He Lost What He Thought He Wanted And Found What He Had Always Had: “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John

There are many things I could say about this record in relation to the memories it sparks in me of the early winter of 1973, but in America it closed the year and I have to address the question: what did this song and its singer and co-writer mean to Americans?

There is a definite overlap between the sentiments expressed in “Ramblin’ Man” and here, not to mention related phenomena such as “Midnight Train To Georgia” which overall signify a turning away from the slick, professional, gaudy level of showbusiness which the Nixon administration appeared to feel was desirable and back towards something resembling roots. “Goodbye” is probably a reflection of Bernie Taupin’s background of growing up in rural Lincolnshire, although Elton channels Gilbert O’Sullivan in his opening line, along with the possibility that this is a sequel to “Rocket Man” (“When are you going to land?”).

Nonetheless, the performance spells out why Elton became such big news in the States – apart from his own colourful stage act, perfectly timed to bring cheer to a country still grieving over Watergate and Vietnam, there is also the realisation that he is a damn fine songwriter, capable of fine and resonant melodies which made him, more so than the Moody Blues, the real successor to the Beatles. He sang things which people who were hurting wanted and possibly even needed to hear. Goodbye 1973, and on now to 1974, and an unexpected future.

Date Record Made Number Two: 8 December 1973

Number Of Weeks At Number Two: 3

Records At Number One: “Top Of The World” by The Carpenters and “The Most Beautiful Girl” by Charlie Rich

UK Chart Position: 6

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