Elton John is British and so is his song writing partner Bernie Taupin. Elton wrote the music and Bernie the lyrics. The song was actually written for Elton’s friend, professional tennis player, Billie Jean King. The back up singer you asked about ‘back there’ was just Elton doing that as well. Elton and Bernie definitely have some songs that are much more intense than this lyrically as well as pop songs that aren’t meant to be very deep at all. Hope this helped a little. Cheers!
Other and far more superior Elton John songs imo are Someone saved my life tonight, Tiny Dancer and his best “rock” song Saturday nights alright for fighting. Keep up the great work 👏✌🏼
This is in part, a nod to the ‘ Philly Sound’ , popular in late 60’s to early 70’s. Characterised by swooping strings, seductive horns( and here, a flute), with top-notch production values. Song was written for Billie Jean King the tennis player and Elton’s friend. Other songs in this genre include ‘ me and Mrs. Jones’ by Billy Paul and ‘back stabbers’ by the O’Jays. It was a precursor to ‘disco’, which took off in New York in a big way.
Funny you mention the Muppets. Elton performed with them about 4 years after this song was released but didn't do this song. Elton has always has a huge stage stage persona. As for the meaning I didn't know what it was about until I read it today. I'll let you discover that for yourself but I'll mention this, not just for this song but for whenever you listen to Elton. Imagine being gay in the 70's and having to watch your every move and every word so you don't get shunned by society. Bernie Taupin wrote all the lyrics for Elton but I'm sure there were influences and suggestions from Elton as it appears there were for this song's title. I'd love your take on Daniel as well as Bennie and the Jets, just because they are 2 of my favorites.
Late to comment. I was at the Spectrum in Philadelphia when Elton John was touring in 1976 and appeared at the Spectrum (which no longer exists). I was turning 16. It was my birthday and me and five girlfriends went there as part of my birthday celebration. It was spectacular. We were situated in seats on the floor. When this song began and people began to sing along because -- Hello! Philadelphia! -- the lights went up in the arena and everyone, at least on our level, climbed up to stand on our seats and we belted out Philadelphia Freedom. Elton stopped singing and let us go. We were so emphatic. It was an experience.
The background voice was Elton singing in falsetto, which mostly guys use to go an octave above their normal vocal range. Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones also used falsetto quite a bit. Elton was actually on the Muppet Show several times - he was famous in the 70's for the outrageous costumes he used to wear so he fit right in. UA-cam has most of his performances - you should check them out. The first one I remember seeing at the time was 'Crocodile Rock' a big early hit of his which lent itself to the Muppet Show particularly well. Also, this song wasn't on the original 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy' (an excellent and autobiographical album about him and his writing partner Bernie Taupin) but came out as a single just before it's release. This first appeared on EJ's second greatest hits album, besides the single. I think it was included on later digital releases of CFatBDC as a bonus track. Thanks! Be well, stay safe. Peace from SF
It's a tribute to his friend Billy Jean King, a pro tennis play, who played for The Philadelphia Freedom. King was the #1 player back then and gay. Needless to say she would get grief because of being gay and because of that her and Elton formed a bond because he is gay.
This song has definitely grown on me over the years. Good song. That said, EJ put out a lot of GREAT work over the years....I hope you will dig in. I gotta say, it was great being a teen in the 70s...great music coming at ya from all angles! (Spoken like a true ‘old guy’ 😬)
My mother liked Elton, although she was from the Frank Sinatra era. She played “Daniel” a lot. Funeral for a Friend is a fav of mine, as is Bennie and the Jets (guilty pleasure 🤷♂️).
Although it's not meant to be a patriotic song, it came out the year before America celebrated the Bicentennial (200th birthday). So alot of people were in a very patriotic mood, and the song got alot of airplay.
This is the 2nd time I’ve watched your reaction to this. Another fun fact which refers to the Philly Sound mentioned in one of the comments is that Elton appeared on Soul Train for the 2nd time to play this song because it hit #1 on the RnB charts. His first appearance was with Bennie and the Jets which hit #1and he was the 1st white solo artist to appear on Soul Train. No for a white guy to play on there is one thing; to be a white guy from England is quite another.
"Philadelphia Freedom" was a professional tennis team owned by close friend of Elton, Billie Jean King. It was released as a single only credited to "The Elton John Band." It was recorded during the "Captain Fantastic" sessions. "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" was the very first album to debut at #1 on the Billboard album chart and kept Paul McCartney & Wings "Venus and Mars" album out of the top spot. Both albums were huge hits.
