madman across the water

When Elton John released his fourth album, he became the first artist since the Beatles to have four albums on the American Top ten simultaneously. 'Madman Across the Water' continued his collaboration with lyricist Bernie Taupin. Elton says, "He wrote in the narrative; he didn’t write songs. The early lyrics weren’t in verse and chorus form at all. He didn’t know about verses and choruses, he just wrote what he liked. Things like Madman Across The Water, Indian Sunset, Talking Old Soldiers were written in the narrative form. I used to be able to get 12 words in one line, because he had written 12 words in one line. It was magical thing." The lush string arrangements of Paul Buckmaster give the album a dark sweep that approaches progressive rock. It was the first album that featured longtime guitarist Davey Johnstone. The album art was hand embroidered by Janis Larkham. 'Madman Across the Water' only reached number forty one in the UK; but peaked at number eight in the US.







http://www.eltonjohn.com/

'Tiny Dancer' was written about Taupin's girlfriend and future wife, Maxine Feibelmann, who would tour with the band sewing their costumes. The single peaked at number thirteen in Australia; but has become one of their most popular and enduring songs.

"Blue jean baby, L.A. lady, seamstress for the band

Pretty eyed, pirate smile, you'll marry a music man

Ballerina, you must have seen her dancing in the sand

And now she's in me, always with me, tiny dancer in my hand"

The generational drama of 'Levon' made it to number six in Canada. It was inspired by Levon Helm of the Band. Elton says, "It"s about a guy who just gets bored doing the same thing. It's just somebody who gets bored with blowing up balloons and he just wants to get away from it but he can't because it's the family ritual."

"Levon's sells cartoon balloons in town

His family business thrives

Jesus blows up balloons all day

Sits on the porch swing watching them fly

And Jesus, he wants to go to Venus

Leave Levon far behind

Take a balloon and go sailing,

While Levon, Levon slowly dies"

'Razor Face' features Rick Wakeman on organ.

"Oh it must be hard for the likes of you to get by

In a world that you just can't see through

And it looks so cold

How does it feel to know you can't go home"

'Madman Across The Water' was originally recorded during the sessions for Tumbleweed Connection; but it was left off of that album and rerecorded for this one.

"Once a fool had a good part in the play

If it's so would I still be here today

It's quite peculiar in a funny sort of way

They think it's very funny everything I say

Get a load of him, he's so insane

You better get your coat dear

It looks like rain"

The ambitious 'Indian Sunset' speaks to the decline of the Native American.

I take only what is mine Lord, my pony, my squaw, and my child

I can't stay to see you die along with my tribe's pride

I go to search for the yellow moon and the fathers of our sons

Where the red sun sinks in the hills of gold and the healing waters run

'Madman Across the Water' 

full album:




All music composed by Elton John, all lyrics written by Bernie Taupin.

Side one
"Tiny Dancer" – 6:15
"Levon" – 5:22
"Razor Face" – 4:44
"Madman Across the Water" – 5:56
Side two
"Indian Sunset" – 6:45
"Holiday Inn" – 4:17
"Rotten Peaches" – 4:56
"All the Nasties" – 5:08
"Goodbye" – 1:48