A mission is a frontier West, Catholic church, built by Spanish missionaries. Hence opening with "You tell me there's an angel in your tree Did he say he'd come to call on me" The church is preaching heaven and rich, while the poor starve. So burn it down, and take all you need to live. I think the cinematic nature of the composition and arrangement were intentional, and I loved it, along with the power of Elton's vocals and piano. Thanks for having me along.
Bernie Taupin was raised as a Catholic, he was also an alter boy I read. I think that explains a lot of his lyrics. (His last name is Taupin which is French).
@@jdenino6022 Thanks, that adds to the fun. He also said he read and reveres American western novels. He often uses their dense, evocative, vernacular style, telling stories from the protagonist's point of view. Especially early albums up to Honky Chateau. I love it.
String arrangement by the long time collaborator Paul Buckmaster, who is featured extensively on the self titled previous album "Elton John". Great similar song on that album is "The King Must Die". It's basically burn down Pat Robertson's private jet and mansion.
I love The King Must Die too. Another of Elton's cinematic early records. I take it as a cautionary tale of palace/political intrigue, and steering well clear of it. "Caesar's had your troubles Widows had to cry While mercenaries in cloisters sing And the king must die Some men are better staying sailors Take my word and go But tell the ostler that his name was The very first they chose" Great stuff.
This is definitely *not* the last you'd hear of Elton for a year or more. Elton's contract with his record label required that he release two albums a year. In addition, Elton's name was on two other releases only a couple of months after Tumbleweed's release: the live 11-17-70 and the soundtrack of a little-known US film called Friends. In fact, at one point in around April 1971, Elton became the first artist since The Beatles to have four albums in the Top 40 at the same time. All this actually led to a backlash from critics. Elton had originally been a critical darling when he made his famous American debut at the Troubadour Club in L.A. in August 1970. However, thanks to the overexposure that the glut of Elton John product represented, critics got really tired of him. It was to the point where they'd make snide comments about him in reviews of other artists' work. For instance, when Lesley Duncan released her 1971 album Sing Children Sing, one reviewer said "Even though Elton John plays on it, it still manages to be quite good". As for "Burn Down the Mission", this is one of my favourites. I highly recommend checking out some live versions of it. There's an 18-minute version of it on 11-17-70 that includes an interloping of Elvis Presley's "My Baby Left Me" and The Beatles' "Get Back", but my favourite version is probably the epic version from the 1986 Live in Australia album, featuring Elton, his 13-piece band, and the 88-piece Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The power of these 102 musicians on this song is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Elton (or rather his record label) released FOUR albums in this year (2 studio albums - this and ‘Madman Across the Water’, a live album ‘17/11/70’ or in the YSA ‘11/17/70’ and a film soundtrack album ‘Friends’. Elton’s record contact from his first album (Empty Sky released in U.K. in 1969) through to 1976 (Here & There which was a live album to fulfill his contact obligation) was to release 2 studio albums a year and even Goodbye Yellow Brick Road which was a double album only counted as 1 release! This period 1969-76 saw him release 14 full albums (plus some non album singles on top)
Elton John was heavily influenced by Leon Russell. Later when he found out Leon was sick and had mounting medical bills he got together and did an album with him , Leon getting all the proceeds .
The Catholic monks set up a system of missions throughout Mexico, which extended way up into what was Spanish California... Then the held the indigenous women captive to force them and their men and kids to work in the mission's industries, especially agriculture and mining. You've undoubtedly heard about the mission at Sn Juan Capistrano, in what is now Orange County, Cali!
I freaking love the instrumental arrangements on this and actually almost all his older music. I always thought the fast part of the song was signifying the people raiding the "four walls of stone."
Big EJ fan, he was popular during this time period but after Goodbye Yellow Brick Road then Philadelphia Freedom he rocketed to superstardom. Almost as big as the Beatles. We don't see anything like this these days. Nice reaction, he's got a huge category lot to explore if you're so inclined.