"Philadelphia Freedom" is indeed about Billie Jean King, one of the first big-time athletes to be "out". She was the head coach of the Philadelphia Freedoms of World Team Tennis, and as such was the first woman to coach a pro team including male athletes. Elton credited her with being one of the people who gave him the courage to come out himself. This gave him the "peace of mind my daddy never had."
Of interest, if you dig the Philly Soul sound of "Philadelphia Freedom," is the little-mentioned (in usual Elton fan circles) "Thom Bell Sessions," recorded in 1977 (but not released by MCA until '79), nearly two years after this song. Things between Elton and the legendary Philly producer/songwriter went south quickly as sessions began, and a proposed album rapidly shrunk to a 3-song EP, at least as it was originally released! Well worth hearing and reacting to are: "Mama Can't Buy You Love," "Are You Ready For Love" and "Three Way Love Affair." While more songs were recorded at the sessions, they didn't see the light of day until 1989, when MCA released "The Complete Thom Bell Sessions." Daniel, you and your viewers might find some hidden gems in these oft-forgotten songs!
Sir Elton John is British. The song was written for Billie Jean King (the greatest tennis player ever). It's about her hometown Philadelphia and America's declaration of independence/freedom and self rule.
PF is pure pop garbage. Came out around the time of his musical demise along with trash like Island Girl. Unfortunately, the creative juices had dried up with both Elton and Bernie about 5 years prior. Happens to the best of em.
That BASS! There was nobody like Dee Murray, G-d rest him. This song is dedicated to Billie Jean King, the tennis champ and champion of women's rights and equality, during the 1970s.
Somebody may have mentioned this elsewhere in the comments, but do give a listen to "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," Elton's music and Bernie's lyrics are pure gold
Elton John is an icon in the USA. He was on fire in the 1970's. He was the first recording artist to ever debut at # 1 on the Billboard Album Chart. He did it with the album called Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy in 1976. To prove this feat was not a one off, his next album later that year, called Rock Of The Westies, also debuted at # 1!. Elton has had over 50 top 40 hits in the USA. His album cuts often rival his biggest hit singles. Elton is a true professional and is responsible for some of the greatest music ever recorded. Try Elton's cover of the Beatles' Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds. John Lennon actually sang backup on this # 1 hit single.
A great song about staying true to yourself, always fills me with joy. Even though this is a simple pop song, the fact that they wrote it for Billie Jean King has always been even more joyous. Honoring a friend for changing your life view is deep even if it is cloaked in lightness.
You mentioning Billy Joel was no coincidence, they've long been compared to each other (Elton hit the charts first so Billy was unjustly accused of being an Elton clone early in his career, but he proved the critics wrong) and they teamed up for some hugely successful tours in the 90s and early 2000s. But since you can't do Billy on UA-cam how about looking at Canada's contribution to the piano-playing superstar genre, Burton Cummings (well, he's a superstar IN Canada, not as well known elsewhere sadly)? I'm Scared, Break it To Them Gently and Is It Really Right are solo songs I reckon you'd go for, and before that he was with The Guess Who - Sour Suite, Glamour Boy and SHare the Land are some great ones from them (American Woman was their biggest hit, but a guitar song so not relevant to this particular strand I'm inventing here...) :-)
I'm not sure why the "Captain Fantastic" album cover is shown, it wasn't on that album. It was actually released as a single and then included on a greatest hits album.
Its shown because Philadelphia Freedom is included on the deluxe edition reissue of "Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy" along with "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and a couple of other singles and b-sides. Daniel may not know that Captain Fantastic was an autobiographical album. All the songs written for the album [so not including "Philadelphia Freedom"] related to episodes in Elton and Bernie's early career. Elton was the Captain Fantastic of the title and Bernie was the Brown Dirt Cowboy.
"Philadelphia freedom took me knee--high to a man, yeah Gave me peace of mind my daddy never had." He went down on his knees . . . this is a homoerotic context.
Also, a side note Billy Jean King had a tennis match of the century with I think it was with an older male tennis player Bobby Riggs. It was a gimmick match between the sexes that generated a lot of money for the winner. Elton and Benny wrote it for other reasons too. But Billy Jean and Elton became fast friends and Elton wanted to encourage Billy.there was much postering between the two for the match much like boxing matches. Needless to say Billy won the match.it’s just a historical note about Elton himself caring about Billy and the sexist remarks she got during this time.elton encouraged her.
Song came out in 1976. The USAs bicentennial. A lot of people I believe thought this was about that. but it is about some gay stuff. Great song though.
