I love this man so much...for 50 years, before he’d even hit our shores. Part of the perfect soundtrack of my life. My father passed 3 weeks ago. He let me go to my first concert - Elton, in 1971. And he taught me about Native Americans. I can remember my teenage self lying on my bed, sobbing, listening to this song for the first time. It broke my heart. My father’s name was Daniel and he traveled on planes a lot. Not a good father at all but I loved him. Bye Pops. 💔
This song is so unbelievable. How can one human being come up with melodies so beautiful. How can two men write lyrics and melodies that build an entity so out of this world?
not playing to the crowd, or the cameras or some awards show or head-of state; incredible lyrics, great voice the child prodigy reaches genius level as an adult in this song.
Elton John and Bernie Taupin are one of the best musical partnerships there has ever been. This song blows me away. The fact that EJ can perfectly express the meaning of BT's words through his piano is, imo, no coincidence.
I bought this when it was first released when I was fifteen. A couple of years later, my sister and I saw him live, standing in front of the stage at our state fair. That inspiring show helped pull me out of a funk. More years passed, and I sang this to my daughters at night. Now my musician daughter sings it, too. I love this soul man. He's a life force.
A true unknown gem that very few folks know about. He performs with such passion and Bernie's lyrics have such meaning you can't help but be drawn into the story and performance.
Man, to listen to this song & the talent that Elton John has, is just so great!! But to understand the talent by Bernie Taupin who wrote these words to the song, is unbelievable!! What a fantastic match of music talent!!
This is such a powerful song. It always makes me cry. The only way it is more powerful is on the studio version “ Madman Across the Water” with the orchestra. One of Bernie’s best lyrics. Have always loved this song. Madman is my favourite album of his. Thanks for posting this gem.
I'm very happy Elton John has come to terms to his standards and continues to perform them worldwide. He even played "Skyline Pigeon" at Rock and Rio after learning this was his first great hit in Brazil.
I have to be honest I'm not the biggest Elton John fan. However...this song...this song is probably my favorite song ever. It is pure poetry and touches me on a level I can't quite describe. Suffice it to say I fight tears every time I hear..."For soon I'll find the yellow moon along with my loved ones. Where the buffaloes graze in clover fields without the sound of guns".
Yes, I was about 13 when I saw this album sitting propped up on the front room floor in the stack... opened it up... listened to it in awe as I flipped through the big pages... I was transfixed. I thought how does it get better than this?? Nearly 50 years later, I still haven't heard its equal.
hes like elvis in that they'll be listening to this mans music for a century after hes gone old or not this man is and was a rare talent who can sit and watch this video and argue with that?
He has no idea how to end the song, he just hits a random chord at the end. Piano and vocals are flawless here. And from "Madman," one of my favorite albums. Back when they made real albums and real singer/songwriters. So inspiring.
Is it not truly astonishing that two lads from England could create this incredible masterpiece about the American Indians? This was my uncle's favourite Elton and Bernie song I think my uncle chose very well indeed.
I was 18 when my friends bought me this album ( Madman across the water ), as a brandnew release. All my life, ive been a Hendrix-influed guitarist. Hendrix music made my way of living,,,EJ+BT Madman was the soundtrack of my life,,,, and still is. Life is funny.
an absolute master class in vocal ability....l have loved this song for years and always declared it my favorite Elton track and this has endorsed this...what a talent!
This song talks about a "race" / "culture" whatever word you feel comfortable with and I promise you the values were better then our own. Much more innocence. I personally have four different types of European ancestry in my genetics but this is pure inocecensee
Wow Elton's voice was flawless here. Such a shame he does not sing like this anymore. I am still a big fan, But people hear him today and say wow that man can't sing. And to know he could so beautifully sing really breaks my heart. But Elton this is why you will always rock to me. #1
The marrow in my bones reverberates absolutely with what you are saying. It is indeed heartbreaking. But can great art ever be anything but heartbreaking?
Manuel Martinez Even if he stopped singing altogether, he can still make a piano sing in a way few others ever have. I think in the last 3 years his voice has gotten much smoother and his range has improved considerably.
He didn't have throat cancer. He had warts on his vocal bands (non-malignant), which were removed. Afterward, he lost his falsetto and his voice became more in the baritone range, allowing him to achieve a more rich tone in his vocals. Too bad really as he became famous for his falsetto. No denying that his piano playing and music compositions are still quite good. Personally, I like the earlier music and a few tunes in more recent years, such as "Turn the Lights on When You Leave" and "It's Getting Dark In Here."
