John was raised in the Pinner suburb of London and learned to play piano at an early age, forming the blues band Bluesology in 1962. After leaving Bluesology in 1967 to embark on a solo career, John met Taupin after they both answered an advert for songwriters. For two years, they wrote songs for other artists, and John worked as a session musician for artists. John released his debut album Empty Sky in 1969, and a year later formed the Elton John Band and released his first hit single, "Your Song".
John's critical success was at its peak in the 1970s when he released a streak of chart-topping albums in the US and UK, which began with Honky Château (1972) and culminated with Rock of the Westies (1975). John continued his success in the 1980s and 1990s, having several hit singles and albums in both decades, and has continued to record new music since then. He has also had success in musical films and theatre, composing music for The Lion King, Aida, and Billy Elliot the Musical. In 2018, John began his ongoing farewell tour Farewell Yellow Brick Road, which is scheduled to conclude in 2023. The 2019 biopic Rocketman dramatized his life and career.
Outside of music, John is an HIV/AIDS charity fundraiser and has been involved in the fight against AIDS since the late 1980s. He established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992, which has raised over £300 million since its inception, and a year later he began hosting his annual Foundation Academy Awards Party, which has since become one of the biggest high-profile Oscar parties in the Hollywood film industry. John was the chairman and director of Watford F.C, from 1976 to 1987, and again from 1997 to 2002, and is an honorary life president of the club. From the late 1970s to the late 1980s, John developed a severe addiction problem to drugs and alcohol but has been sober since 1990. He entered into a civil partnership with Canadian filmmaker David Furnish in 2005; they married after same-sex marriage became legal in England and Wales in 2014.
John has sold over 300 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. He has more than fifty Top 40 hits on the UK Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100, including nine number-ones in the UK and US, as well as seven consecutive number-one albums in the US. His tribute single "Candle in the Wind 1997", a rewritten version of his 1974 single in dedication to Princess Diana, sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling chart single of all time. In 2021, John became the first solo artist with UK Top 10 singles across six decades.
John has received numerous awards, including five Grammy Awards, five Brit Awards; including for Outstanding Contribution to Music; two Academy Awards, two Golden Globes, a Tony Award, a Laurence Olivier Award, a Disney Legend Award, and the Kennedy Center Honor. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and is a fellow of The Ivors Academy. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for services to music and charitable services in 1998 and was appointed a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) in 2020.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elton_John
Solo studio albums
Empty Sky (1969)
Elton John (1970)
Tumbleweed Connection (1970)
Madman Across the Water (1971)
Honky Château (1972)
Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player (1973)
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
Caribou (1974)
Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975)
Rock of the Westies (1975)
Blue Moves (1976)
A Single Man (1978)
Victim of Love (1979)
21 at 33 (1980)
The Fox (1981)
Jump Up! (1982)
Too Low for Zero (1983)
Breaking Hearts (1984)
Ice on Fire (1985)
Leather Jackets (1986)
Reg Strikes Back (1988)
Sleeping with the Past (1989)
The One (1992)
Made in England (1995)
The Big Picture (1997)
Songs from the West Coast (2001)
Peachtree Road (2004)
The Captain & the Kid (2006)
The Diving Board (2013)
Wonderful Crazy Night (2016)
Regimental Sgt. Zippo (2021)
Stan
Elton John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window
And I can't see at all
And even if I could it'll all be gray
Put your picture on my wall
It reminds me, that it's not so bad
It's not so bad
My tea's gone cold I'm wondering why I
Got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window
And I can't see at all
And even if I could it'll all be gray
Put your picture on my wall
It reminds me, that it's not so bad
It's not so bad
Dear Slim, I wrote you but still ain't callin'
I left my cell, my pager, and my home phone at the bottom
I sent two letters back in autumn, you must not-a got 'em
There probably was a problem at the post office or somethin'
Sometimes I scribble addresses too sloppy when I jot 'em
But anyways, fuck it, what's been up? Man how's your daughter?
My girlfriend's pregnant too, I'm 'bout to be a father
If I have a daughter, guess what I'm a call her?