@@DiconDissectionalReactions ... I was being sarcastic, that program only on about 5 years, but reruns and several movies have made them famous for decades (That's what the 'Ha' was about) ...
Philadelphia means brotherly love. It took him knee high to a man and the critical hint, Elton is gay. Today in 2020 no one cares but in the 1970's it was still illegal in many places and homosexuals were persecuted not just by ignorant gangs of the uneducated but openly by the state. anyway hope that helps. cheers
Elton John is British and so is his song writing partner Bernie Taupin. Elton wrote the music and Bernie the lyrics. The song was actually written for Elton’s friend, professional tennis player, Billie Jean King. The back up singer you asked about ‘back there’ was just Elton doing that as well. Elton and Bernie definitely have some songs that are much more intense than this lyrically as well as pop songs that aren’t meant to be very deep at all. Hope this helped a little. Cheers!
Philadelphian here --- Elton John's homage to the indoor tennis team, The Philadelphia Freedom. This was written in 1976...the US Bicentennial.
Came out in Spring of 1975. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Freedom_(song)
Went to see them play The New York Apples once when I was a kid.
@@benoitdesmarais2948 🤷♂️And in Philadelphia, Dave "The Hammer" Schultz's novelty song "The Penalty Box" charted higher.
No it was actually written late in 1974
Other and far more superior Elton John songs imo are Someone saved my life tonight, Tiny Dancer and his best “rock” song Saturday nights alright for fighting. Keep up the great work 👏✌🏼
This is in part, a nod to the ‘ Philly Sound’ , popular in late 60’s to early 70’s. Characterised by swooping strings, seductive horns( and here, a flute), with top-notch production values. Song was written for Billie Jean King the tennis player and Elton’s friend. Other songs in this genre include ‘ me and Mrs. Jones’ by Billy Paul and ‘back stabbers’ by the O’Jays. It was a precursor to ‘disco’, which took off in New York in a big way.
Also Philadelphia Freedom was the tennis team she started here in Philly. It's a tribute to them as well.
He's had more popular, important, and complex songs, but for over 40 years, this has always been by far my favorite Elton John song. A classic.
I have always had a soft spot for Elton’s The Bitch Is Back-definitely from his pre-Disney days.
This was Elton's 6th #1 hit in the first half of the 70's.
For obvious reasons...you should check out Elton John's "Daniel".
Funny you mention the Muppets. Elton performed with them about 4 years after this song was released but didn't do this song. Elton has always has a huge stage stage persona. As for the meaning I didn't know what it was about until I read it today. I'll let you discover that for yourself but I'll mention this, not just for this song but for whenever you listen to Elton. Imagine being gay in the 70's and having to watch your every move and every word so you don't get shunned by society. Bernie Taupin wrote all the lyrics for Elton but I'm sure there were influences and suggestions from Elton as it appears there were for this song's title. I'd love your take on Daniel as well as Bennie and the Jets, just because they are 2 of my favorites.
Daniel reminds me of one of the old FM DJ's in the 70's. Back then, FM was checking Elton's album songs from Tumbleweed Connection, Madman, etc. then.
I was 7 or 8 when this came out......love this.
Late to comment. I was at the Spectrum in Philadelphia when Elton John was touring in 1976 and appeared at the Spectrum (which no longer exists). I was turning 16. It was my birthday and me and five girlfriends went there as part of my birthday celebration. It was spectacular. We were situated in seats on the floor. When this song began and people began to sing along because -- Hello! Philadelphia! -- the lights went up in the arena and everyone, at least on our level, climbed up to stand on our seats and we belted out Philadelphia Freedom. Elton stopped singing and let us go. We were so emphatic. It was an experience.
The background voice was Elton singing in falsetto, which mostly guys use to go an octave above their normal vocal range. Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones also used falsetto quite a bit. Elton was actually on the Muppet Show several times - he was famous in the 70's for the outrageous costumes he used to wear so he fit right in. UA-cam has most of his performances - you should check them out. The first one I remember seeing at the time was 'Crocodile Rock' a big early hit of his which lent itself to the Muppet Show particularly well. Also, this song wasn't on the original 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy' (an excellent and autobiographical album about him and his writing partner Bernie Taupin) but came out as a single just before it's release. This first appeared on EJ's second greatest hits album, besides the single. I think it was included on later digital releases of CFatBDC as a bonus track. Thanks! Be well, stay safe.
Peace from SF
It's a tribute to his friend Billy Jean King, a pro tennis play, who played for The Philadelphia Freedom. King was the #1 player back then and gay. Needless to say she would get grief because of being gay and because of that her and Elton formed a bond because he is gay.
