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)
The Open Chord
Elton John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You gotta make a wish and count to ten
There's just a sense of wonder
I feel a new direction looking down the lens
Jump started the action
Heard a song in my head and wrote it down
It came out of nowhere
Felt a new sensation driving you through town
You're an open chord I wanna play all day
A new broom sweeping up the sins I no longer play
Cleaning out the corners
Clipping out the horrors
That the Devil used to make me wear all day
You're an open chord I'm gonna play all day
You're gonna see some changes
Gotta pinch myself just to believe
Everybody's having something
But I can tell you've got some magic up your sleeve
Some deep protection
When a feeling follows you around
I always need the silence
Or the lightning you bring like a new good sound
You're an open chord I wanna play all day
A new broom sweeping up the sins I no longer play
Cleaning out the corners
Clipping out the horrors
That the Devil used to make me wear all day
You're an open chord I'm gonna play all day
Sat around and waited for a spark
And it brightened up the night
Before I get much older
I want the pleasure of seeing you up in lights
I could then beside you
Hand over my heart and say a prayer
Love's not for quitters
It's a satisfaction
Knowing that you're there
You're an open chord I wanna play all day
A new broom sweeping up the sins I no longer play
Cleaning out the corners
Clipping out the horrors
That the Devil used to make me wear all day
You're an open chord I'm gonna play all day
Cleaning out the corners
Clipping out the horrors
That the Devil used to make me wear all day
You're an open chord I'm gonna play all day
You're an open chord I'm gonna play all day
In Elton John's song "The Open Chord," the lyrics center around a sense of hope, renewal, and finding inspiration in someone or something special. The opening lines suggest the need for contemplation and self-reflection. The act of making a wish and counting to ten implies a deliberate attempt to gather one's thoughts and find clarity. There is an underlying sense of wonder and possibility, as the singer feels a new direction and sees opportunities through a different lens.
The song then transitions into a more personal connection with the subject of affection. The line "You're an open chord I wanna play all day" metaphorically represents the desire to fully explore and embrace the person or relationship. The metaphor continues as the singer describes this connection as a "new broom," cleaning out the corners and clipping out the horrors. It symbolizes a fresh start, leaving behind past mistakes or negative influences. The newfound magic and deep protection that the subject brings is emphasized, creating a sense of the extraordinary in their presence.
As the song progresses, the lyrics express a longing for change and the desire to be in the spotlight alongside the subject of affection. The mention of waiting for a spark and wanting to see them "up in lights" suggests a yearning for success and recognition. The singer acknowledges the need for silence and the lightning-like impact that the subject has, highlighting their pivotal role in the singer's growth and inspiration. The song concludes by praising the unconditional love and support of this person, affirming that their presence gives the singer satisfaction and reassurance.
Overall, "The Open Chord" explores themes of personal growth, finding inspiration in others, and seeking transformation through love and connection.
Line by Line Meaning
You gotta think about it
Take the time to consider and reflect
You gotta make a wish and count to ten
Engage in hopeful thinking and wait patiently
There's just a sense of wonder
Feeling of awe and fascination
I feel a new direction looking down the lens
Sensing a fresh perspective and opportunity
Jump started the action
Initiated the creative process and took action
Heard a song in my head and wrote it down
Captured the inspiration and turned it into music
It came out of nowhere
Unexpectedly emerged from the depths of imagination
Felt a new sensation driving you through town
Experienced a thrilling feeling while moving forward
You're an open chord I wanna play all day
You bring pure joy and I want to indulge in it constantly
A new broom sweeping up the sins I no longer play
Renewing and leaving behind past mistakes and regrets
Cleaning out the corners
Removing lingering negativity and darkness
Clipping out the horrors
Eliminating frightening and disturbing experiences
That the Devil used to make me wear all day
Negative influences or burdens that haunted me constantly
You're gonna see some changes
Prepare for noticeable transformations
Gotta pinch myself just to believe
Struggle to accept the incredible reality
Everybody's having something
Others are experiencing their own blessings and achievements
But I can tell you've got some magic up your sleeve
I sense that you possess unique and extraordinary qualities
Some deep protection
A profound sense of security and support
When a feeling follows you around
A persistent emotion accompanies your presence
I always need the silence
I crave moments of quiet solitude
Or the lightning you bring like a new good sound
Or the electrifying and exhilarating energy you exude
Sat around and waited for a spark
Passively waited for inspiration to ignite
And it brightened up the night
And it illuminated the darkness around
Before I get much older
Before aging takes its toll
I want the pleasure of seeing you up in lights
I desire the joy of witnessing your success and fame
I could then beside you
I could proudly stand next to you
Hand over my heart and say a prayer
Express my deepest emotions and gratitude
Love's not for quitters
Love requires perseverance and commitment
It's a satisfaction
It brings a fulfilling sense of contentment
Knowing that you're there
Having the assurance of your presence
Cleaning out the corners
Eliminating lingering negativity and darkness
Clipping out the horrors
Getting rid of terrifying and disturbing experiences
That the Devil used to make me wear all day
That tormenting influences no longer burden me
You're an open chord I'm gonna play all day
You bring endless delight and I will embrace it constantly
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BERNARD J.P. TAUPIN, ELTON JOHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Peter Harthen
on Sacrifice
not like todays crap
Peter Harthen
on Sacrifice
Even at 56 years old, this music still sounds so good to me, how music should sound.....