I’ve been waiting for you to get to this one. It’s always been my favorite, on this album. It does lend itself to a live performance. It spoke to some of the revolutionary zeal left over from the sixties
The early Elton John recordings had a unique sound, partly due to the use of two basses (electric and stand-up) on some tracks, another great song which didn't make it on the album but can be found on the internet is "Into The Old Man's Shoes".
You must hear the live version of this song. Absolutely mind blowing and it's part of a medley that will have you in your feet doing the Holy Ghost dance!!!! You can find it on the live album "11-17-70", released in 1971. Mind you, there are only three musicians on that entire album, which I believe was the same set up that Elton had at his historic debut appearances at Hollywood's Troubadour in August 1970. Magnificent is the only word I can use to describe it!!!
I highly recommend that you react to "Madman Across the Water" by Sir Elton. The long version preferably, but the version with the orchestra is very good as well.
The Mission in this story is just an old big house where the Rich people live, while nearby the other people are poor & desperate. This is before missions were charity places, but after the time when they had originally been bases for conversion work. Remember the Allemo was originally a Mission station. You must also see that these are fantasy songs, written by a young English boy, Bernie Taupin, who grew up in the countryside, but like the rest of us, watched western movies & TV , from which we got our ideas about 'cowboy' life.
Yeah, diggin' on this sentiment too...it must be time, doncha think? And the breakdown at the end?!! C'mon! I'm glad the animals got away, naturally. Always my fave off this album. 8>D
It's a song famous for it's multiple tempo changes - at least in my mind lol. Lyrics are just there really. Great that you worked your way through all these songs, most people would never do it but it's one of his most consistent albums
I think when I was learning this album, I was similar to the female's reaction (sorry I don't know your names - yet). But I was grooving on the music and arrangement and voice, and that was what was pleasing to my ears, the words came secondary. Not sure I tried to go deep on the meanings of the words to this day, actually and I'm too tired to take a crack at it now haha, but not thrilled he wants to burn down a mission? And yet, it's probably my favorite song from Elton. :)
i think in 7 yrs to 76 he released 10 albums two of which were doubles.Tumbleweed didnt even have a single released from it and it still sold.There will never be another Elton.He and Bernie never wrote a song together.Bernie sent him the lyrics and Elton put music to them.Most songs took about 20 mins to write
It's symbolic of "Lets stick it to the man"..It's actually a pretty radical statement for the time. And yes, a mission was a church settlement to convert the "savages".
A mission is a frontier West, Catholic church, built by Spanish missionaries. Hence opening with
"You tell me there's an angel in your tree
Did he say he'd come to call on me"
The church is preaching heaven and rich, while the poor starve. So burn it down, and take all you need to live.
I think the cinematic nature of the composition and arrangement were intentional, and I loved it, along with the power of Elton's vocals and piano.
Thanks for having me along.
Bernie Taupin was raised as a Catholic, he was also an alter boy I read. I think that explains a lot of his lyrics. (His last name is Taupin which is French).
@@jdenino6022 Thanks, that adds to the fun. He also said he read and reveres American western novels. He often uses their dense, evocative, vernacular style, telling stories from the protagonist's point of view. Especially early albums up to Honky Chateau. I love it.
Elton John was my first concert (1972?). He put on an amazing show!
Amazing!
Ah yes, the master in his prime. What a great song and great album. Elton and Bernie, pure genius.
String arrangement by the long time collaborator Paul Buckmaster, who is featured extensively on the self titled previous album "Elton John". Great similar song on that album is "The King Must Die".
It's basically burn down Pat Robertson's private jet and mansion.
Pretty much
Elton John is rich.
I love The King Must Die too. Another of Elton's cinematic early records. I take it as a cautionary tale of palace/political intrigue, and steering well clear of it.
"Caesar's had your troubles
Widows had to cry
While mercenaries in cloisters sing
And the king must die
Some men are better staying sailors
Take my word and go
But tell the ostler that his name was
The very first they chose"
Great stuff.
This is definitely *not* the last you'd hear of Elton for a year or more. Elton's contract with his record label required that he release two albums a year. In addition, Elton's name was on two other releases only a couple of months after Tumbleweed's release: the live 11-17-70 and the soundtrack of a little-known US film called Friends. In fact, at one point in around April 1971, Elton became the first artist since The Beatles to have four albums in the Top 40 at the same time.
