Curtains - Elton John (1975) HQ Audio HD Video
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- Опубліковано 14 січ 2012
- Watch the 2020 Update! • Curtains - Elton John ...
"Curtains" was released on Elton John's Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy album in the spring of 1975. This is one of the touchstone albums of my youth and played a huge role in my developing love of rock and roll. It's the first Elton John album that I remember actually purchasing myself upon release. It was a huge deal at the time and it was the first album ever to debut at #1 on the U.S. Pop Chart and it was ranked #158 in Rolling Stones 500 Greatest Albums of All Time in 2003. What none of knew at the time was that it would also be the last album Elton John recorded with his classic band.....ending a string of truly monumental albums and brilliant work by a crack band....incredible musicians all!
This is my 3rd video for an Elton John song, after "Dirty Little Girl" and "Roy Rogers".
The video for this one is one of those cases where I was working on another video (a hopefully epic "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" for my continuing series for songs from that double-album masterpiece) and a video for another song just took over and was fast-tracked to completion.
Specifically, while editing clips from "Wizard Of Oz", I found my usual amazement at watching Ray Bolger's dance work as the Scarecrow....the guy is absolutely genius, the movements he makes seriously appear as if he has no bones....just extraordinary and absolutely some of the greatest dancing ever committed to film! Of course the scarecrow from Oz makes me think of Elton's "Curtains" (just as that song always makes me think of the scarecrow from Oz).....so I started playing around with some different edits of the dance behind "Curtains".
I think the scarecrow's swirling dancing utilized in conjunction with the looping swirl effect as a mask exposing the imagery beneath as he dances is pretty cool....and I spent a good portion of the work time trying to sync his movements to the loop to create that effect. One of the things that drew me to jump on "Curtains" and rush it through was the long drawn out and repetitive refrain where I knew would be a great place to have a lot of Scarecrow dancing!
I'd love to do something for every single song on this beautiful record....till then, I hope you like this one!
Thanks to Elton, The Wizard of Oz, and especially Roy Bolger! Also thanks to: / louieschwartzberg for a couple of brief flower clips. Incredible x2 videos on this channel.....check out the full versions and more!....and of course, as usual anyone else who supplied any of the other ingredients (that I thought perfect) used in this little dish.
Please visit a few of the other Elton John videos I've made:
"Candle In The Wind"
• Candle In The Wind - E...
"Daniel"
• Daniel - Elton John (1...
"High Flying Bird"
• High Flying Bird - Elt...
"Dirty Little Girl"
• Elton John - Dirty Lit...
"Roy Rogers"
• Elton John - Roy Roger...
"Bite Your Lip (Get Up And Dance!)" Version 1
• Elton John - Bite Your...
"Bite Your Lip (Get Up And Dance!)" Version 2
• Elton John - Bite Your...
[Lyrics]
I used to know this old scarecrow
He was my song
My joy and sorrow
Cast alone between the furrows
Of a field no longer sown by anyone
I held a dandelion
That said the time had come
To leave upon the wind
Not to return
When summer burned the earth again
Cultivate the freshest flower
This garden ever grew
Beneath these branches
I once wrote such childish words for you
But that's okay
There's treasure children always seek to find
And just like us
You must have had
A once upon a time
Lonely lovely day....
One of the most beautiful songs ever written, both lyrically, and musically. We've been truly blessed to live in the time of Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
Anita Fox 🦊 you’re not wrong,i wish i could go back.look you and your family stay safe my love Welsh Lyn.
Very daunting, sad and depressing. 🌈🥀
Agreed.
@@AdamLeite For sure..amazing song :)
Can you hear
Hard to chose a favorite but it has to be in the top three best EJ songs - We All Fall in Love Sometimes/Curtains should be played together with the quiet piano transition between and the gorgeous change up. It really is one long song with two parts. So many people have never heard this song or have forgotten about it. It can bring me to tears if I'm in a mood. EJ is more than a glam rock pop star and Bernie is more than a lyricist - together they created one of the greatest songbooks of the twentieth century.
