Just in case some of you haven't noticed...2 different people have put up pieces of the Aquarius TV show special of Elton in 1971. The entire show is there if you look at all the pieces.
This is by far the best Elton John song EVER. So hard to play, so meaningful, and still as relevant today as it was when first written by BT. Shame it's not played more often. A gem still undiscovered by the masses.
Unbelievable. Such a great song but to see him play it in 1974 - fantastic! The words, the melody, the sensitivity of the performance - the sound and video are good enough quality to enjoy it immensely - thank you.
I have been a lifetime Elton John fan and as such certainly aware of this song, but it has only been in the last few weeks that I dusted it off and listened again. Such a terrific song. Elton and Bernie have been such an amazing team and have created so many amazing songs and memories.
If this is not his best song, it's definitely in the top 3. How does anyone write a song as good as this? This song has everything - great melody, terrifyingly good lyrics, and his voice, at least on the studio version, never sounded better.
Ticking is without question, Taupin's most brilliant Lyric put to pen. This is also Elton's most "powerful" songs in his History. But I am so glad the radio never got a chance to ruin this hidden Classic. Thanks for the video!
I have always felt this to be Taupins greatest lyric and Elton of course elevated it Herculean - no pun intended. It deserves the praise it is given - and I love the arrangement . Seen him 12 times + only once seen it live. In 07 he played it at Gold Coast. I've just read of goosebumps , radio not destroying it and then read this and almost wanted to cry. Elton said in 07 some things still hadn't changed - and when I read your1st line I thought of Aurora. understated song , extreme tragedy
this song always creeped me out -- but I was 14 when Caribou was released, so... it still gives me the chills, some of Bernie's best lyrics here.. the whole album was very insightful... LOVE ELTON!!!!
Those words used to describe the perception of the protagonists' mind. Just like Randy Newman, actually. I am a big fan of this song and I foolishly failed to see that theory until a recent comment I found here. Thank you, whoever that was.
was lucky enough to see him perform this live during the "solo" tour. Just Elton and the grand piano- simply stunning- and I think half the audience was crying. I think with his older, deeper voice it is even more moving. Thanks for the post- one of Taupins best lyrics, and Elton best songs.
Listen to the studio version, on the "Caribou" CD It's Elton, the piano, and in the background, an ARP synthesizer playing some bass notes. He makes this song sound like an entire orchestra. Amazing how he can bang on a grand piano and make it sound so good!
I bought this album when it came out when I was 14 and have always loved it. As much as I love the other songs, this one was always my favorite on Caribou. But, I always thought that the addition of the synths and irritating background vocals (the worst being the "you killed" echo...just awful) were distracting at best and wish it had been just EJ singing and playing the piano. Less would have definitely been more on a deeply meaningful and moody piece like this. And NOW for the first time I can hear him do just that - singing and playing the piano with nothing else getting in the way of this beautiful song. THANK YOU for posting this old treasure! I'd like there to be a remix of the original song where the synths and background vocals are stripped away - considering the playing on it and the passionate vocals there, it would be amazing.
One of my favorite Elton somgs, ever since it came out all those years ago.I'm giving you 6 stars ****** for it.Thank you for having it,and for sharing it with us.
Well said! It's a shame that this song has been almost forgotten. Especially with the disturbing events of some youngsters within certain educational facilities of reletively recent times. Bernie really lets you get into the characters' head and the tragedy is very moving. I was very much into Elton and Bernies' songs at this time and I remember seeing this broadcast when it first aired. Amazing to see this again after over thirty years!
If only he'd known about the soon to be reality of school shootings and its phenomenon in American Culture. BT was WAYYYY ahead of his time on this one. He NAILED it! I bet survivors of V-Tech and Columbine et al can't even make it through the song if they know the lyrics.
It is not about racism, it is about mothers who rise their sons in a completely wrong way so he behaves like a perfect son, perfect man, never does anything "wrong" or "bad" but actually - he is a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment
Sorry the quality can't be better. These are recordings that have been passed from fan to fan for years. This has probably been copied about a zillion times. All the fans know this stuff is out there. We would all run out and buy it if they would just release some of this on DVD.
Verdaderamente emotiva la interpretación. De más está decir que su interpretación al piano es maravillosa. Es un virtuoso al piano. Sentimiento profundo. Melancolía. Es una de mis canciones favoritas. Una obra de arte total.