I'ma name her Bonnie
I read about your Uncle Ronnie too I'm sorry
I had a friend kill himself over some bitch who didn't want him
I know you probably hear this everyday, but I'm your biggest fan
I even got the underground shit that you did with Skam
I got a room full of your posters and your pictures man
I like the shit you did with Rawkus too, that shit was fat
Anyways, I hope you get this man, hit me back,
Just to chat, truly yours, your biggest fan
This is Stan
My tea's gone cold I'm wondering why I
Got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window
And I can't see at all
And even if I could it'll all be gray
Put your picture on my wall
It reminds me, that it's not so bad
It's not so bad
Dear Slim, you still ain't called or wrote, I hope you have a chance
I ain't mad, I just think it's fucked up you don't answer fans
If you didn't wanna talk to me outside your concert
You didn't have to, but you coulda signed an autograph for Matthew
That's my little brother man, he's only six years old
We waited in the blistering cold for you
For four hours and you just said, "No."
That's pretty shitty man, you're like his fuckin' idol
He wants to be just like you man, he likes you more than I do
I ain't that mad though, I just don't like bein' lied to
Remember when we met in Denver, you said if I'd write you you would write back
See I'm just like you in a way
I never knew my father neither
He used to always cheat on my mom and beat her
I can relate to what you're saying in your songs
So when I have a shitty day, I drift away and put 'em on
'Cause I don't really got shit else so that shit helps when I'm depressed
I even got a tattoo of your name across the chest
Sometimes I even cut myself to see how much it bleeds
It's like adrenaline, the pain is such a sudden rush for me
See everything you say is real, and I respect you 'cause you tell it
My girlfriend's jealous 'cause I talk about you 24/7
But she don't know you like I know you Slim, no one does
She don't know what it was like for people like us growin' up, you gotta call me man
I'll be the biggest fan you'll ever lose
Sincerely yours, Stan
P.S. we should be together too
My tea's gone cold I'm wondering why I
Got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window
And I can't see at all
And even if I could it'll all be gray
Put your picture on my wall
It reminds me, that it's not so bad
It's not so bad
Dear Mister "I'm Too Good To Call Or Write My Fans"
This will be the last package I ever send your ass
It's been six months and still no word, I don't deserve it?
I know you got my last two letters, I wrote the addresses on 'em perfect
So this is my cassette I'm sending you, I hope you hear it
I'm in the car right now, I'm doing 90 on the freeway
Hey Slim, I drank a fifth of vodka
You dare me to drive?
You know the song by Phil Collins, "In the Air of the Night"
About that guy who could a saved that other guy from drowning
But didn't, then Phil saw it all, then at a a show he found him?
That's kinda how this is, you could a rescued me from drowning
Now it's too late, I'm on a thousand downers now, I'm drowsy
And all I wanted was a lousy letter or a call
I hope you know I ripped all of your pictures off the wall
I love you Slim, we coulda been together, think about it
You ruined it now, I hope you can't sleep and you dream about it
And when you dream I hope you can't sleep and you scream about it
I hope your conscience eats at you and you can't breathe without me
See Slim, shut up bitch! I'm tryin' to talk!
Hey Slim, that's my girlfriend screamin' in the trunk
But I didn't slit her throat, I just tied her up, see I ain't like you
'Cause if she suffocates she'll suffer more, and then she'll die too
Well, gotta go, I'm almost at the bridge now
Oh shit, I forgot, how am I supposed to send this shit out?
My tea's gone cold I'm wondering why I
Got out of bed at all
The morning rain clouds up my window
And I can't see at all
And even if I could it'll all be gray
Put your picture on my wall
It reminds me, that it's not so bad
It's not so bad
Dear Stan, I meant to write you sooner but I just been busy
You said your girlfriend's pregnant now, how far along is she?
Look, I'm really flattered you would call your daughter that
And here's an autograph for your brother
I wrote it on the Starter cap
I'm sorry I didn't see you at the show, I must of missed you
Don't think I did that shit intentionally just to diss you
But what's this shit you said about you like to cut your wrists too?
I say that shit just clownin' dog, come on, how fucked up is you?
You got some issues Stan, I think you need some counseling
To help your ass from bouncing off the walls when you get down some
And what's this shit about us meant to be together?