I was fourteen when this song came out. I'm now sixty. This song still touches me. Thank you Elton.
And Bernie.
It's so melancholy and dramatic. Perfect gay man's anthem
This is another of Elton’s great songs. I’ve listened for many years. I hope his drummer, Nigel Olson if I’m correct…gets credit for some fantastic drumming here. I bet there’s a lot of Elton’s fans who don’t know about this gem.
NOT MANY PEOPLE ARE AWARE OF THIS TREASURE...MY HEART GOES OUT TO THEM.
Elton John is a genius.
Bernie Topin is a sublime poet.
It's as simple as that ladies and gentlemen.
It is hard to disagree with this, Gioma.
How does a 12 year old boy fall in love with such a deep meaning song about leaving childhood behind for the first taste of love, loosing my innocents and having that God awful feeling of not knowing what this feeling I wanted but was tearing my gut apart. How is it possible I knew love at 12 and attached it to this song.? I loved Elton, but Bernie was who I related to. He was what gave EJ all the words that I would work in my head and feed to my heart. My family thought I was nuts to have these two covering my walls note books and spent every penny to collect every last album till I had them all. They were and are my first love.
Wow, such wonderful memories and thoughts to contemplate.....I can relate. I was 14 when I bought this record in 1975 and obsessed over it for years....the entire album is a powerful time transport for me.
So true Bernie drew something in our minds and Elton colored it for our hearts. This song makes me so nostalgic of memories i didn't know i had.
12 year old me also loved this song and enjoyed it with a friend We played it on repeat and sang out loud together, twirling and swaying with the building intensity until we were spinning! OOOOOOOOoooooooOOOOOO Thinking of you today Mary wherever you are.
Yep. I have the same questions. Why did it tear me apart at 12 just as much as it does today?
I also had their posters all over my bedroom. How similar we two must have been at 12!
My favourite Elton John song.
I don't really have a favorite, favorite... I love them all. He is magic.
Will be played at my funeral...this song has so much meaning for me
My wish as well.
Also playing at my funeral.
This whole album could be included in the Hall of Perfect Albums. Every song is great. I've always loved how this magnificent tune follows in time with the previous one, "We All Fall in Love Sometimes."
And yeah, breakups are hard.
This is the most passionate song I've ever heard in my entire 65 years old. I can't describe the way I feel about this awesome and special his songs have and will.. HE'S SO VERY PASSIONATE HUMAN BEING.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🦋☮️🌈🌍.. 😊 I'M SO HAPPY THAT HE'S HAPPY. My
.
.that last line always makes me think of my son ' but that's ok....there's treasure children always seek to find....and just like us YOU MUST HAVE HAD A ONCE UPON A TIME'. He was killed when he was 29.
SO SORRY
Another great song of Elton-John , great drumming and great lyrics too.
I've always loved the melancholy mood of this song. If you listen carefully, you can hear the true genius and beauty of the entire band, but NIGEL OLSON must be the true caretaker and driving force of this one. Drumming that is truly on another level! He wasn't just "banging drums" it was like he was massaging them into a heartbeat of otherworldly proportions! Still amazing to me after all these decades! Rising to a crescendo and exiting into the nether.... pure musical genius!
Yes, very happy to see someone acknowledging the great Nigel Olson here. This song is just fantastic.
this song is absolute perfection
Love this song❤️
It reaches way down into my grieving soul. The brother that I lost, and I, heard it for the first time when we first bought the vinyl. We had been smoking weed and on LSD. We both were quietly shedding a tear 😢 I miss him more than ever ❤
I would just look at that album cover for hours. Great album
That cover was hypnotic, a glance at another universe. I love it so much.
That album and it’s glorious cover. When we had nothing…..but we had it all.
Back to listen for the millionth time lol This is probably my fave. Elton/Bernie album ever and this song is magic.
My favorite as well!
It was songs like this that helped me enter another universe. I was and still am hopelessly obsessed.
