This song always brings me to tears . . . but for the Grace of God, I too, may have "lived in silence too long". This song, when i was young alerted me to where i may be headed if i didn't reach out for help! Thank you and God Bless! to Elton John. I first saw you at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles when i was 10 and then 20 yrs later again at Dodger Stadium at 30. I will never tire of your passion!
I've known about this song for years and could never understand why it never became more well known. It is so relevant today. He eloquently captures the emotions and feelings of a very tragic situation.
1 of my Favorite EJ song since I was 17. A classmate hung himself. I can still see him every time that I listen to this. Love & Miss you Freddy. God Bless your soul...
If people would only stop and listen to TICKING and many more of the songs written by SIR ELTON JOHN and BERNIE TAUPIN this would be a much better world to live in. CONGRATS, ELTON & DAVID on becoming DADS. ALL OUR LOVE.
One of Elton John's most beautiful and moving songs. His voice has changed but he still sounds incredible. Its amazing how he has found ways to adapt his songs to his new vocal range and style. One of the greatest artists of our time.
♫ Oh you danced in death like a marionette on the vengeance of the law ♫ Absolute genius from Bernie Taupin, without whom there would be no Elton John, as mentioned by EJ himself in many interviews.
Don't know how I ever missed this song in my 48 years of being an Elton John fan! This song is so intense and moving. Better late than never I guess. I'm on my third replay already. Amazing. Glad I found it...finally. Thanks for posting.
As a young musician I heard this song at age 12 and it lead me into listening to allt eh other gret balled Elton did. This by far is one of my favorites. I am 19 now and play this at teh piano at my Dads resturant bar often
I had the greatest honor to see him in concert just a couple of weeks @ The Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon. Awesome concert! I am still is awe with his piano skills. My only disappointment is that he didn't play this song. But i didn't go away sad. What an amazing man! My heart is still racing from his performance! Thanks Sir Elton for an amazing memory!
I've always regarded Elton John as having one of the greatest ears and talent for music..accompanied with Bernie Taupin's lyrics...a great match!! His music has helped influence and shape the course of my life....
Saw Elton do this live in 76 Earls Court, memorable then and memorable now. My 17 year son has loved this since he was about 10 and it is one of his all time favouritre songs. The piano is awesome, the singing, as usual, excellent and the words , Timeless.
Every bit as relevant today as it was when Caribou was released, this song demonstrates the passion of Taupin's lyrics and how, with the extraordinary music that only Sir Elton John turns out is sheer poetry; a tragedy put into song. "And you danced to your death like a marionette....." I see it. Every single time, I see it happening.
My God this is amazing!! Gives me chills thinking about our world, our children My got, why do people kill. School.. work.. malls... I pray that this generation will find God. Heal Talk,.
One of my favorite tracks. It was written about gun crime in America at the time. It is was poignant then and is still 40 years later. I have it on vinyl and CD, but I prefer the vinyl version.
Richard Wilkinson I saw this live in NYC, and I agree the original is better, but this is pretty good so many decades later. I love the Arp Synth in the original.
My 2nd favorite Elton song. I was so excited when he played this when I saw him one of the 5 times. It was at Madison square garden so this might be it
I should just add that all my hot air come from my many years of being a complete dedicated Elton fan. When ever I had the chance UI was listening to Elton.
Taupin and John's view of crime and guns in the United States. A masterpiece of Caribou, that many people aren't aware of. They play the chart-topper they like,, and don't hear the jewels in the rest of the album, this is so visual and moving. And so sad so sad so sadly true
He played this live on June 10, 1982. It was my first concert. He opened up with Funeral For a Friend/ Love Lies Bleeding then Where To Now St Peter then All the Girls Love Alice. What a freakin start huh?
What a true wonderful song even by Elton standards. Elton invests a Wagnerian grandure in Bernies lyrics which are characterised by sympathy for the underdog. This song is actually an album track but this is typical of these two great songwriters. Their albums are liberally laced with songs of this quality and this is why for me they are two of the greatest composers of the twentieth century.
their best works never saw a single spin on the radio. You have to have bought the albums to hear what Elton and Bernie were really made of. The way he is able to sing Bernie's lyrics so passionately and write such beautiful piano parts is without comparison
what strikes me in eltons lastest recordings is the maturity of his voice. sure you can say that his new songs arent up to the standard of his older songs, and that may be true (although i really liked peachtree road), buit listen to the voice!! its deep, full, really surrounds you as you lose yourself in the lyrics. love this song
I think society needs to wake up. Lets try to love each other and my God let goof the anger, hate,rage. This is it , here and now.,we are all getting old, dying. Please Please.. REPENT,HEAL, LOVE, NOW!!
