How Elton John Created Rocket Man
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- čas přidán 13. 06. 2024
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00:00 Intro
00:51 Title Card
00:59 Source Materials
02:20 Adaptation
02:52 Just a Job
03:13 Music Mirrors Story
04:22 Rockstar Metaphor
05:25 Loneliness
05:47 Conclusion - Hudba
Major Tom's brother.
My thoughts exactly. Whereas Major Tom was a pioneer and a celebrity, Rocket Man was a much more run-of-the-mill character, but they both deal with that same theme of idol/space loneliness.
Piano man is Rocket man's cousin.
The brother who’s not a junkie
@@liam1558 their uncle is mr. tambourine man
@@tommymarquardt2870 lol.
Your videos are great and I thoroughly enjoy them.
The song "Rocket Man" was always one I listened to when I was a cross country truck driver. It's a song that a trucker can definitely relate to and the way you broke the song down is spot on. The way you talked about the Rocket Man being in space but missing home then being home and missing space was like a page read from my memories of trucking that I can all too well relate to.
These days I'm not able to drive anymore and I miss the road like the Rocket Man would miss space.
Thanks for another great video.
I kept thinking through this video, that the Rocket Man was basically a "Space Trucker."
@@someguy2135 haha, yeah pretty much.
DJ Cartwright what about Jerry Reed’s Eastbound & down?
@@bobbyberetta4206 that's a different mind set, man. I listened to that song many times running home happy to be heading that way. "Rocket Man" sets the tone for the lonely void between leaving home and coming back.
@Over Under Sideways Down i understand my friend. I have totally blurred vision in my left eye and maybe 50% in my right eye. Luckily i had procedures done in my right eye several years ago that helped to save what vision i have in that eye now. But i developed glaucoma in my left eye in January 2018 which, along with diabetic retinopathy, caused my eyeball to swell. I couldn't get treatment fast enough before permanent damage was done to the optic nerve in that eye.
I know how you feel and what you've been through, sir.
Goals for 2019:
1. Get polyphonic to make a Jefferson Airplane video
That’s it
How about a video about Richie Havens' woodstock performance for the 50th anniversary? The story behind it is really cool, especially how he made up "Freedom" on the fly for his like 3rd or 4th encore, he was pretty much stalling for the rest of the bands to make it to the festival
Goals for 2019
1. No Polyphonic video, no analysis, no graphics, he just plays In the Court of the Crimson King in full.
Aptly named...
I was thinking of Jerry watching this video. Captain Trips is thee Rocket Man.
That One Guy Or at least ‘in a godda da vida’
They on acid, that’s the story
I always thought that Rocket Man was a song about drug addiction, and trying to find a way to balance everyday life with your addictions. But I guess that's one of the beautiful things about music. It can be interpreted in so many ways, and give the listener the experience that resonates most closely to them.
Same I was just about to comment the same thing. I had never thought of rocket man as a metaphor for Elton's life so this video was incredibly eye opening.
Always found it amazing how Elton would interpret Bernie's words into musical ideas. Captain Fantastic is a brilliant album showing their working relationship.
Ken Lee Captain Fantastic is, for my money, the best of Elton and Bernie’s work.
@@Heavenoid GBYBR and Blue Moves are also masterpieces.
Polyphonic, thank you so much for all your amazing work. I love every video and get excited seeing you in my notifications.
I don't think you can forget the influence of Bowie's Space Oddity with which it shares the record producer (Gus Dudgeon).
I am shocked that this wasn't mentioned. After Bowie died, Elton even gave credit to Bowie for how Space Oddity helped inspire and make popular Rocket Man, right?
@@jlyon1515 Yes, I remember reading that Elton really loved the production of Space Oddity and hired the producer for his debut album
These comments are really good. I feel exactly the same about DB
This video actually made me cry! I love Elton sooooo much - and I guess it feels so good to see someone appreciate him, and understand so much about what he was most likely "up to" when creating some of his earlier works. You are incredibly perceptive. Keep up the good work - Robert
the real question is: who was william shatner's rocket man?
Of course it was Kirk. He didnt understand the science and Spock stared at him failing to accept.
Man, Polyphonics videos are probably the most beautifully made on CZcams, every video of you is an absolute masterpiece.
3:20 I love it. You start by describing the lyrics, and then you pass the torch to Elton John's piano.
I just saw him in Jacksonville, and man did he put on a show. For a guy of 71 years, he is incredible even to this day. The set list he performed had just as much, if not more, energy and emotion than the actual recording takes. What a legend.
Love your channel Polyphonic!
Your videos make me listen to old songs in a new way - your dissection never destroys the songs, it only ever enhances them.
I could watch this guy do a video on a guy farting in a tuba.... And I'm sure he could blow me away some deep artistic meaning and the genius surrounding it..
Another fantastic video mate cheers from Central Illinois!
I’d love a video on King Crimson sometime!
Wha-
@@francisduco8434 wha-
YES
Wha-
wh
Production Value feels crazy high.
next do David Bowie
Space Oddity or Starman or Life on Mars
Vol deMort LIFE on MARS would be awesome!
Or queens ‘39
YES!!! An Elton John Polyphonic video!!! Thank you so much!
Can you please do a video about Billy Joel (not “Piano Man”)?