Caribou always got torn apart by critics and even by Elton himself. It has always been my favorite. Glad to see it is someone else's fav too. I think, because it was done so quickly it is more representative of the talent in that band. It has a unique sound and feel to it.
His voice started going south in the late 70s, on albums like Caribou. He got a strange, warbly vibrato. His voice was so incredibly expressive in the early 70s. Amazing.
I have always believed it to be about people who strive hard and initially do well and then despite there best - FALL dramatically - the result a catastrophe. I have never equated it with rac. & if you listen the line They had you holed up in a bar screamin for a priest and then mentioned the word gook and a use of panic. as someone tried to flea. It is a masterpiece and is written from sev viewpoints. Police, laymen , a witness .& someone who observed the result in hindsight.Peace
It was brilliant when I first heard it on the Caribou album when it was first released. It is brilliant in this version. Bernie's lyrics captured Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer and so many others who walked through life seemingly "normal" but were "ticking" time bombs that went off in the most gruesome of ways. Bernie's imagery is as powerful here as in all of his lyrics & Elton's perfectly matched music once again makes this another of hundreds of unforgettable musical "moments." Thanks for posting!
I was also 10 but did not see Elton. I envy you. Do you have a copy of the Christmas 74 show? You can get it on DVD. It would be close to the show that you saw.
I always assumed the reason that Bernie used certain unflattering terms to describe the characters in the bar is that we are seeing into the mind of the young man with the gun. This is the way he thinks of these people in his sick and paranoid mind. I think these lyrics get to the core of racism and violence in our society. I have never heard this, officially but it seems obvious.
Talking about Elton's voice, I think he shouldn't perform any songs written prior 1985 during live shows. Yeah, his 70's songs are the best, but when he sings it with his current voice (current means mid 80's and on), it's just like some guy with a deep boring voice doing covers for Elton John's songs. I love Elton's music and have all his albums and some rare ones, but he mustn't sing his 70's songs. I wish he could have his 70's voice again...
@youvalss I know what you mean Elton`s range was ruined by cocaine & booze but he can still play the piano like a Madman . I wish he would sing along with a sound alike & pound on his piano !
It's INDIAN SUNSET!!!! Please at least get the names of the songs right. I agree though that Ticking and Indian Sunset are some of the best songs that Elton and Bernie have every written and I wish that he would play them more in concert. In that note I just saw Elton's recent solo concert on Sept. 30 , 2008 and he played Ticking. One of the best songs of the night.
OK: Brilliant lyric: "Crazy boy you'll only wind up with strange notions in your head, hearing, hearing, ticking ticking..." Now, the average songwriter just doesn't write lyrics so descriptive, so, poignant!!
This had nothing to do with racism. It had to do with a troubled young man - like the ones who went crazy at Columbine, Virginia Tech, the Batman film, Sikh temple, in NYC this week, etc.
He is the only artist that his lives are as good as the studio versions! He is the best!
Incredible to think he actually believes his voice was better in the 90's than it was in the 70's.
Just in case some of you haven't noticed...2 different people have put up pieces of the Aquarius TV show special of Elton in 1971. The entire show is there if you look at all the pieces.
I think that Ticking is one of Elton's most "intense" songs. It tells a very sad story, in a very powerful way.
This is by far the best Elton John song EVER. So hard to play, so meaningful, and still as relevant today as it was when first written by BT. Shame it's not played more often. A gem still undiscovered by the masses.
Unbelievable. Such a great song but to see him play it in 1974 - fantastic! The words, the melody, the sensitivity of the performance - the sound and video are good enough quality to enjoy it immensely - thank you.
I have been a lifetime Elton John fan and as such certainly aware of this song, but it has only been in the last few weeks that I dusted it off and listened again. Such a terrific song. Elton and Bernie have been such an amazing team and have created so many amazing songs and memories.
The best they ever wrote, relevant even today, I'm afraid.
If this is not his best song, it's definitely in the top 3. How does anyone write a song as good as this? This song has everything - great melody, terrifyingly good lyrics, and his voice, at least on the studio version, never sounded better.
"You danced in death like a marionette on the vengeance of the lord."
Lyrics, melody, voice and piano - each an equal part of the masterpiece.
Ticking is without question, Taupin's most brilliant Lyric put to pen. This is also Elton's most "powerful" songs in his History. But I am so glad the radio never got a chance to ruin this hidden Classic.
Thanks for the video!
The piano work on this song is dope!!!
