that relationship led to many a hit tune.

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Here below, we wanted to take a look at three of the duo’s best tracks. Specifically, we wanted to examine the opening lines of a trio of their tunes. To see why they were so ear-catching and memorable. Indeed, these are three of the best opening lines from Elton John songs.

[RELATED: Remember When: Elton John Played “Tiny Dancer” for the First Time from Crumpled Paper]

“Rocket Man” from Honky Château (1972)

Few Hall of Fame rock stars were able to make such waves sitting at a grand piano. Most of the time, they perform with just a microphone or a guitar. But Elton John did it behind those 88 keys. And on this song, he sings about going into outer space with trepidation. Even astronauts have to do their jobs but even astronauts might not be too excited for it every time. And Elton opens the track, offering,

She packed my bags last night, pre-flight
Zero hour, 9 a.m.
And I’m gonna be high as a kite by then
I miss the Earth so much, I miss my wife
It’s lonely out in space

“Tiny Dancer” from Madman Across the Water (1972)

Imagine releasing “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer” in the same year. Well, that is what Sir Elton did. And this song, which just might be his most famous and beloved, is about Taupin’s then-wife Maxine Feibelman, who grew up dancing and even sewed patches on Elton’s clothes. More broadly, it’s a nostalgic song about a young woman. But it’s also about being a career artist on the road, and the highs and lows of such a life. Elton sings,

Blue-jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band
Pretty-eyed, pirate smile, you’ll marry a music man
Ballerina, you must’ve seen her dancing in the sand
And now she’s in me, always with me, tiny dancer in my hand

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” from Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)

Just months after releasing the songs above, Elton released the album (and title track) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. And that title song is about leaving Oz to go back home. Taupin, who grew up on a farm, wrote the lyrics and has said he’s always longed to leave the entertainment life and get back to his roots as a more simple-living person. Ironically, the result of the song was more fame! And on it, John sings to open the tune,

When are you gonna come down?
When are you going to land?
I should have stayed on the farm
I should have listened to my old man

Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage