Friday, March 29, 2019

A Window Above: Your Song

Song: "Your Song"
Writers: Elton John and Bernie Taupin
Original Release: March 31, 1970
Original Performers: Three Dog Night
Album: It Ain't Easy



The world is overrun with love songs.  Most run along the same basic themes.  But every once in a while - a long while - someone takes a new and refreshing approach.  Nearly 50 years on, "Your Song" is so familiar that it comes across as cliche.  It is anything but.  An awkward narrator stumbles to find the right words to express his love.  Almost by accident, his simple honesty begets magic.  "Your Song" was Elton John's breakthrough hit and for my money, it's always been his best. 

Three Dog Night released the song first.  Elton John opened for the band on tour and let them record it.  The song was the first track on his own eponymous album, released just a couple weeks later.  When he put out the single himself, it was merely the B-side to "Take Me to the Pilot."  I am routinely amazed by how wrong people can be about such decisions in retrospect.

Three Dog Night's version:



Want to hear all of the songs I have featured in a convenient playlist?

Enjoy: A Window Above

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4 comments:

  1. I think my favorite version/use of the song was in Moulin Rouge.

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    Replies
    1. I loved that scene when I first saw it. Now, it seems awfully auto-tune heavy.

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  2. This brings back such good memories.

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