The Story Behind “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John
Released in 1973, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is one of Elton John’s most iconic songs. Written by John and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, the track is featured on the album of the same name, which became one of his most successful and beloved works. The song delves into the pressures and struggles of fame, with a yearning for a simpler, more authentic life. It has since become a classic and remains one of John’s signature songs.
Did You Know?
- “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” was released in 1973.
- The song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
- It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Lyrics
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
You know you can’t hold me forever
I didn’t sign up with you
I’m not a present for your friends to open
This boy’s too young to be singing the blues
Ah, ah-ah, ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah, ah
So goodbye yellow brick road
Where the dogs of society howl
You can’t plant me in your penthouse
I’m going back to my plough
Back to the howling old owl in the woods
Hunting the horny-back toad
Oh, I’ve finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick road
Ah, ah-ah, ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah, ah
What do you think you’ll do, then?
I bet they’ll shoot down the plane
It’ll take you a couple of vodka and tonics
To set you on your feet again
Maybe you’ll get a replacement
There’s plenty like me to be found
Mongrels who ain’t got a penny
Sniffing for tidbits like you on the ground
Ah, ah-ah, ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah, ah
So goodbye yellow brick road
Where the dogs of society howl
You can’t plant me in your penthouse
I’m going back to my plough
Back to the howling old owl in the woods
Hunting the horny-back toad
Oh, I’ve finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick road
Ah, ah-ah, ah-ah
Ah-ah-ah, ah