And he danced in death like a marionette on the vengeance of the law. Bernie's lyrics are the best. One of their greatest songs and sadly the gun deaths continue in countries where Millions are paid to politicians / lobbyists to brain wash the masses that they need guns. Bernie knew how tragic it was back in the 1970s. Sadly, his words still fall on deaf ears.
+nobby stiles I think Caribou was the album that Elton turned down the pop star road. I think their artistry had been demonstrated beyond any doubt. It was all pop after that. You can not blame anyone for cashing out on their name.
Captain Fantastic from the next year was not pop much at all. Sure...a little is but after all that's the way he was writing then. I mean Someone Saved My Life went to number 3 on the charts......probably the most non-commercial song he ever released as a single during his prime years. Caribou is just great for me....it's not as good as the album before or after it but still blows most other pop albums away from that time. POP albums. Caribou never gets any love. I've Seen The Saucers is such a great track and very Beatle-y.
Not only did it make this l. P. It told us what was coming, I preferred his next albums, I thought tumbleweed connections was a world beating collection of songs.
This is such a work of art that always leaves me with the chills and it makes me think about the situation in a second light and the calm that washes over me is amazing. Elton said that he was not a fan of this song when Bernie wrote it because of the social tragedy and he didn't want to capitalize on it. Then he said that he was so blown away by the song and it took a toll on him that he would not be able to play it. Then he said he had an epiphany and he simply had to do it for the people who are still healing and the few that couldn't. It's the best thing on Caribou and dare I say that it was really the only thing on Caribou. Sir Elton is a fixture in my house and we listen to him daily.Billy Joel is not the piano man. His name is Elton John and he hangs out with the Queen and I have a feeling that they are probably best of friends.
We might be all ticking. Bernie Taupin's lyrical example of the American school system. My experience with governed and institutionalized men, not meant for society, explains this song. If you ever work after hours, you can find misplaced and misunderstood souls. Bernie might not have just been talking about schools, he might have meant everyone...everywhere.
because of the frenzy and media machine.His provable piano work on this great piece of music that was held down agains't.Last centery civil right"s we were born.me and everyone all equal.peace love to all.rebcargo
To the person who asked what year it was it was 1974 on the album Caribou which I still have on vinyl, just nothing to play it on anymore and IMO nothing sounds like vinyl. It's probably my favourite too and I believed based on a true story.
People......obviously this version is not the best version. Elton is older now. He has a very difficult time singing some of these old songs....and even I get irritated sometimes when he takes something down more than a whole step in order to sing it. But please.....this is in the same key as the record. He still PLAYS THE SONG. And that is amazing in itself. I personally am glad that he would choose to play an obscurity like this as opposed to say "I'm Still Standing". His voice is NOT THE SAME as it was in 1974. How could it be??? Just sayin'......
I totally agree Jeremy. It's also obvious that most singers do this same thing when they don't lower the key or in this case even when they don't. I've watched Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney videos recently and both voices are totally gone.....but then I hear something great that they sing which gives me hope. But exactly as you said it's the actual "phrasing" of the words that they are screwing with, not the key. This makes for a different song. It's like changing the vocal melody in order to get all the words out because they simply can't do it anymore. Man....i'm having a very difficult time watching my favorite people become 70 and older. We all age...I certainly have.....but there's no one out there singing these songs anymore the way they SHOULD be sang. I'm rambling......
Just (I thought ) an interesting note (Solar Prestige a Gammon) this is with purpose total nonsensical lyrics ans still great song. It was kind of a joke between Elton and Bernie. They gave it a try and they were right.
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This song always brings me to tears . . . but for the Grace of God, I too, may have "lived in silence too long". This song, when i was young alerted me to where i may be headed if i didn't reach out for help! Thank you and God Bless! to Elton John. I first saw you at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles when i was 10 and then 20 yrs later again at Dodger Stadium at 30. I will never tire of your passion!