"Someone Saved My Life Tonight" Trust me.
This song has definitely grown on me over the years. Good song. That said, EJ put out a lot of GREAT work over the years....I hope you will dig in. I gotta say, it was great being a teen in the 70s...great music coming at ya from all angles! (Spoken like a true ‘old guy’ 😬)
As a true 'old woman' I agree. As the magnet on my frig says "I may be old but I got to see all the cool bands" FACTS!
My mother liked Elton, although she was from the Frank Sinatra era. She played “Daniel” a lot.
Funeral for a Friend is a fav of mine, as is Bennie and the Jets (guilty pleasure 🤷♂️).
Elton sang "Crocodile Rock" on the Muppet Show, in a swamp setting.
The meaning is going to blow your mind. You wouldn't have guessed in a million years!
1976 i was 8!! I immediately bought the 45 and still have it. I am 55 now
Although it's not meant to be a patriotic song, it came out the year before America celebrated the Bicentennial (200th birthday). So alot of people were in a very patriotic mood, and the song got alot of airplay.
This is the 2nd time I’ve watched your reaction to this. Another fun fact which refers to the Philly Sound mentioned in one of the comments is that Elton appeared on Soul Train for the 2nd time to play this song because it hit #1 on the RnB charts. His first appearance was with Bennie and the Jets which hit #1and he was the 1st white solo artist to appear on Soul Train. No for a white guy to play on there is one thing; to be a white guy from England is quite another.
"Philadelphia Freedom" was a professional tennis team owned by close friend of Elton, Billie Jean King. It was released as a single only credited to "The Elton John Band." It was recorded during the "Captain Fantastic" sessions.
"Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" was the very first album to debut at #1 on the Billboard album chart and kept Paul McCartney & Wings "Venus and Mars" album out of the top spot. Both albums were huge hits.
Huge Elton fan from early on, but never cared for Eltons poppy songs...”Benny and the Jets”, “Island Girl” and this one. To each his own.
Benny wasn't bad.
It at least had an cool chord progression and interesting melody lines.
But Island Girl...WTF happened there, Elton?
And Nikita 😬
"Philadelphia Freedom" is indeed about Billie Jean King, one of the first big-time athletes to be "out". She was the head coach of the Philadelphia Freedoms of World Team Tennis, and as such was the first woman to coach a pro team including male athletes. Elton credited her with being one of the people who gave him the courage to come out himself. This gave him the "peace of mind my daddy never had."
I love it when you stop and ponder....I see the wheels turning....
The Church 'Under The Milky Way'
Of interest, if you dig the Philly Soul sound of "Philadelphia Freedom," is the little-mentioned (in usual Elton fan circles) "Thom Bell Sessions," recorded in 1977 (but not released by MCA until '79), nearly two years after this song. Things between Elton and the legendary Philly producer/songwriter went south quickly as sessions began, and a proposed album rapidly shrunk to a 3-song EP, at least as it was originally released!
Well worth hearing and reacting to are: "Mama Can't Buy You Love," "Are You Ready For Love" and "Three Way Love Affair." While more songs were recorded at the sessions, they didn't see the light of day until 1989, when MCA released "The Complete Thom Bell Sessions."
Daniel, you and your viewers might find some hidden gems in these oft-forgotten songs!
Sir Elton John is British. The song was written for Billie Jean King (the greatest tennis player ever). It's about her hometown Philadelphia and America's declaration of independence/freedom and self rule.
Very pop. Nothing wrong with that. But you'd probably enjoy Madman Across The Water.
Madman Across the Water is one of my favorites, along Your Song. I also have a definite weakness for Harmony, which is a bit more obscure.
PF is pure pop garbage.
Came out around the time of his musical demise along with trash like Island Girl.
Unfortunately, the creative juices had dried up with both Elton and Bernie about 5 years prior.
Happens to the best of em.
First album I ever owned. Still have the vinyl!!
That BASS!
There was nobody like Dee Murray, G-d rest him.
This song is dedicated to Billie Jean King, the tennis champ and champion of women's rights and equality, during the 1970s.
Somebody may have mentioned this elsewhere in the comments, but do give a listen to "Someone Saved My Life Tonight," Elton's music and Bernie's lyrics are pure gold
PLEASE check out a live version of this from Philadelphia............he performs this in Philly with the Philadelphia Pops Orchestra backing him!!!!