The Greatest Melody Writer Ever In Popular Music
I have always felt this to be Taupins greatest lyric and Elton of course elevated it Herculean - no pun intended. It deserves the praise it is given - and I love the arrangement . Seen him 12 times + only once seen it live. In 07 he played it at Gold Coast. I've just read of goosebumps , radio not destroying it and then read this and almost wanted to cry. Elton said in 07 some things still hadn't changed - and when I read your1st line I thought of Aurora. understated song , extreme tragedy
this song always creeped me out -- but I was 14 when Caribou was released, so... it still gives me the chills, some of Bernie's best lyrics here.. the whole album was very insightful... LOVE ELTON!!!!
My name is Sean I live in San Diego I am a Libra I like long walks on the beach with my dogs. You have a nice weekend !
SOOOOO ---true for kids growing up today-----parents, listen for the ticking of your kids!!!!
Those words used to describe the perception of the protagonists' mind. Just like Randy Newman, actually. I am a big fan of this song and I foolishly failed to see that theory until a recent comment I found here. Thank you, whoever that was.
was lucky enough to see him perform this live during the "solo" tour. Just Elton and the grand piano- simply stunning- and I think half the audience was crying. I think with his older, deeper voice it is even more moving. Thanks for the post- one of Taupins best lyrics, and Elton best songs.
What a gem!! One of my all-time favourites,along with "The Ballad of Danny Bailey".
timeless.. trust me ... there was way less of this back then than there is now...
Thanks! Wow in july of 1974? Aswome its July 5th, great video two thumbs up, Elton archival.
Listen to the studio version, on the "Caribou" CD
It's Elton, the piano, and in the background, an ARP synthesizer playing some bass notes. He makes this song sound like an entire orchestra. Amazing how he can bang on a grand piano and make it sound so good!
I bought this album when it came out when I was 14 and have always loved it. As much as I love the other songs, this one was always my favorite on Caribou. But, I always thought that the addition of the synths and irritating background vocals (the worst being the "you killed" echo...just awful) were distracting at best and wish it had been just EJ singing and playing the piano. Less would have definitely been more on a deeply meaningful and moody piece like this. And NOW for the first time I can hear him do just that - singing and playing the piano with nothing else getting in the way of this beautiful song. THANK YOU for posting this old treasure! I'd like there to be a remix of the original song where the synths and background vocals are stripped away - considering the playing on it and the passionate vocals there, it would be amazing.
Perhaps the greatest talent ever, at the peak of his powers in the 70s,
Amazing! One of my all-time favorites. Perfect piano playing and singing and great lyrics.
This song brings me to tears no matter how many times I hear it.
Excellent post!! Thanks a lot!!
one of a million that elton 'n' bernie blessed us with
One of my favorite Elton somgs, ever since it came out all those years ago.I'm giving you 6 stars ****** for it.Thank you for having it,and for sharing it with us.
@groovycleaner Insightful post. This has always been one of my favorite EJ songs. Very powerful and tragic...never fails to make me cry.
Well said! It's a shame that this song has been almost forgotten. Especially with the disturbing events of some youngsters within certain educational facilities of reletively recent times. Bernie really lets you get into the characters' head and the tragedy is very moving. I was very much into Elton and Bernies' songs at this time and I remember seeing this broadcast when it first aired. Amazing to see this again after over thirty years!
If only he'd known about the soon to be reality of school shootings and its phenomenon in American Culture. BT was WAYYYY ahead of his time on this one. He NAILED it! I bet survivors of V-Tech and Columbine et al can't even make it through the song if they know the lyrics.
It is not about racism, it is about mothers who rise their sons in a completely wrong way
so he behaves like a perfect son, perfect man, never does anything "wrong" or "bad" but actually - he is a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment
Sorry the quality can't be better. These are recordings that have been passed from fan to fan for years. This has probably been copied about a zillion times. All the fans know this stuff is out there. We would all run out and buy it if they would just release some of this on DVD.
Beautiful and ominous
Verdaderamente emotiva la interpretación. De más está decir que su interpretación al piano es maravillosa. Es un virtuoso al piano. Sentimiento profundo. Melancolía. Es una de mis canciones favoritas. Una obra de arte total.
Caribou always got torn apart by critics and even by Elton himself. It has always been my favorite. Glad to see it is someone else's fav too. I think, because it was done so quickly it is more representative of the talent in that band. It has a unique sound and feel to it.