Me too ... in fact I used those exact words, there but for the grace of God...
One of MY Very Favorite Elton/Bernie songs. Most folks never even heard of it. What a shame...
Think of all the people who listen to Elton and don't even know of this masterpiece.
I've known about this song for years and could never understand why it never became more well known. It is so relevant today. He eloquently captures the emotions and feelings of a very tragic situation.
1 of my Favorite EJ song since I was 17. A classmate hung himself. I can still see him every time that I listen to this. Love & Miss you Freddy. God Bless your soul...
If people would only stop and listen to TICKING and many more of the songs written
by SIR ELTON JOHN and BERNIE TAUPIN this would be a much better world to
live in. CONGRATS, ELTON & DAVID on becoming DADS. ALL OUR LOVE.
One of Elton John's most beautiful and moving songs. His voice has changed but he still sounds incredible. Its amazing how he has found ways to adapt his songs to his new vocal range and style. One of the greatest artists of our time.
This is Eltons' absolute masterpiece.
If you aren't mesmerized by the brilliance of the song and lyrics, then I'm at a loss.
One of his two or three all time best songs. Thanks for posting this fabulous video.
♫ Oh you danced in death like a marionette on the vengeance of the law ♫ Absolute genius from Bernie Taupin, without whom there would be no Elton John, as mentioned by EJ himself in many interviews.
And Bernie Taupin should get a medal
Don't know how I ever missed this song in my 48 years of being an Elton John fan! This song is so intense and moving. Better late than never I guess. I'm on my third replay already. Amazing. Glad I found it...finally. Thanks for posting.
How awesome is his crashing crescendo piano riffs that power these brilliant lyrics? All these years later it still gives me goosebumps.
liked this from the minute it came out on Caribou....
As a young musician I heard this song at age 12 and it lead me into listening to allt eh other gret balled Elton did. This by far is one of my favorites. I am 19 now and play this at teh piano at my Dads resturant bar often
Incredible song!! A story that rips at my heart!!!! Brilliant!!
The Greatest Melody Writer Ever In Popular Music
Yep, me too,a wonderful piece of music.......somewhat disturbed like the young man it describes.... Just brilliant !
I had the greatest honor to see him in concert just a couple of weeks @ The Matthew Knight Arena in Eugene, Oregon. Awesome concert! I am still is awe with his piano skills. My only disappointment is that he didn't play this song. But i didn't go away sad. What an amazing man! My heart is still racing from his performance! Thanks Sir Elton for an amazing memory!
This song has always brought a tear to my eyes. Thank you for posting.
I've always regarded Elton John as having one of the greatest ears and talent for music..accompanied with Bernie Taupin's lyrics...a great match!! His music has helped influence and shape the course of my life....
Saw Elton do this live in 76 Earls Court, memorable then and memorable now. My 17 year son has loved this since he was about 10 and it is one of his all time favouritre songs. The piano is awesome, the singing, as usual, excellent and the words , Timeless.
This song will always pull my tears….
I LOVE ELTON JOHN'S VOICE AS HE GOT OLDER, ESPECIALLY ON THIS VERSION, FANTASTIC..
This has always been my favorite Sir Elton song. Many don't even know it exist...beautiful ballad.
Not ashamed to admit it brought tears to my eyes,captivated by an intense song.genius.
I seen Elton play this chilling.. amazing..poetic song at Boston garden. Elton never stops amazing Mr.!! I hope he lives to be 200 Years old
This is my favorite song from Caribou. The stark recording of Elton and his piano is perfect for this song.
Every bit as relevant today as it was when Caribou was released, this song demonstrates the passion of Taupin's lyrics and how, with the extraordinary music that only Sir Elton John turns out is sheer poetry; a tragedy put into song.
"And you danced to your death like a marionette....." I see it. Every single time, I see it happening.
The most incredible song ever conceived, and it really speaks to all of us.
One of the best song's EVER
One of the greatest Elton - songs...I love it
A masterpiece,that was shunned by the media
Mindblowing few ..if any..can compare to Eltons ( and Bernies ) Talents this is a grammy worthy live performance
My God this is amazing!! Gives me chills thinking about our world, our children
My got, why do people kill. School.. work.. malls... I pray that this generation will find God. Heal
Talk,.