From the bahamas , my mother introduced me to this song and to Sir Elton John
I'm also from The Bahamas. I was a little girl about 8 yrs old and this played a lot on ZNS radio. Brings back some lovely memories driving by the beach with my dad and sisters.
This is by far my favorite Elton John song. It speaks to me on so many levels.
It really is a terrific song. I agree with you.
This song and Tonight have moved me for years ....
I have a live version of this song from Elton when he is introducing the entire album to the audience in 1976 with an extended ending which is funky/rocking (interesting)
That’s are my feelings too. It reminds me like I was on another time and place. A true feeling of nostalgia and sorrow, but at the same time of nope and happiness. So strange...
That scarecrow is hypnotic. Heard the song on finale of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel for first time. Has to be one of Elton John's best songs. And I never knew it.
Chris DeLisle - I just had the same experience as you, Chris! I can’t believe I never heard this song before. I graduated high school in 1979; you’d think I would know this song! When I heard it at the end of Marvelous Mrs. Mazel, I came right to UA-cam to look it up. What a wonderful song!
Ginger Parish, me too! Love it!
Chris DeLisle me too!
I as well just heard this at the end of the final episode of season 1 of the Marvelous Mrs. Mazel. I am a HUGE Elton fan & cannot believe I have never heard of this song. Really great melody.
@@gingerparish1648 Same here. A great mind thinks alike.
2023 and I'm still here❤❤❤thank you Elton❤❤❤
Reminds me of my 25 years old. And just like us, you must have had a "once upon a time"...! Such a wonderful song...! Quite poetry........
Man, there are few albums that were recorded as masterfully as "Captain Fantastic..." it just has such depth and PuNcH! ....it just washes over you...especially LOuD!
Nigel Olsson said this was done on one take with the previous song.
just told my peeps this is my laid to rest song, just so apt and lovely
This is one of my many most Elton John songs, God I love this man! Ive loved him since I was 11yrs old and heard Captain Fantastic for the 1st time. Thank you, you have spand my whole life and I have loved you since I first heard you. Your music has touched me in ways you will never know. My father once asked me if you could meet any 3 people who would they be, my answer at such a young age was my Fathers parents who had pasted before I was born, and then answered Elton John, to his surprise! Still if I could meet you it would be a life long dream. I am now 50 and still one of your biggest fans! Thanks for all the great music.
I'm 51 ... Elton was my first rocknroll hero... this is simply beautiful...magic...
Me too I was eleven, the most impactful album of my whole life.
I too have wanted to meet Elton and Bernie Taupin ever since I was little. They are a once in a lifetime pair.
My all-time favorite (and IMHO still the best) Elton album. It's brilliant and I agree with producer Gus Dudgeon - there's not one song on it that's less than incredible. The band, Elton, the songwriting, Bernie's autobiographical lyrics, the production, the album concept and artwork ... it's perfection. RIP Dee Murray.
Best song ever!!!! This video?? Feel like should be real people pain and recovery
There are a lot of great songs on this record, but I honestly think this one is the best. It is Bernie Taupin and Elton John writing at its best. This song was basically about the end of the band, Elton, Nigel, Davey and Dee. Only Davey remained for the Rock of the Westies. I am convinced this is because of Lisa and Maria Gombatz, with whom I went to high school in Raleigh NC in the early to mid '70'd and who married Nigel and Dee respectively.
But as with so many things in life, things come full circle. Nigel and Davey are now back together touring with Elton. My wife and I saw them just this past Saturday night in Atlanta. It is just a shame that Dee cannot be with them but fate intervened when he died from cancer in 1992
.