Some people seem to think that he keeps going because of the money...but you only ha ve to listen to this beautiful song to know its all about the passion, such a pure genius and my goodness, what a handsome man too 😍
This is one of the best videos I have ever seen! Thank God someone had the foresight to record such performances with good audio and video. This is the Elton John I fell in love with back in 1971. Classic stuff. Such a natural and talented musician. With Bernie Taupin, such an incredibly talented team of song writers. No, you can't go back in time. I could and plan to listen to this stuff forever. Thank you, Elton, and thank you to whoever recorded and uploaded these treasures.
I completely agree Ken. i was a fan at 10 as Capt Fantastic came out. I saw him at 11 on the Louder Than the Concord tour in 76. It was my first concert ever and i still get chills when i here Grow Some Funk Of Your Own as it was the first song he played that night. I'm amazed at myself for having such taste in music as a little kid. :)
the album just isn't complete without "All the Nasties". It fits into the feel of the album so perfectly, and is one of his most soulful performances, perfectly complimenting this song
Such an emotional song. My mom lived on a reservation for a while, so I can relate. Now, I relate because my son was shot to death. On another note, not many artists can do a solo with just a piano live these days, pure talent
My favorite Rock n Roller of my life.....All of my important days here on the planet i can connect to one of his songs.....from his early stuff to his most recent.....His albums, 8 tracks, cassettes, CD's and live shows have always brought me back from the brink of oblivion.....Thanks.....
Thanks so much for posting this. What a talent. Sorry he went so far into pop music. Guess it worked out well for him financially but one must wonder what could have been if he had stayed in this vein.
Why can an Englishman describe what happened here when the people that conquered them cannot? This is the history of the American Indian condensed into a 7 minute musical. How very sad....I am a part of that history.....and it moves my soul.....so very vivid are the images this song paints....you can close your eyes and SEE what he is singing about.....
Actually, I thought of this song also........it has been instilled in my conscience, since first hearing it. Amazing how a song can imbed itself in your mind and bring it back after decades. Not a song to dance, or occupy your mind, while doing a task. When it comes back, it brings the same realm of feeling. Have a great one.
46 years and 1 month ago today was this performance and its easily one of my most favorite of his many raw emotional power surges blended perfectly with musical genius. Thanks for the decades of beauty Elton! Much gratitude.
This was Elton John's greatest masterpiece.....Elton has incredible depth of understanding and soul. We need more artists like Elton John and less of the continuous bullshit propaganda that is Hollywood. Thanks to Elton for setting the standard.
I absolutely love this song. I have loved it since I was a child and my dad okayed it on the record player.. complete with white noise. I have about 5 Elton songs I love... But this song.... 1 no doubt and as much as I hate radio for not giving it airtime.... I am always glad the radio didn't kill it.... And when I have gone a while not hearing it... I play my cd or mp3 and I still get those chills I got as a child.... When I pass on to my clover fields I hope this is played for me
The Englishman's guilt over what we did to American Indians is virtually indescribable, but I think Elton and Bernie convey it here with the poignance and gravitas it deserves. A stunning piece of music.
One of my Elton John all time favorites. people who like this one might also like "Have mercy on the criminal" ( Don't shoot me I'm only the piano player ) or "Ticking" ( Caribou ). Thanks for posting!
Ticking is maybe my favorite Elton song, but this is close. When I listen to this song, I think it's the best and when I listen to Ticking, I think it's the best. Why pick? They both stand on their own.
An amazing song by Bernie Taupin and Elton John. Though slightly historically inaccurate it still relays a powerful message about the American Indians losing their lands. It's beautifully written and performed. Haunting. Wonderful.
I love this man so much...for 50 years, before he’d even hit our shores. Part of the perfect soundtrack of my life.
My father passed 3 weeks ago. He let me go to my first concert - Elton, in 1971. And he taught me about Native Americans. I can remember my teenage self lying on my bed, sobbing, listening to this song for the first time. It broke my heart. My father’s name was Daniel and he traveled on planes a lot. Not a good father at all but I loved him. Bye Pops. 💔
I just love what you've written here.
God bless !
This song is so unbelievable. How can one human being come up with melodies so beautiful. How can two men write lyrics and melodies that build an entity so out of this world?
not playing to the crowd, or the cameras or some awards show or head-of state; incredible lyrics, great voice the child prodigy reaches genius level as an adult in this song.
Brilliant lyrics....Bernie Taupin.....sung perfectly by sir Elton John
ONE OF HIS LEAST PLAYED and perhaps best songs.
your so right
I don't know, I've played it a million times in my own head.
Arthur Sid That's an original answer
+Terry Hurlburt this is perhaps one of the *GREATEST* songs ever written,Period!