All this actually led to a backlash from critics. Elton had originally been a critical darling when he made his famous American debut at the Troubadour Club in L.A. in August 1970. However, thanks to the overexposure that the glut of Elton John product represented, critics got really tired of him. It was to the point where they'd make snide comments about him in reviews of other artists' work. For instance, when Lesley Duncan released her 1971 album Sing Children Sing, one reviewer said "Even though Elton John plays on it, it still manages to be quite good".
As for "Burn Down the Mission", this is one of my favourites. I highly recommend checking out some live versions of it. There's an 18-minute version of it on 11-17-70 that includes an interloping of Elvis Presley's "My Baby Left Me" and The Beatles' "Get Back", but my favourite version is probably the epic version from the 1986 Live in Australia album, featuring Elton, his 13-piece band, and the 88-piece Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The power of these 102 musicians on this song is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Nothing like early Elton. NOTHING. And what a band he assembled. Man. ✌
Agreed. After Honky Chateau, when the drugs and glitz kicked it, Elton was still fantastic, but different.
Elton (or rather his record label) released FOUR albums in this year (2 studio albums - this and ‘Madman Across the Water’, a live album ‘17/11/70’ or in the YSA ‘11/17/70’ and a film soundtrack album ‘Friends’. Elton’s record contact from his first album (Empty Sky released in U.K. in 1969) through to 1976 (Here & There which was a live album to fulfill his contact obligation) was to release 2 studio albums a year and even Goodbye Yellow Brick Road which was a double album only counted as 1 release! This period 1969-76 saw him release 14 full albums (plus some non album singles on top)
That's a lot of albums!
Elton was fuc$ing King of the '70s!! Wow14 albums from '69-'76, unbelievable!! Bernie Taupin too!!
Elton John was heavily influenced by Leon Russell. Later when he found out Leon was sick and had mounting medical bills he got together and did an album with him , Leon getting all the proceeds .
What a guy!
The radical change of tempo was also inspired by Laura Nyro's frequent experiments with changing pace in the midst of songs
Loved Leon, he did a great Dylan cover and his song, We're Alone and I'm Singing this Song to You is beautiful.
And gave Leon every cent from the album... Look at Elton inducting Leon in the hall of Fame... And see Leon's speech about Elton... Breathtaking
The Catholic monks set up a system of missions throughout Mexico, which extended way up into what was Spanish California... Then the held the indigenous women captive to force them and their men and kids to work in the mission's industries, especially agriculture and mining. You've undoubtedly heard about the mission at Sn Juan Capistrano, in what is now Orange County, Cali!
Makes sense! Thanks Fred!
Think occupier strongholds.
I freaking love the instrumental arrangements on this and actually almost all his older music. I always thought the fast part of the song was signifying the people raiding the "four walls of stone."
Makes sense! Thanks!
Elton John 11-17-70, recorded live in a radio station on Elton's first U.S. tour. Hungry Elton, before he was a star, it's absolutely beastly.
Love it!
"But what more could I do... just to keep her warm...???
Than burn, burn, burn, burn, down... the mission walls"... sublime...!!!
Indeed!
You can totally hear the mission burning down! Amazing instrumentals!
Big EJ fan, he was popular during this time period but after Goodbye Yellow Brick Road then Philadelphia Freedom he rocketed to superstardom. Almost as big as the Beatles. We don't see anything like this these days. Nice reaction, he's got a huge category lot to explore if you're so inclined.
Will definitely check out some more EJ sometime! Thanks Steve!
Wow I found a reaction to this song 🤣🤣. I’ve been searching the depths of UA-cam for this. This is possibly my favorite Elton song.
Nice!
Check out the live album 11-17-70. It has a a kick-ass, long, mind-blowing version of this song.
Sounds awesome!
@@SightAfterDark It is.
I love that album. Elton was never that fierce on any other record.
@@michaelkeefe8494 Agreed
I’ve been waiting for you to get to this one. It’s always been my favorite, on this album. It does lend itself to a live performance. It spoke to some of the revolutionary zeal left over from the sixties
Its a great one! Thanks Dan!