Richard Hammond Dee died before I was born but I miss him anyway. I love the classic lineup of the Elton John band. And this song makes me cry
Welcome back again. We've got a lot of Elton John fans here at RetroCountdown, and they have been asking lately for an Ep. with new music from the 70s by him. We love Elton's music as well, so we are only too happy to oblige. The lead song "Curtains" is a beautiful song from 1975's Captain Fantastic album, which I personally had. It is my fave off the album and the music clip that metalgurumessiah has come up with is sublime. 10/10. The other songs are "Tower of babel" "your song" "honky cat" "blue eyes" and "don't let the sun go down on me". Only $2.00 at your local supermarket. We announce our 4th record signing next week.... so tune in for that one.
Day 6988. 2 x 2 x 1747. Raw honey and all of my urine til 1.00pm then figs and fresh fruit and vegetables and more urine. No change.
Elton John is indeed a Fantastic singer, composer, musical arranger, a genius in his craft...
My favorite....!!!!
One of the best songs Elton and Bernie ever wrote. And such a beautiful bass part throughout...stunning work.
Do you notice that no two drum fills in this song are the same. This is a really great lost classic !
That's Nigel Ollsen for you. Such a talented drummer with such a signature sound.
I've been a fan since I was 9 years old im now 61 Elton John's music has helped me heal I lost my brother @ 7 years old I was eight , this album would really would make a great show in Vegas I am so grateful for him.. ❤
when those drums come in.....I get goosebumps everytime!!!
Just came here to say that it is brilliant.
Thanks so much! It's such a beautiful song. I actually took a second swing at it....cleaner video and more visual variety, and better audio. Check it if you're inclined? ua-cam.com/video/fj6zHnswgSY/v-deo.html Also "We All Fall In Love Sometimes" ua-cam.com/video/AlpFdN3EfuE/v-deo.html Stay safe!
This song still brings me to tears and I don't even know what it's about. This fabulous video takes to another level. Thanks.
Me too
I read and liked your comment but then later your words came back to me- "I don't even know what it's about". 🤣🤣 It made me laugh because I don't know what it's about either and I just love it so much. Each part tells something that makes sense to me but how it all fits together, I have no idea!!😆Guess sometimes things are beyond understanding.
The music and lyrics of Bernie Taupin & Elton John are a very interesting and magical journey throughout their many, many songs.
The end of a love affair
it's about you singing to your former self in a previous lifetime from death. you know you have nothing but love from the former self, and she knows you as the only one who kept her going, it's such mutual unified bittersweet love.
El día de mi funeral quiero que pongan esta...hermosa canción....gracias elton jhon x tu gran música.
It's like me singing to me in a previous lifetime from death.... it always felt that way since I first heard it at 7 or 8 back in the middle 70's
just like us, you must of had a once upon a time, metalguru, have a nice day brother.
God this Album had a HUGE impact on me, amazing to think about.
28,000 views for the greatest album-closer ever written. Bieber gets millions of views for his utter bile. Sometimes the world, quite simply, is unjust.
Mesmerised !!! thank you dad for my early listening ear attuned to this beautiful music you played in the 70's when I was growing up
Thanks for the great, insightful comment....the record takes me vividly back to a specific time in my childhood as well....always the same memories associated with the album...makes it all even more powerful and haunting.
Thanks again!
i love this song - those back up vocals that come in at "a once upon a time" give me shivers every time - i will never understand why elton fired the band after this album - nigel and dee never sounded better
Such a beautiful song! This has always been one of my favorites of his. So sad sounding, lilting, but with so much meaning.
It is sometimes almost tears...we all once had a 'once upon a time'..causes me to think of the Garden of Eden
Espetacular sensacional 🎉deste álbum espetacular 😢sensacional 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉
This reminds me of my son who was killed 2016. 'There's always treasures ...' From then on I cry. Nigel drums.. No one can duplicate
FANTASTIC thanks 😊 👍 😀
A gorgeous and epic song, recorded perfectly. The multi-layered vocals and the drum SOUND....amazing!
One of the best songs
Thank you
I have cried a hundred different times listening to this song...it rips my heart out like no other. Nostalgia, first love, leaving home, loss, death, grief and somehow incredible beauty wrapped into one perfect song. Love Elton! Am I the only one who feels all of that hearing this one? The production is extremely well crafted and this video is something I hadn't seen before! Too cool.