Best song ever of Elton/Bernie
I was 13 when I bought my first EJ record. 42 years later I still can't believe what I'm listening to. Life has its blessings.
Elton John and Bernie Taupin are one of the best musical partnerships there has ever been. This song blows me away. The fact that EJ can perfectly express the meaning of BT's words through his piano is, imo, no coincidence.
Absolutely ''steller'' Lyrics & composition !!
I bought this when it was first released when I was fifteen. A couple of years later, my sister and I saw him live, standing in front of the stage at our state fair. That inspiring show helped pull me out of a funk. More years passed, and I sang this to my daughters at night. Now my musician daughter sings it, too. I love this soul man. He's a life force.
A true unknown gem that very few folks know about. He performs with such passion and Bernie's lyrics have such meaning you can't help but be drawn into the story and performance.
Man, to listen to this song & the talent that Elton John has, is just so great!! But to understand the talent by Bernie Taupin who wrote these words to the song, is unbelievable!! What a fantastic match of music talent!!
One of the most poignant, haunting songs ever written or sung.Elton emotes the raw emotion that the subject deserves. Amazing talent and song.
Big +1 there !
Genius. One of his finest moments.
And this song is one shining example of why I love Elton so much...
This is such a powerful song. It always makes me cry. The only way it is more powerful is on the studio version “ Madman Across the Water” with the orchestra. One of Bernie’s best lyrics. Have always loved this song. Madman is my favourite album of his. Thanks for posting this gem.
His voice makes my heart beat so fast it's amazing.
The best thing of truly finding Elton Johns music only a year ago, "less known stuff" like this gets to be experienced for the first time. Love it
This song paints such a clear picture
Sure does !
I'm very happy Elton John has come to terms to his standards and continues to perform them worldwide. He even played "Skyline Pigeon" at Rock and Rio after learning this was his first great hit in Brazil.
Perfection :melody, lyrics, piano, voice... Maybe his most beautiful song
I have to be honest I'm not the biggest Elton John fan. However...this song...this song is probably my favorite song ever.
It is pure poetry and touches me on a level I can't quite describe. Suffice it to say I fight tears every time I hear..."For soon I'll find the yellow moon along with my loved ones. Where the buffaloes graze in clover fields without the sound of guns".
its a very moving and powerful song
This...this is Your Song
the enduring genius of mr Bernie Taupin.
My ghetto gospel
Love that smile at the end...just a hint of his future zany stage presence! Vintage GOLD!!!!!
Trying singing this yourself when your walking down the road. Just let it roll on with your footsteps and your thoughts and the rhythm of your soul.
Just astounding - outdoes any other song he has ever done. Classic.
this was my first Elton album...I was 11. I played this track over and over, mesmerized. Still makes my hair stand on end
Yes, I was about 13 when I saw this album sitting propped up on the front room floor in the stack... opened it up... listened to it in awe as I flipped through the big pages... I was transfixed. I thought how does it get better than this?? Nearly 50 years later, I still haven't heard its equal.
Agreed
Ever notice how Bernie's lyrics bring out and compliment that Middle Western twang in Sir Elton's voice. Beautiful...
He´s really Amazing with his wonderful voice ,,One of the Best artists Forever..
From 3:30 onwards is just perfection and it's sad that music isn't written like this anymore.
OMG!!!...Incredible!!!!...His voice sooooooo... "MINT!""".... Gorgeous Job!!!
Love, 🤍 Love This !!!.....Thank You 🙏 🌹
hes like elvis in that they'll be listening to this mans music for a century after hes gone old or not this man is and was a rare talent who can sit and watch this video and argue with that?
47 mental People...
Beethoven
He has no idea how to end the song, he just hits a random chord at the end. Piano and vocals are flawless here. And from "Madman," one of my favorite albums. Back when they made real albums and real singer/songwriters. So inspiring.
Randy Keith Elton was never really a songwriter,Taupin wrote most of his lyrics but indeed,an extremely talented musician.
+kevin myers - he wasn't a lyric writer, but he most certainly was a brilliant songwriter.
Agreed
Is it not truly astonishing that two lads from England could create this incredible masterpiece about the American Indians?
This was my uncle's favourite Elton and Bernie song I think my uncle chose very well indeed.
As musically beautiful as to this song is, the lyrics are pretty much a mish-mash of historical nonsense
Addem Arctic Most of Bernie's lyrics are. Billy Joel admits to his historical fiction every time he plays "Ballad of Billy the Kid"
one of the greatest songs ever written. enough said.
Elton, I liked your new song. Quite simply 🙂🙂 you are the best vocalist & pianist ever!!!!!!