Thank you for posting! One of my all time favorites. Very moving.
I think this song is sheer genius that can only be done by both Elton and Bernie!
Great vocals...in alot of ways his voice is stronger than 74.
john scialfa It is stronger, just different and most people can’t embrace it.
Dave53ize. TICKING is a miracle, a masterpiece, a permanent gift. So sad. So sad.
I don't think this version is that bad...this song always gives me chills...awesome song!!
one of the very best tracks, this is the essence of Elton John.
The essence of Bernie Taupin and Elton John....Lyrics by BT.
Best Song I ever Heard
Amazing version.
a song that never dies.
Love, love this masterpiece!!! Elton thank you for bringing me amazing deep songs. For decades!!! ;)
I love this man!
Masterpiece.
Possibly his best song, hard to choose between this or don’t let the sun go down on me
One of my favorite tracks. It was written about gun crime in America at the time. It is was poignant then and is still 40 years later. I have it on vinyl and CD, but I prefer the vinyl version.
Richard Wilkinson I saw this live in NYC, and I agree the original is better, but this is pretty good so many decades later. I love the Arp Synth in the original.
Absolutely Stunning Lyrics
This one and Indian Sunset are his two best songs
My 2nd favorite Elton song. I was so excited when he played this when I saw him one of the 5 times. It was at Madison square garden so this might be it
never imagined him doing this song live
I should just add that all my hot air come from my many years of being a complete dedicated Elton fan. When ever I had the chance UI was listening to Elton.
Taupin and John's view of crime and guns in the United States. A masterpiece of Caribou, that many people aren't aware of. They play the chart-topper they like,, and don't hear the jewels in the rest of the album, this is so visual and moving. And so sad so sad so sadly true
He played this live on June 10, 1982. It was my first concert. He opened up with Funeral For a Friend/ Love Lies Bleeding then Where To Now St Peter then All the Girls Love Alice. What a freakin start huh?
THIS IS THE THEME SONG TO MY LIFE, I'M TICKING, TICKING, TICKING...
so right, no one has so many amazing songs ,so many not played by radio-a shame really
Great Elton John! Great song!
love this, love elton
Absolutely wonderful.
love Eltons Ballad songs Tickets Danny baily ect.
What a true wonderful song even by Elton standards. Elton invests a Wagnerian grandure in Bernies lyrics which are characterised by sympathy for the underdog. This song is actually an album track but this is typical of these two great songwriters. Their albums are liberally laced with songs of this quality and this is why for me they are two of the greatest composers of the twentieth century.
their best works never saw a single spin on the radio. You have to have bought the albums to hear what Elton and Bernie were really made of. The way he is able to sing Bernie's lyrics so passionately and write such beautiful piano parts is without comparison
Decades before Columbine and such.... powerful song.
one of his best -thanks for sharing!
Just a great song, up there with his best, under-rated, poignant, ticks all the boxes for me, as a Classic, bravo Elton.
what strikes me in eltons lastest recordings is the maturity of his voice. sure you can say that his new songs arent up to the standard of his older songs, and that may be true (although i really liked peachtree road), buit listen to the voice!! its deep, full, really surrounds you as you lose yourself in the lyrics. love this song
dwaynedelong agree with all you wrote.
I think society needs to wake up. Lets try to love each other and my God let goof the anger, hate,rage. This is it , here and now.,we are all getting old, dying. Please
Please.. REPENT,HEAL, LOVE, NOW!!
THIS SONG IS ABOUT MY LIFE, THANKS ELTON
And he danced in death like a marionette on the vengeance of the law. Bernie's lyrics are the best. One of their greatest songs and sadly the gun deaths continue in countries where Millions are paid to politicians / lobbyists to brain wash the masses that they need guns. Bernie knew how tragic it was back in the 1970s. Sadly, his words still fall on deaf ears.
Elton's Magnum Opus
Great story
I thought Caribou was a pretty poor album but it was worth the purchase price for this track alone
Classic
+nobby stiles I think Caribou was the album that Elton turned down the pop star road. I think their artistry had been demonstrated beyond any doubt. It was all pop after that. You can not blame anyone for cashing out on their name.