This video is satanic, and you don't even realize it. Neither does the uploader. Don't be so simplistic with emotion. It's the pathway to sin.
Robert Prechter How many converts do you have leading in with such condemnation? Maybe the pathway to sin is more along the self righteousness too many demonstrate.
+Robert Prechter You are nutty !!!!!
I feel that way, with this and many other songs, like Pink Floyd, Wish you were here, a song which a girl I knew, who reappeared in my life, after disappearing 13 years earlier, said she would think of and missed me every time she heard it. That song will forever be connected to the moment I realized love does not exist.
No Sir....you are not.
Thank you Elton.......thank you ....rick.
Want this played when I leave this earth...
this has gotta be my rest in peace song
THE BEST IM MY OPINION ALWAYS THE BEST
My favorite song of Elton John's songs.
And just like us,you must have had a once upon a time! Wow,strong words
I love how this hypnotic song gradually builds to a crescendo!
The greatest song writers of our generation - Elton John and Bernie Taupin are the absolute top of the order.
GREAT DRUMMER !!!!!!
Amazing... My 1st album and my first concert, I was 5 when this came out 40 years ago. Thanks, Mom & Dad for turning me on to such great music when I was a kid. I can remember putting the needle to this album like it was yesterday.
I remember this album from back when I was 11 years my dad let me pick out a album and picked this one. I was a mess going to a different school and in shock not functioning and seeing a school therapist
This song goes through my head all the time even though I haven't heard it in decades until right now. Had to look it up.
Absolutely incredible work! 'Captain Fantastic and The Brown Dirt Cowboy' is one of my all time faves! An immense work of art and masterpiece from an epic era for great music...
Now...that's FANTASTIC!!!!
Brings me back to when I was 15 yrs of age what a memory love it still
Just tried to listen to this track and after a few seconds it went mute, I thought it was curtains, but just as I WAS about to exit, the sound returned. Happy now, thanks Elton.
this is officially my lay to rest song
I asked my daughter 20 years ago to play this song at my funeral, it's all I ask
Awesome to hear you enjoyed it!....even better to hear from an artist!!!! So cool to know you consider those Elton covers an inspiration to your art. I also remember spending hours just pouring over every aspect of the art on those two covers.....listening to the music, there always seemed to be something you didn't hear (or see) before, no matter how many times you listened to them.
You may enjoy my vid for Bowie's "Time"...Dali! thanks so much for the kind comment and for the encouragement!
Favorite Elton Song..
It's a contendere for me as well! Please watch the updated video! ua-cam.com/video/fj6zHnswgSY/v-deo.html
@@MetalGuruMessiah I just checked out your other video for this song. Very well done. Keep on a rockin all the best.
An excellent video for an amazing song. This album pretty much WAS my summer of '75. Everyone had either the vinyl or 8-track so it was heard everywhere. I can still remember riding around singing "Oh Oh,Oh, Oh.........." at the top of our lungs. It was a wonderful time and thank you for taking me back for a brief moment.
My favorite Elton John song & album.
Before we had Nirvana we had this album to get me thru my teenage angst. Not sure I would have made it without Captain Fantastic AND the brown dirt cowboy. EJ and BT.
Curtains
I used to know this old scarecrow
He was my song
My joy and sorrow
Cast alone between the furrows
Of a field
No longer sown by anyone
I held a dandelion
That said the time had come
To leave upon the wind
Not to return
When summer burned the earth again
Oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Cultivate the freshest flower
This garden ever grew
Beneath these branches
I once wrote
Such childish words for you
But that's okay
There's treasure children always seek to find
And just like us
You must have had
A once upon a time
Oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
this is definately my put to rest song.... absolutely stunning and captures the mood
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you my childhood. LOL #70skidproblems
So moving, it touches on so many associations in life, of love of life, nature, spirituality, things and people we loved or left for yet another journey in life. Then we return to our simplicity of innocence of loves in childhood - of the Creator. its all here in this song. Lovely! Elton and Bernie- Love you always :) S
I always think of the Scarecrow from Wizard of Oz when I hear this song too.