I was 18 when my friends bought me this album ( Madman across the water ), as a brandnew release. All my life, ive been a Hendrix-influed guitarist. Hendrix music made my way of living,,,EJ+BT Madman was the soundtrack of my life,,,, and still is. Life is funny.
Will always love his music,
an absolute master class in vocal ability....l have loved this song for years and always declared it my favorite Elton track and this has endorsed this...what a talent!
one of his best and one of his most underrated
Absolutely brilliant! So much soul in this piece, both music and words.
EJ and Taupin at their best.
Elton was the perfect vehicle for the genius of Bernie Taupin's lyrics. One of the best song writing duos since Lennon and McCartney.
They don't make them like that anymore. A fully orchestrated dynamic song played and sung solo in such a small venue. He was such an amazing talent.
Allison Shea He still is. :)
TheNakedWombat Yes he IS, lol. I went to see him with my two sisters about five years ago and he really IS amazing. :)
They never made them like this. This is special.
Just went to see him and he played this song. He's still got it BIG TIME!
This song talks about a "race" / "culture" whatever word you feel comfortable with and I promise you the values were better then our own. Much more innocence. I personally have four different types of European ancestry in my genetics but this is pure inocecensee
One of my all-time favorites off my favorite of his albums
Wow Elton's voice was flawless here. Such a shame he does not sing like this anymore. I am still a big fan, But people hear him today and say wow that man can't sing. And to know he could so beautifully sing really breaks my heart. But Elton this is why you will always rock to me. #1
I think he really sings quite well still. He just has a different voice than he used to. Nothing lasts forever.
The marrow in my bones reverberates absolutely with what you are saying.
It is indeed heartbreaking.
But can great art ever be anything but heartbreaking?
So you don't know he had throat cancer????????
Manuel Martinez Even if he stopped singing altogether, he can still make a piano sing in a way few others ever have. I think in the last 3 years his voice has gotten much smoother and his range has improved considerably.
He didn't have throat cancer. He had warts on his vocal bands (non-malignant), which were removed. Afterward, he lost his falsetto and his voice became more in the baritone range, allowing him to achieve a more rich tone in his vocals. Too bad really as he became famous for his falsetto. No denying that his piano playing and music compositions are still quite good. Personally, I like the earlier music and a few tunes in more recent years, such as "Turn the Lights on When You Leave" and "It's Getting Dark In Here."
Some people seem to think that he keeps going because of the money...but you only ha ve to listen to this beautiful song to know its all about the passion, such a pure genius and my goodness, what a handsome man too 😍
This is one of the best videos I have ever seen! Thank God someone had the foresight to record such performances with good audio and video. This is the Elton John I fell in love with back in 1971. Classic stuff. Such a natural and talented musician. With Bernie Taupin, such an incredibly talented team of song writers. No, you can't go back in time. I could and plan to listen to this stuff forever. Thank you, Elton, and thank you to whoever recorded and uploaded these treasures.
Indian sunset is sooo underrated it’s my favorite song by Elton John. I wish it got more love though I put it in my top 5 Elton John songs 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Loved this song since I first heard it when I was 12...59 now and still love it!
Elton John and Bernie Taupin wrote the soundtrack to my LIFE. Never more influential people have held sway over my formation and creativity. LOVE
I completely agree Ken. i was a fan at 10 as Capt Fantastic came out. I saw him at 11 on the Louder Than the Concord tour in 76. It was my first concert ever and i still get chills when i here Grow Some Funk Of Your Own as it was the first song he played that night.
I'm amazed at myself for having such taste in music as a little kid. :)
Yes , Elton always made it for the (world) people! He is one in a million!
the album just isn't complete without "All the Nasties". It fits into the feel of the album so perfectly, and is one of his most soulful performances, perfectly complimenting this song
ah a great combination Elton and Bernie brings back such wonderful memories
This is a pure real artist, a 7 minute masterpiece, playing piano and singing beautifully at the same time. Amazing
I sang this to my children when they were babies in the early 70's while rocking them to sleep.
Wonderful heartfelt song! What a storyteller Elton is.
The lyrics are by Bernie, though.
Such an emotional song. My mom lived on a reservation for a while, so I can relate. Now, I relate because my son was shot to death. On another note, not many artists can do a solo with just a piano live these days, pure talent
his was a magical time - those early 70's, trust me kids...
Remarkable! What a true tale he tells, this Sir Elton figure. :)
Brilliant
5:05 and on may be the most amazing piece of music I've ever heard. Just gives me chills like nothing else
This is my first time listening to Elton John and I can really appreciate the music
Incredible Beautiful and Moving! Wow!