Superb..but still very haunting
I love how all Bernie's songs tell an amazing/emotional story :))))
Like lightx said...my favorite elton song on my favorite elton album, and finally it's on youtube, thank you
His voice started going south in the late 70s, on albums like Caribou. He got a strange, warbly vibrato. His voice was so incredibly expressive in the early 70s. Amazing.
I've never seen this video. Great song. Thank you.
This song is about a person growing up with mental issues, his mother wasn`t a very observant parent nor was she a very nurturing parent.
I have always believed it to be about people who strive hard and initially do well and then despite there best - FALL dramatically - the result a catastrophe. I have never equated it with rac. & if you listen the line They had you holed up in a bar screamin for a priest and then mentioned the word gook and a use of panic. as someone tried to flea. It is a masterpiece and is written from sev viewpoints. Police, laymen , a witness .& someone who observed the result in hindsight.Peace
@wpollock1 I think your head is flat.Its the mood of the song.Great underrated song by Elton.
It was brilliant when I first heard it on the Caribou album when it was first released. It is brilliant in this version. Bernie's lyrics captured Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer and so many others who walked through life seemingly "normal" but were "ticking" time bombs that went off in the most gruesome of ways. Bernie's imagery is as powerful here as in all of his lyrics & Elton's perfectly matched music once again makes this another of hundreds of unforgettable musical "moments." Thanks for posting!
such an amazing song. Elton and Bernie at their best.
There is also a live George Micheal version as well which is also brilliant.
It's "vengeance of the law", not "vengeance of the lord."
@midnightduder I agree that Captain Fantastic is among the best albums ever, but Ticking was on the Caribou album.
I was also 10 but did not see Elton. I envy you. Do you have a copy of the Christmas 74 show? You can get it on DVD. It would be close to the show that you saw.
beautiful
I'm speechless...
He recorded this in Colorado for "Caribou" in 1974.
Fitting. Columbine.
@CityslickCaptain I was thinkiing the exact same thing when he said that, there's just no comparison, when I listen to the 70' and him now.
I prefer the live version than the studio one (same with Grimsby).
Think I've got this one too.
Amazing song, no doubt!
I always assumed the reason that Bernie used certain unflattering terms to describe the characters in the bar is that we are seeing into the mind of the young man with the gun. This is the way he thinks of these people in his sick and paranoid mind. I think these lyrics get to the core of racism and violence in our society. I have never heard this, officially but it seems obvious.
In no one live performance from that song Elton tops the piano version on the studio album.
I like your thoughts.
hey did u guys ever go there.i it fenton mi. i live in fenton
good version of this tune
Talking about Elton's voice, I think he shouldn't perform any songs written prior 1985 during live shows. Yeah, his 70's songs are the best, but when he sings it with his current voice (current means mid 80's and on), it's just like some guy with a deep boring voice doing covers for Elton John's songs. I love Elton's music and have all his albums and some rare ones, but he mustn't sing his 70's songs. I wish he could have his 70's voice again...
princev11, let me ask you this: If Elton was a new artist today (with no 60's-90's history)...based on his voice today, would you buy his albums?
youvalss I would
@youvalss I know what you mean Elton`s range was ruined by cocaine & booze but he can still play the piano like a Madman . I wish he would sing along with a sound alike & pound on his piano !
Que porra de músico!!! Great guy!!!
It's INDIAN SUNSET!!!! Please at least get the names of the songs right. I agree though that Ticking and Indian Sunset are some of the best songs that Elton and Bernie have every written and I wish that he would play them more in concert. In that note I just saw Elton's recent solo concert on Sept. 30 , 2008 and he played Ticking. One of the best songs of the night.
Who the heck are you, and who said anything about his being gay?! This question was resolved a month ago.
Those glasses........
Deafening silence from the crowd in the very end
How can you not mention Bernie Taupin ???
Check out Scorpions- Your Last Song it is very Taupinesque
OK: Brilliant lyric: "Crazy boy you'll only wind up with strange notions in your head, hearing, hearing, ticking ticking..." Now, the average songwriter just doesn't write lyrics so descriptive, so, poignant!!
This had nothing to do with racism. It had to do with a troubled young man - like the ones who went crazy at Columbine, Virginia Tech, the Batman film, Sikh temple, in NYC this week, etc.
I strongly doubt those words were used in a bigoted manner & not just because he is gay
Somber song, somber delivery
Nice "comment". I guess no one is allowed their opinion in your world.
yup remember i dont like mondays so it spans gender !!!
Great song - but, the delivery is flat. He is in great voice, but he seems tired.
Ridiculous.