Amazing song by an amazing preformer
Im speechless
Beautiful video! Love Elton's and Bernie's music:)
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oh the imagery, moving...just fantastic.
I asked my daughter years and years ago to do one thing for me when I die, at my funeral I want the song played, it's all I ask
A great choice. I’d like to be at your funeral if yer playing this tune. Check out my video upgrade for best audio! Live long.
ua-cam.com/video/fj6zHnswgSY/v-deo.html
and remember: ua-cam.com/video/AlpFdN3EfuE/v-deo.html
@@MetalGuruMessiah I am a new subscriber of yours, that video was awesome
During an interview, the band said that they always folowed Elton's lead, and never knew when he was going to 'stretch' a song, like the end of this one. Dee(?) said, 'at the end of Curtains, we didn't know how long he was going to do the 'lum-de-lum's. Elton always did it until he felt it was right.' I've been a fan since '71. My brother told a friend in '73, 'He buys everything Elton John does. He thinks elton is going to be someone someday.' EJ is still recording and Bro passed away in '89.
Great work for the best and most talented performer of our time!!!!
Beautiful video with probably one of the best songs on this album. I think so anyway.
I just revisited this video after more than a year and loved it just as much! Cool beans
Metal Guru this one of the best videos I've ever seen. You did an amazing job and the Academy Award for best music video goes to metal Guru
This music video is awesome.Curtains is one of Sir Elton John's greatest songs.Thank you so much for your beautiful video
I I I hope elton will be God of Music 200year later he is a Mozart of Pop
MetalGuruMessiah-- Great video and thanks for posting my favorite song!!!! Ray Bolger was truly a unique dance, along w/ Gene kelly n Donald O'Connor....
Cultivate the freshest flower
This garden ever grew
Beneath these branches
I once wrote such childish words for you
I'm high right about now, and this looks and sounds just about right!
+Solid Asian Gold High !!! On what my dear? Elton I hope..lol
Solid Asian Gold god bless you, Solid Gold Asian!
This is the song that made me fall in love with your music many years ago!
This is my favorite Elton John song but this video drive me nuts. If I have to look at that stupid scarecrow one more time lol
It's ancient....Watch the 2020 Update! ua-cam.com/video/fj6zHnswgSY/v-deo.html
Relatively less scarecrow, much better audio. Thanks!
I truly appreciate your kind and generous words for the video efforts! It's so great to hear from other fans who have connected to the work.....it really means alot to me and it's for people like you that I'll keep plugging away no matter how few views I get compared to the album art only versions of these songs!
Take care!
so many key changes make this song a classic
+craig blyth There are only three keys changes,the arrangement,the vocals,the musicians and Elton is why it is a classic..
true.. i can listen to that ending forever.. it just simply never gets boring; both the playing and production are simply perfect.
ELTON JOHN'S ROCKETMAN : We all fall in love sometimes/ Curtains: Two of my most favorite Elton John songs, that I feel were missing from the movie, (among many others) but these two seem to capture the magical collaboration and relationship that was Elton and Bernie at least for me. I understand they had to appeal to a wider audience and not just diehard Elton fans, and also lay down the possibilities of making this a Broadway musical. All in all was a good time spent in great company of a long awaited movie and my sister. Thanks Susan Roque, they really were the best seats.
I lost my sister in 2011, who was a Queen fan and then also bacame an EJ fan because of me, even though she was 7 years older, and I couldn't see Bohemian Rhapsody and now can't see Rochetman with her ....
Reply
@@chestnut9987 Sorry for your loss, I'm sure your sister knows you think of her when ever you hear Queen and EJ. Someday you and her will run golden fields of grain into the sunshine. Stay strong brother.
It's the most beautiful song I've ever heard by Sir Elton John. The first time I heard this song, I cried.