Holy fuck. Just stunning.
My favorite Rock n Roller of my life.....All of my important days here on the planet i can connect to one of his songs.....from his early stuff to his most recent.....His albums, 8 tracks, cassettes, CD's and live shows have always brought me back from the brink of oblivion.....Thanks.....
Damn, i can't find the LOVE button!!
Simply epic - lucky enough to see this man twice in the last few years - legend
amazing tune
Can't help but shed a single tear.
That last note gave me goosebumps. Wow. What an amazingly talented man.
My favourite Elton John song. Very emotive even though the Geronimo bit is pure fiction. Loved the whole album.
This recording is absolutely Golden
Where the red sun sinks
in the hills of gold,
and the healing waters run...
I always wanted to get to this place.
The hands of a master. Simple as that...
BIg fan-early stuff especially exquisite- great version!!!
This is Elton at his best. This is how he became a superstar.
i heard, from passing renegades, "geronimo is dead"..he'd been laying down his weapons when they filled him full of lead
CHILLS! A once in a lifetime talent.
This should have 1,000,000 likes, at the minimum.
There are no words to express what Bernie and Elton have done.
This is amazing.
....... "..... and peace to this young warrior comes .............. with a bullet hole .............. "
I love the fact that every Bernie taupin song always tells a story.
The imagery in this song in haunting. Absolutely beautiful.
GREATEST SONG EVER BY ELTON JOHN!!!!!!!
*2019 anyone?*
Yes
Luke Faulkner this my favorite Elton John song 🔥🔥🔥
takes me back...Thanks Reg
elton i love you . i mark my life by your songs
Thanks so much for posting this. What a talent. Sorry he went so far into pop music. Guess it worked out well for him financially but one must wonder what could have been if he had stayed in this vein.
Du grand Elton…tellement beau..parfait👌🎶🎶🎶♥️
Why can an Englishman describe what happened here when the people that conquered them cannot? This is the history of the American Indian condensed into a 7 minute musical. How very sad....I am a part of that history.....and it moves my soul.....so very vivid are the images this song paints....you can close your eyes and SEE what he is singing about.....
Bernie Taupin, who wrote the lyrics, always was very into the American culture and heritage
Both Bernie and Elton were and still are.
...........amazing..............simply~ amazing!
what a treat.. Elton Pure.. in the 70's
Just saw The Revenant and had the urge to listen to this, gets me pumped!
+Thomas Tehan great movie
Actually, I thought of this song also........it has been instilled in my conscience, since first hearing it. Amazing how a song can imbed itself in your mind and bring it back after decades. Not a song to dance, or occupy your mind, while doing a task. When it comes back, it brings the same realm of feeling. Have a great one.
46 years and 1 month ago today was this performance and its easily one of my most favorite of his many raw emotional power surges blended perfectly with musical genius. Thanks for the decades of beauty Elton! Much gratitude.
You gotta love that last not he hits with his voice :')
This was Elton John's greatest masterpiece.....Elton has incredible depth of understanding and soul. We need more artists like Elton John and less of the continuous bullshit propaganda that is Hollywood. Thanks to Elton for setting the standard.
I absolutely love this song. I have loved it since I was a child and my dad okayed it on the record player.. complete with white noise. I have about 5 Elton songs I love... But this song.... 1 no doubt and as much as I hate radio for not giving it airtime.... I am always glad the radio didn't kill it.... And when I have gone a while not hearing it... I play my cd or mp3 and I still get those chills I got as a child.... When I pass on to my clover fields I hope this is played for me
The Englishman's guilt over what we did to American Indians is virtually indescribable, but I think Elton and Bernie convey it here with the poignance and gravitas it deserves.
A stunning piece of music.
agree with you 😊
Pappy Reeves I LOVE YOUR COMMENT THANK YOU I'M SO SAD FOR MY PEOPLE
My favorite song of all times
Thanks, bdpittman. I bought the Madman Across the Water in LP. Brilliant. Super talented pianist and singer.
One of my Elton John all time favorites. people who like this one might also like "Have mercy on the criminal" ( Don't shoot me I'm only the piano player ) or "Ticking" ( Caribou ). Thanks for posting!
Ticking for sure. One of my faves.
Ticking is maybe my favorite Elton song, but this is close. When I listen to this song, I think it's the best and when I listen to Ticking, I think it's the best. Why pick? They both stand on their own.
An amazing song by Bernie Taupin and Elton John. Though slightly historically inaccurate it still relays a powerful message about the American Indians losing their lands. It's beautifully written and performed. Haunting. Wonderful.
5:14 when you see his eyes through his glasses, thats the best part.