Tuesday the 20th of February 1973 to Tuesday the 19th of February 1974
Elton John
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Charting in this year of 1973, on the 23rd of September, is Elton John with the single “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”.
I remember hearing this, most probably on the radio,..
…all the time. But I liked this one a lot.
From the album of the same name, Elton by this point was achieving artistic triumph again and again. And his star was shining brighter at every release.
The single will enter the chart…
…at No.43, and then jump straight up to No.16 the following week.
Two weeks later it hits the Top 10 at No.10, and by the 21st of October, gets as high as it can go when it peaks at No.6 and stays there for two weeks.
The climb down will be a much slower affair than the climb up, beginning with a further week in the Top 10 before it falls more dramatically to settle around the Top 40 perimeter, which will see it through into the new year of 1974.
The end will come when the middle of January approaches, with the single skipping away after the 12th of that month.
Although the number one slot in the U.K. was still proving elusive,..
…the album proved to be his 2nd solid No.1 album, even more impressive as it was a double, which meant the music buying public were paying more out of their pocket to get it there, than other worthy single disc contenders.
The lyrics to this particular single however were in sharp contrast to Elton and Bernie Taupin’s ascendancy to fame and ever-growing stardom.
The lyricist was now at a stage…
…where the tug of stardom wasn’t as alluring as before, and the need to ground himself back into reality became a desire strong enough to put down in writing.
I love the words to this song, it’s basically about Bernie defying the ones who are trying to control him, manipulate him, that all of it doesn’t matter. He’d take the peaceful life and happiness over stardom any day. He won’t be selling his soul.
This is Taupin, rooting himself back into his childhood where, living on a farm in Lincolnshire, which seemed like another planet away, now seemed a more alluring prospect. With no scheduled rockets set for a return journey, arriving to take him home there anytime soon.
Back when this was first receiving airplay,..
…there wouldn’t have been anything else like it for the sheer brilliance of a tune.
Packed into 3 minutes and 12 seconds, by the end of that time, it feels as if you have been to a mystical faraway land yourself.
The “A” Side
The “B” Side
Top of the Pops appearance:
Many thanks go to the following YouTube Channels for providing the chance to hear these songs, and watch the footage, once again.
Please show your appreciation by visiting their channels:
The Top 50 U.K. Singles Chart Playlist for the week of my 1st Birthday:
The Top 50 U.K. Singles Chart Playlist for the day I was born:
Grab Your Binoculars, Come Follow Me
What is it…?
Why am I…?
How do I…?
When am I…?
