“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is a classic song by Elton John, released in 1973 as the title track of his album of the same name. The song was written by Elton John’s long-time collaborator, Bernie Taupin, who penned the lyrics.
The song’s lyrics reflect a sense of disillusionment and a desire for change. The “yellow brick road” references the path Dorothy follows in “The Wizard of Oz,” symbolising the pursuit of dreams and the journey to find oneself. However, in the song, Elton John and Taupin seem to be expressing a longing to break away from the illusions and pressures of fame and fortune.
The history behind the song is tied to the context of Elton John’s career at the time. In the early 1970s, he was experiencing immense success but also grappling with the pressures of fame, the music industry, and personal relationships. This period marked a transition for him both musically and personally, as he sought to find authenticity amidst the glitz and glamor of the entertainment world.
The lyrics of “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” convey a sense of yearning for simplicity and authenticity, as well as a desire to escape from the artificiality and excesses of celebrity life. Lines like “I’ve finally decided my future lies beyond the yellow brick road” suggest a willingness to leave behind the trappings of fame in search of something more genuine and fulfilling.
Overall, the song can be interpreted as a reflection on the complexities of fame and the search for true happiness and fulfillment. It’s a poignant exploration of the struggles and contradictions inherent in the pursuit of dreams and the desire for authenticity in a world often dominated by illusion.
Lyrics For Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
When are you gonna come down?
When are you going to land?
I should have stayed on the farm
I should have listened to my old man
You know you can’t hold me forever
I didn’t sign up with you
I’m not a present for your friends to open
This boy’s too young to be singing
The blues, ah, ah
So goodbye yellow brick road
Where the dogs of society howl
You can’t plant me in your penthouse
I’m going back to my plough
Back to the howling old owl in the woods
Hunting the horny back toad
Oh, I’ve finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick road
Ah, ah
What do you think you’ll do then?
I bet they’ll shoot down the plane
It’ll take you a couple of vodka and tonics
To set you on your feet again
Maybe you’ll get a replacement
There’s plenty like me to be found
Mongrels who ain’t got a penny
Sniffing for tidbits like you
On the ground, ah, ah
So goodbye yellow brick road
Where the dogs of society howl
You can’t plant me in your penthouse
I’m going back to my plough
Back to the howling old owl in the woods
Hunting the horny back toad
Oh, I’ve finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick road
Ah, ah
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