Tinderbox
Elton John Lyrics

Nostradamus said I predict
Elton John refers to the famous seer Nostradamus and his predictions that the world will end at half past six.

That the world will end at half past six
Nostradamus predicted that the world will come to an end very soon.

What he didn't say was exactly when
Nostradamus was vague about the timing of the apocalypse.

Was he listening to the radio?
Elton John wonders if Nostradamus was getting his information from the media.

Was he listening to the government?
Elton John also speculates whether Nostradamus may have had inside information from the authorities.

Well he got us spooked anyway
Even though Elton John is not sure about the authenticity of Nostradamus' predictions, people are frightened.

We'd been running hot up until today
Prior to this recent scare, Elton John and others were feeling good and optimistic.

But a wind of change blew across our sales
A negative trend has started that is affecting the economy.

We were coasting on a winning streak
Things were going well until very recently.

We were kings until the power failed
Their success is abruptly over because of an unforeseen problem.

[Chorus:] We've been living in a tinderbox
Elton John likens their world to a box of flammable materials that could ignite anytime.

And two sparks can set the whole thing off
A tiny event could trigger a dangerous chain reaction.

Rubbing up together around the clock
The world is practically on edge, like two combustible materials constantly rubbing against each other.

Lately we've been getting more roll than rock
Things have been unstably sliding downhill.

You and me together in a Tinderbox
Elton John is expressing that he and others are all in this unstable situation together.

Godzilla came in disguise
Elton John refers to the monster from the franchise, and poses it as an unlikely, but still possible problem.

Tore the building down right before our eyes
An unfavorable event that will occur right in front of them.

Kept the needle out of the red balloon
Elton John asks whether they've prevented the worst from happening by stopping the most extreme reactions.

Was he worried we might go too far
Elton John is expressing that they may be playing a dangerous game with the risks they're taking.

Maybe wind up rhyming moon and June
Elton John is remarking on the power of human expression, that what they're feeling may end up being forever associated with each other.

The sun descends down in Mexico
A typical event happening in one part of the world, while others are experiencing different outcomes.

While a fancy car back on Savile Row
At the same time, there may be people who are thriving in the midst of all this uncertainty.

Shows the price of fame leads to overkill
In contrast, Elton John expresses his disillusionment with the excesses of wealth and fame.

Things are gonna have to change
Elton John believes that the current situation is unsustainable, and will require some changes sooner or later.

Some holes along the road get filled
Elton John acknowledges that there are still things to fix and replace if they're going to get through this.

[Chorus]
The same as before.

Pressure's gonna cook us if we don't unlock it
According to Elton John, they'll feel the heat of this problem unless they do something.

Guns going off if we don't uncock it
Elton John expresses that this problem is not going away on its own, but may escalate and cause a struggle.

We've gotta climb out of the other one's pocket
Elton John is indicating that people need to stop being reliant on each other, and have to get through this individually.

Or we're gonna burn, out on this beautiful rocket
Unless they find a solution to their problem, the journey will come to an unfortunate end.

[Chorus]
The same as before.