Elton John is an icon in the USA. He was on fire in the 1970's. He was the first recording artist to ever debut at # 1 on the Billboard Album Chart. He did it with the album called Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy in 1976. To prove this feat was not a one off, his next album later that year, called Rock Of The Westies, also debuted at # 1!. Elton has had over 50 top 40 hits in the USA. His album cuts often rival his biggest hit singles. Elton is a true professional and is responsible for some of the greatest music ever recorded. Try Elton's cover of the Beatles' Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds. John Lennon actually sang backup on this # 1 hit single.
Listen to Your Song. So beautiful ,,,❤️
He is saying that American Freedom began in Philadelphia. It was released right before the bicentennial. "Waved the flag since the day I was born."
You should do all of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, the whole album is amazing. Madman Across the Water is also an amazing song.
A great song about staying true to yourself, always fills me with joy. Even though this is a simple pop song, the fact that they wrote it for Billie Jean King has always been even more joyous. Honoring a friend for changing your life view is deep even if it is cloaked in lightness.
The sound of the strings and horns in the background is essential to the sound of Philly Soul, upon which the groove is based.
Good song. Big hit when it came out. You don’t hear this one on the radio much anymore, at least I don’t. Fun, harmless little 70’s rocker.
Daniel react to Daniel. Its beautiful.
Philadelphia is where the Declaration of Independence was declared
This song is used to sell Philadelphia cream cheese in Australia
You mentioning Billy Joel was no coincidence, they've long been compared to each other (Elton hit the charts first so Billy was unjustly accused of being an Elton clone early in his career, but he proved the critics wrong) and they teamed up for some hugely successful tours in the 90s and early 2000s. But since you can't do Billy on UA-cam how about looking at Canada's contribution to the piano-playing superstar genre, Burton Cummings (well, he's a superstar IN Canada, not as well known elsewhere sadly)? I'm Scared, Break it To Them Gently and Is It Really Right are solo songs I reckon you'd go for, and before that he was with The Guess Who - Sour Suite, Glamour Boy and SHare the Land are some great ones from them (American Woman was their biggest hit, but a guitar song so not relevant to this particular strand I'm inventing here...) :-)
I'm not sure why the "Captain Fantastic" album cover is shown, it wasn't on that album. It was actually released as a single and then included on a greatest hits album.
Its shown because Philadelphia Freedom is included on the deluxe edition reissue of "Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy" along with "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" and a couple of other singles and b-sides. Daniel may not know that Captain Fantastic was an autobiographical album. All the songs written for the album [so not including "Philadelphia Freedom"] related to episodes in Elton and Bernie's early career. Elton was the Captain Fantastic of the title and Bernie was the Brown Dirt Cowboy.
"Philadelphia freedom took me knee--high to a man, yeah
Gave me peace of mind my daddy never had." He went down on his knees . . . this is a homoerotic context.
This might be my favorite track be him. Check out some Jeff Beck- YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN
Also, a side note Billy Jean King had a tennis match of the century with I think it was with an older male tennis player Bobby Riggs. It was a gimmick match between the sexes that generated a lot of money for the winner. Elton and Benny wrote it for other reasons too. But Billy Jean and Elton became fast friends and Elton wanted to encourage Billy.there was much postering between the two for the match much like boxing matches. Needless to say Billy won the match.it’s just a historical note about Elton himself caring about Billy and the sexist remarks she got during this time.elton encouraged her.
Hey buddy when you going do pluses concert pink floyd
Daniel, have you ever listened to Joni Mitchell ?
Song came out in 1976. The USAs bicentennial. A lot of people I believe thought this was about that. but it is about some gay stuff. Great song though.
Ha! Have you ever heard of a show called "The Muppet Show"?
I'm pretty sure I mention the muppet show in the video you're commenting on:)
@@DiconDissectionalReactions ... I was being sarcastic, that program only on about 5 years, but reruns and several movies have made them famous for decades (That's what the 'Ha' was about) ...
The music in the background are crickets and whipper whales just listen
1776 is PHILADELPHIA FREEDOM
It's not a bad song but very overplayed for me. I'd like to hear it without the syrupy strings all over it.
Women's USA tennis team
The fruit and the scent
Rocketman
Philadelphia means brotherly love. It took him knee high to a man and the critical hint, Elton is gay. Today in 2020 no one cares but in the 1970's it was still illegal in many places and homosexuals were persecuted not just by ignorant gangs of the uneducated but openly by the state. anyway hope that helps. cheers
Philadelphia Freedom also represented the freedom to live a gay life in a straight world.
There are so many great Elton John songs. This is not my favourite.
I can appreciate the meaning behind this song but the song itself is pop garbage and recorded well past Elton's prime.