That type of shit will make me not want us to meet each other
I really think you and your girlfriend need each other
Or maybe you just need to treat her better
I hope you get to read this letter, I just hope it reaches you in time
Before you hurt yourself, I think that you'll be doin' just fine
If you relax a little, I'm glad I inspire you but Stan
Why are you so mad? Try to understand, that I do want you as a fan
I just don't want you to do some crazy shit
I seen this one shit on the news a couple weeks ago that made me sick
Some dude was drunk and drove his car over a bridge
And had his girlfriend in the trunk, and she was pregnant with his kid
And in the car they found a tape, but they didn't say who it was to
Come to think about, his name was, it was you
Damn!
The lyrics to "Stan" by Eminem featuring Elton John depict the story of a fictional obsessive fan named Stan who bombards Eminem with letters and ultimately takes his own life after feeling rejected by his idol. The repetitive chorus highlights Stan's stagnant state of mind and how he is struggling to find motivation to carry on, even when he looks at a picture of Eminem on his wall. The first verse implies how challenging it is for Stan to wake up in the morning since his routine consists of overwhelmingly negative thoughts. Stan's second letter to Eminem has a tone of resentment and feelings of neglect towards the rapper. He calls out Eminem for not answering his letters and not acknowledging his presence at his concert. The final verse is Eminem's reply to Stan, where he expresses his concerns about Stan's mental state and encourages him to seek professional help.
Line by Line Meaning
My tea's gone cold I'm wondering why I
I feel disconnected and lost, questioning my actions
Got out of bed at all
Regretting getting up and facing the day
The morning rain clouds up my window
My negative emotions cloud my perspective
And I can't see at all
Feeling hopeless and unable to find clarity
And even if I could it'll all be gray
Even if I could see, everything would still seem dull and lifeless
Put your picture on my wall
Having a reminder of something positive to hold on to
It reminds me, that it's not so bad
Finding solace in the fact that things could be worse
It's not so bad
There is still some hope amidst the difficulties
Dear Slim, I wrote you but still ain't callin'
Expressing disappointment and longing for attention
I left my cell, my pager, and my home phone at the bottom
Trying to reach out in multiple ways, but receiving no response
I sent two letters back in autumn, you must not-a got 'em
Believing that the messages were not received
There probably was a problem at the post office or somethin'
Considering possible reasons for the lack of response
Sometimes I scribble addresses too sloppy when I jot 'em
Acknowledging mistakes that may have hindered communication
But anyways, fuck it, what's been up? Man how's your daughter?
Shifting the focus to personal concerns and curiosity about the other person
My girlfriend's pregnant too, I'm 'bout to be a father
Sharing personal news and expressing excitement
If I have a daughter, guess what I'm a call her?
Revealing plans and aspirations for the future
I'ma name her Bonnie
Announcing the chosen name for the potential child
I read about your Uncle Ronnie too I'm sorry
Expressing condolences for a personal loss
I had a friend kill himself over some bitch who didn't want him
Sharing a tragic personal experience and empathizing with Eminem's past struggles
I know you probably hear this everyday, but I'm your biggest fan
Asserting unwavering admiration for Eminem
I even got the underground shit that you did with Skam
Showing dedication by owning rare and lesser-known Eminem works
I got a room full of your posters and your pictures man
Displaying a collection of memorabilia as a testament to fandom
I like the shit you did with Rawkus too, that shit was fat
Praising specific collaborations and appreciating Eminem's versatility
Anyways, I hope you get this man, hit me back,
Desperately seeking acknowledgement and a response
Just to chat, truly yours, your biggest fan
Expressing genuine desire for a connection with Eminem
This is Stan
Signing off as the persona of a devoted fan named Stan
Dear Slim, you still ain't called or wrote, I hope you have a chance
Continuing to express disappointment and a longing for communication
I ain't mad, I just think it's fucked up you don't answer fans
Feeling hurt and neglected by the lack of response
If you didn't wanna talk to me outside your concert
Reflecting on a missed opportunity for interaction
You didn't have to, but you coulda signed an autograph for Matthew
Requesting a small gesture of recognition for a younger sibling
That's my little brother man, he's only six years old
Highlighting the youth and innocence of a family member
We waited in the blistering cold for you
Describing an effort made to support Eminem
For four hours and you just said, 'No.'