Captain Fantastic from the next year was not pop much at all. Sure...a little is but after all that's the way he was writing then. I mean Someone Saved My Life went to number 3 on the charts......probably the most non-commercial song he ever released as a single during his prime years. Caribou is just great for me....it's not as good as the album before or after it but still blows most other pop albums away from that time. POP albums. Caribou never gets any love. I've Seen The Saucers is such a great track and very Beatle-y.
well said.
Not only did it make this l. P. It told us what was coming, I preferred his next albums, I thought tumbleweed connections was a world beating collection of songs.
one of my favorites from elton
This is such a work of art that always leaves me with the chills and it makes me think about the situation in a second light and the calm that washes over me is amazing. Elton said that he was not a fan of this song when Bernie wrote it because of the social tragedy and he didn't want to capitalize on it. Then he said that he was so blown away by the song and it took a toll on him that he would not be able to play it. Then he said he had an epiphany and he simply had to do it for the people who are still healing and the few that couldn't. It's the best thing on Caribou and dare I say that it was really the only thing on Caribou. Sir Elton is a fixture in my house and we listen to him daily.Billy Joel is not the piano man. His name is Elton John and he hangs out with the Queen and I have a feeling that they are probably best of friends.
billy cant hold a candle when it comes to playing the piano ! so true
One of my Wake Music Playlist !
oh... THE BEST VIDEO...:D::D I LOVE IT.... Congratulations, Paula, for the good work.:D:D:D VERY BEAUTIFUL!!! :D
elton and bernie... genius!!!
We might be all ticking.
Bernie Taupin's lyrical example of the American school system.
My experience with governed and institutionalized men, not meant for society, explains this song.
If you ever work after hours, you can find misplaced and misunderstood souls.
Bernie might not have just been talking about schools, he might have meant everyone...everywhere.
Jake McKay
Yes! NOBODY IS NOBODY
because of the frenzy and media machine.His provable piano work on this great piece of music that was held down agains't.Last centery civil right"s we were born.me and everyone all equal.peace love to all.rebcargo
WONDERFUL video! :D
This is a good performance of this great song. I don't know what all the fuss is about in some of the comments.
That ending!
To the person who asked what year it was it was 1974 on the album Caribou which I still have on vinyl, just nothing to play it on anymore and IMO nothing sounds like vinyl. It's probably my favourite too and I believed based on a true story.
Original is off the chain incredible.... this is decent
hear it, hear it,,,,, here it. Ticking....
People......obviously this version is not the best version. Elton is older now. He has a very difficult time singing some of these old songs....and even I get irritated sometimes when he takes something down more than a whole step in order to sing it. But please.....this is in the same key as the record. He still PLAYS THE SONG. And that is amazing in itself. I personally am glad that he would choose to play an obscurity like this as opposed to say "I'm Still Standing". His voice is NOT THE SAME as it was in 1974. How could it be??? Just sayin'......
I totally agree Jeremy. It's also obvious that most singers do this same thing when they don't lower the key or in this case even when they don't. I've watched Brian Wilson and Paul McCartney videos recently and both voices are totally gone.....but then I hear something great that they sing which gives me hope. But exactly as you said it's the actual "phrasing" of the words that they are screwing with, not the key. This makes for a different song. It's like changing the vocal melody in order to get all the words out because they simply can't do it anymore. Man....i'm having a very difficult time watching my favorite people become 70 and older. We all age...I certainly have.....but there's no one out there singing these songs anymore the way they SHOULD be sang. I'm rambling......
muito obrigado
@DAVETHEDOGG Amen!
Too long and serious of a song to get the credit it deserved. Very moved even as a young kid when this was first released.
Does anybody know the exact date of this concert?? I have this mp3, but no info other than it's live at MSG. Thanks. Awesome tune btw...
Bigdave Peters I was there but I don’t recall. I know I have the stubs in the program.
canta muito e toca um senhor piano
I agree with steinbring on the first point. On the other point; who dares to put live in the title and run still shots. go play on facebook!
What year is this prformance from ?
"Throw out chicken! walk out thlow! Juth keep your hands held high!"
LOL! gotta love his pronounciation :P
Just (I thought ) an interesting note (Solar Prestige a Gammon) this is with purpose total nonsensical lyrics ans still great song. It was kind of a joke between Elton and Bernie. They gave it a try and they were right.
The Beatles did a similar parody on words. I can't remember the name. Help?
What video?????
He's a jerk?