CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

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#9 ELTON'S SONG

ELTON JOHN

(1981)

Writers: Elton John & Tom Robinson

Elton John's 1981 album release 'The Fox' found the pianist collaborating with other writers as well as including some songs he co-wrote with regular songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. Some tracks were penned with Gary Osborne, while some were instrumentals composed by John himself. "Elton's Song" is a ballad that is obscure to many John fans. The beautiful and moving track was written by John with Tom Robinson.
"Elton's Song" deals with unrequited love. A schoolboy has developed a crush on another student. He craves his love, but dares not reveal his true feelings. Its homosexual subject matter led to the track being banned in some countries. At the time, Robinson -the lyricist - was openly gay. He had charted in 1978 with the punk single "2-4-6-8 Motorway" and also recorded the song "Glad To Be Gay". His chart success proved to be shortlived. Despite being such a vocal gay performer in the 1970s, he is reportedly married to a woman and raising a family these days. John, on the other hand, is married to David Furnish.
A video for "Elton's Song", directed by Russell Mulcahy, elaborated on the track's gay theme. The ballad features John on piano and James Newton Howard on synthesizer. It was recorded at Superbear Studios in France, where Clive Franks co-produced the track with John.

This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites. 
Each week, 1 new songs from the remaining Top 10 will be added, while another 2 are also included from #1501-2000 on the other weekdays. Check back here for an update of the 2000.