Expressing disappointment at being denied a simple request
That's pretty shitty man, you're like his fuckin' idol
Feeling disillusioned by the idol's actions
He wants to be just like you man, he likes you more than I do
Revealing the high level of admiration the little brother has
I ain't that mad though, I just don't like bein' lied to
Expressing mixed emotions about the situation
Remember when we met in Denver, you said if I'd write you you would write back
Recalling a promise made by Eminem during a previous encounter
See I'm just like you in a way
Drawing a parallel between themselves and Eminem
I never knew my father neither
Sharing a common experience of growing up without a father figure
He used to always cheat on my mom and beat her
Opening up about a history of familial struggles and abuse
I can relate to what you're saying in your songs
Finding solace and connection through Eminem's music
So when I have a shitty day, I drift away and put 'em on
Seeking escapism and emotional release through Eminem's songs
'Cause I don't really got shit else so that shit helps when I'm depressed
Finding comfort and relief in Eminem's music during difficult times
I even got a tattoo of your name across the chest
Showing extreme dedication and loyalty by permanently marking their body
Sometimes I even cut myself to see how much it bleeds
Revealing self-destructive behaviors as a means to cope with emotional pain
It's like adrenaline, the pain is such a sudden rush for me
Describing the addictive nature of self-inflicted pain and the temporary relief it brings
See everything you say is real, and I respect you 'cause you tell it
Appreciating Eminem's authenticity and raw storytelling as a source of respect
My girlfriend's jealous 'cause I talk about you 24/7
Facing challenges in a romantic relationship due to excessive focus on Eminem
But she don't know you like I know you Slim, no one does
Believing in a unique connection and understanding of Eminem
She don't know what it was like for people like us growin' up, you gotta call me man
Believing in shared experiences and requesting a personal conversation
I'll be the biggest fan you'll ever lose
Promising unwavering loyalty and support
Sincerely yours, Stan
Closing the letter with a sincere and devoted sign-off
P.S. we should be together too
Expressing a desire for a closer relationship or connection
Dear Mister 'I'm Too Good To Call Or Write My Fans'
Using sarcasm and frustration to criticize Eminem's perceived attitude
This will be the last package I ever send your ass
Threatening to sever ties and end any future correspondence
It's been six months and still no word, I don't deserve it?
Expressing hurt and confusion due to the prolonged silence
I know you got my last two letters, I wrote the addresses on 'em perfect
Asserting that the previous letters were properly addressed and should have been received
So this is my cassette I'm sending you, I hope you hear it
Sending one final piece of personal expression, hoping for acknowledgement
I'm in the car right now, I'm doing 90 on the freeway
Sharing the current state of being and urgency of the situation
Hey Slim, I drank a fifth of vodka
Revealing intoxication and impaired judgment
You dare me to drive?
Challenging societal norms and consequences
You know the song by Phil Collins, 'In the Air of the Night'
Drawing a parallel between a song and a real-life scenario
About that guy who could a saved that other guy from drowning
Referencing the lyrics of a song that relate to a missed opportunity for help
But didn't, then Phil saw it all, then at a show he found him?
Describing a fictional event in reference to the missed opportunity
That's kinda how this is, you could a rescued me from drowning
Comparing the concept of rescue and assistance to the current situation
Now it's too late, I'm on a thousand downers now, I'm drowsy
Expressing the emotional and mental state, heavily influenced by substances
And all I wanted was a lousy letter or a call
Expressing a simple desire for communication and acknowledgment
I hope you know I ripped all of your pictures off the wall
Acting out of frustration and anger by removing symbols of fandom
I love you Slim, we coulda been together, think about it
Expressing intense feelings of love and longing for a connection
You ruined it now, I hope you can't sleep and you dream about it
Placing blame and wishing for emotional turmoil on the receiver
And when you dream I hope you can't sleep and you scream about it
Desiring the other person to experience discomfort and distress
I hope your conscience eats at you and you can't breathe without me
Wishing for guilt and dependence in the other person's life
See Slim, shut up bitch! I'm tryin' to talk!