@@SightAfterDark It´s a flame that never dies...!!!
The early Elton John recordings had a unique sound, partly due to the use of two basses (electric and stand-up) on some tracks, another great song which didn't make it on the album but can be found on the internet is "Into The Old Man's Shoes".
Thanks for the info Barry!
@@barrywerdell2614 Into the Old Man's Shoes is on the 1995 reissue and the Deluxe version of TC, which I believe came out in 2014 as an extra track.
Great song . Never heard it before . Elton John is amazing .
Glad you enjoyed Carolyn!
One of my favorite Elton John songs. Thanks Sight After Dark.
Thank you!
Missions had purposes on the frontiers, especially in CA. This album has lyrics about the Civil War
You must hear the live version of this song. Absolutely mind blowing and it's part of a medley that will have you in your feet doing the Holy Ghost dance!!!!
You can find it on the live album "11-17-70", released in 1971. Mind you, there are only three musicians on that entire album, which I believe was the same set up that Elton had at his historic debut appearances at Hollywood's Troubadour in August 1970. Magnificent is the only word I can use to describe it!!!
Thank you!
Please do "ticking" Elton John from the caribou album... Solo piano and a message that rings more true everyday
Thank you. Love this song and it never gets played on the radio
Thanks for watching Peter!
If I were only allowed to take 10 albums to a deserted island, Tumbleweed Connection would definitely be among them.
Please,please do Elton's "Ticking" . It's a harrowing story-song from his Caribou album
Great old Elton John/Bernie Taupin song.
You know it!
Why no one else on youtube reacting to this songs? Thank you for doing that!
Just found a swan cannot wait to watch love you guys
I highly recommend that you react to "Madman Across the Water" by Sir Elton. The long version preferably, but the version with the orchestra is very good as well.
The Mission in this story is just an old big house where the Rich people live, while nearby the other people are poor & desperate. This is before missions were charity places, but after the time when they had originally been bases for conversion work. Remember the Allemo was originally a Mission station. You must also see that these are fantasy songs, written by a young English boy, Bernie Taupin, who grew up in the countryside, but like the rest of us, watched western movies & TV , from which we got our ideas about 'cowboy' life.
Thanks for the info!
Yeah, diggin' on this sentiment too...it must be time, doncha think? And the breakdown at the end?!! C'mon! I'm glad the animals got away, naturally. Always my fave off this album. 8>D
It's a great one!
Gem of a track. My favourite off this album.
It’s a great one!
It's a song famous for it's multiple tempo changes - at least in my mind lol. Lyrics are just there really. Great that you worked your way through all these songs, most people would never do it but it's one of his most consistent albums
Thanks Jay!
Brilliant!
Indeed!
I think when I was learning this album, I was similar to the female's reaction (sorry I don't know your names - yet). But I was grooving on the music and arrangement and voice, and that was what was pleasing to my ears, the words came secondary. Not sure I tried to go deep on the meanings of the words to this day, actually and I'm too tired to take a crack at it now haha, but not thrilled he wants to burn down a mission? And yet, it's probably my favorite song from Elton. :)
i think in 7 yrs to 76 he released 10 albums two of which were doubles.Tumbleweed didnt even have a single released from it and it still sold.There will never be another Elton.He and Bernie never wrote a song together.Bernie sent him the lyrics and Elton put music to them.Most songs took about 20 mins to write
Impressive!
Elton said he never matched Bernie's lyrics to any off the shelf music. He read the lyrics and wrote what they made him feel.
You guys should react to Phil Collins' cover of this song. Elton said it was his favourite version of the song.
Sounds great! Thanks!
This is such an old, great song! The words mean EVERYTHING!! Good grief, educate yourself.
Thanks for watching!
It's symbolic of "Lets stick it to the man"..It's actually a pretty radical statement for the time. And yes, a mission was a church settlement to convert the "savages".
Knew it!
Behind 4 walls of stone the rich man sleeps
It’s time we put the flame 🔥 torch to their keep.