Becoming agitated and defensive, interrupting the imagined conversation
Hey Slim, that's my girlfriend screamin' in the trunk
Revealing a disturbing and violent act involving a significant other
But I didn't slit her throat, I just tied her up, see I ain't like you
Justifying the violence by drawing a distinction between themselves and the perceived actions of Eminem
'Cause if she suffocates she'll suffer more, and then she'll die too
Rationalizing the harm caused as a twisted form of mercy
Well, gotta go, I'm almost at the bridge now
Revealing the intention to commit suicide
Oh shit, I forgot, how am I supposed to send this shit out?
Realizing the logistical challenge of sending the letter amidst the impending act
Dear Stan, I meant to write you sooner but I just been busy
Apologizing for the delayed response and explaining the reason
You said your girlfriend's pregnant now, how far along is she?
Showing genuine interest and concern for Stan's personal life
Look, I'm really flattered you would call your daughter that
Expressing gratitude for naming a child after Eminem
And here's an autograph for your brother
Offering a token of appreciation for Stan's little brother
I wrote it on the Starter cap
Explaining the location of the autograph for reference
I'm sorry I didn't see you at the show, I must of missed you
Acknowledging the missed opportunity to meet Stan in person
Don't think I did that shit intentionally just to diss you
Clarifying that the absence was not intentional or meant to disrespect Stan
But what's this shit you said about you like to cut your wrists too?
Expressing surprise and concern about self-harm mentioned by Stan
I say that shit just clownin' dog, come on, how fucked up is you?
Downplaying the severity of the statement while questioning Stan's mindset
You got some issues Stan, I think you need some counseling
Recognizing the deeper problems and suggesting professional help
To help your ass from bouncing off the walls when you get down some
Offering a solution to cope with intense emotional lows
And what's this shit about us meant to be together?
Rejecting the idea of a romantic relationship and questioning its validity
That type of shit will make me not want us to meet each other
Expressing discomfort and concern over the intensity of Stan's feelings
I really think you and your girlfriend need each other
Encouraging a focus on the existing relationship with Stan's girlfriend
Or maybe you just need to treat her better
Suggesting that improvement in the relationship could address some of Stan's underlying issues
I hope you get to read this letter, I just hope it reaches you in time
Expressing a desire for this letter to have an impact and reach Stan before it's too late
Before you hurt yourself, I think that you'll be doin' just fine
Offering reassurance that Stan has the strength to overcome his challenges
If you relax a little, I'm glad I inspire you but Stan
Acknowledging the influence and inspiration, but emphasizing the importance of self-care
Why are you so mad? Try to understand, that I do want you as a fan
Questioning Stan's anger and reiterating that Eminem values the fan support
I just don't want you to do some crazy shit
Expressing concern and wanting to prevent any harmful actions by Stan
I seen this one shit on the news a couple weeks ago that made me sick
Recalling a disturbing and tragic news story that affected Eminem
Some dude was drunk and drove his car over a bridge
Describing the incident and its consequences
And had his girlfriend in the trunk, and she was pregnant with his kid
Providing details about the tragic event involving a pregnant woman
And in the car they found a tape, but they didn't say who it was to
Sharing the discovery of a recorded message left behind
Come to think about, his name was, it was you
Realizing the connection between the news story and Stan's name
Damn!
Expressing shock and realization
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing, Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Paul Herman, Dido Armstrong, Marshall Mathers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Théophile
Once you've heard this one, you don't come back to the original anymore. At least that's what it did for me. The 3rd verse is so powerful
Jordan
It's not the same without the piano imo.
Chandler Carrier
I feel the exact way especially since it took me a second for me to find this version after hearing it the first time...
KJ Willis
I still listen to the original I just prefer this version of it
Downvote Bot
Eminem sounds more invested in this one, like he sounds like he cares more. And Elton John is something else as always.
KJ Willis
very true. This version shows more emotion
Kyle R
Elton John's voice in this song gives me goosebumps
Anthony Barbati
Kyle Ranard Same here.
Christina Abed
+Kyle Ranard exactly
joe Yaz
100%