"Miami 2017" could fit that request and this theme of science fiction well. ;)
They are one of music's iconic duos
I always took this song as a man struggling with a drug addiction, the lyrics really portrayed that
Im gonna be highhhhhh
I’d like to hear why you think that because that makes no sense to me
I think the same.. and it is obvious thats the real meaning…
@@ELENTE_ when I first heard it I heard that his wife packed her bags instead of her packing his bags so I imagine the wife leaving him which caused him to go on this drug addiction as a coping mechanism and I also like to mention the part where it goes you can’t raise a son on mars meaning you can’t raise a son with a drug addict and I imagine just him and his son and his son being neglected. The song also says I’m not the same person at home which I interpreted that as he’s a different person when’s he’s on drugs so I’m thinking he’s abusing his son or something. I think my first interpretation of this song is much darker than what the most people interpret it as
Elton's backing vocals were provided by Nigel Olsson (his drummer), Davey Johnstone (his guitarist) and the late, great Dee Murray (bassist). The four of them had a sound that, if they had made any songs with as much production, could rival Queen. Such a great backing band. Look to Candle In The Wind for other great uses of their harmonies.
Or the song Harmony...
@@darkkiss7247 Another prime example. The Yellow Brick Road album is (in my mind, anyways) Elton's best work. It's one of the few albums where I can listen to all of it, in order. Never skipping a song, just sitting and listening. And a double album, no less. To put 17 absolute bangers on one album is incredibly tough to do.
@@mtthwskdmr2 I couldn't agree with you more. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is a brilliant album.
I love how amazing the visuals are on this channel, especially since it's about music! Spectacular work, once again!
Man, this song is so beautiful
I always thought it was about a man dealing with drug addiction
Love the history you bring too your videos. Well done!
At 15 yrs of age when this was released I never thought of it in anyway as impressive as this. Thanks for your interpretation.
I just listened to this song, perfect timing
stupid hipsterdoofus or is it
Most underated youtube channel ever.
4:48 I always heard that line as "burning all the fuels I never know", which is similar to "all the science, I don't understand".
You should do a video on King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's musical universe (known as the Gizzverse) that is shared across almost all of their albums, and tells stories of rebirth, humanity, the destruction of the universe, cyborgs, and more. Their forthcoming album Fishing for Fishies seems to be continuing the story of the Gizzverse, so it would be perfect timing.
Keep up the good work, by the way!
Bro, I will never understand how Polyphonic does it... his channel is like a fucking album that just has banger after banger. Dude keep this up
YOU rock it man!
As a fellow video essayist who makes a good amount of content about musicians, you are one of my biggest inspirations to keep going and to improve the quality of my content. Thank you so much.
so glad this relatively unknown artist and song were given exposure by the visionary that is Young Thug
/xs
Dkmo94 hahahaha
Amazing piece of work, as always. Thanks for uploading)
My first tattoo was a nod to this song. Your videos are so incredible man.
Some really great editing and after effects in this video!
Waiting for:
-Death grips video
-Jethro tull - Thick as a brick video
-Father John Misty and the postmodernism video
-J dilla video
-captain beffheart video
Edit: and a video about "clipping - Splendor & misery" about cosmic horror.
I want that clipping video so bad
Would love a video on FJM, Death Grips and J Dilla
Interested in a beefheart, not gonna lie
Death Grips would be a great choice.
One of these artists is next week's video.
Another brilliantly done video!
Always a favorite, my relationship with this song changes over time. Nice video, thanks.
This is such a good channel, still impressed by every video
I really really enjoy your videos!!! 👍
I always thought Rocket Man was about a man’s addiction to drugs and being kicked out by his wife because of it, and he wanted to get better but knew it would be a long road and he may not be able to do it. He was lost in the drugs, high as a kite, floating in space.
Thanks. Elton John is another of my all-times favorite artists. I think he's also a very underrated singer, as well. As to being on the verge of getting into space again (and this time for real, we presume): we need to make sure we've got nothing in particular to prove, this time. We need to move outward progressively - industry in orbit around Earth, then back to the Moon (to stay), then outward to Mars and beyond. Only by building slowly & steadily - making sure the foundations are solid - will there be any edifice to stand on in the future. tavi.
This is one of your best videos. You are the rocket, man. ;)
this video interacts really well with philosophy tube's cosmonaut video
I doubt ppl will see this but this song carries a lot of my emotions and memories my parents do the best cover I’ve ever heard and seen
Another great video!
this video was very beautiful! bonus point for talking about a beautiful song.
I had heard this song a thousand times growing up. Then one day I got divorced, became homeless, and found myself illegally living in the attic (illegally) of a large house. All I had was my ipod and whatever food I could scrounge from my new job that day. Rocket Man came on when I was playing Shuffle on the ipod and I realized that this song was about my divorce and my situation in that attic. Only Bernie Taupin could write a song in the 70s based on me in 2010. Taupin would do it again with his song "Indian Sunset", but that will be a story for a different video.
Hope you're doing better now. I feel sorry what happened to you
That's very kind of you. Im doing better now. I live in a home I own and am just a town over from my daughter. I still look back on those times homeless/in the attic as the worst of my life...but there is no doubt that I learned a lot from those times and that the songs I heard all sounded new again in that situation.
I miss the earth so much
I miss my wife
It's lonely out in space
On such a timeless flight
Mars ain't the kind of place
To raise your kids
In fact, it's cold as hell
And there's no one there to raise them
If you did
@@Gekokujo76 I'm glad to hear that brother. It's great that you can see ypur daughter often. You're a strong person that you never gave up. Keep that attitude.
It means a lot to hear you say that....probably the kindest thing anybody's said to me all year. If I was to say that my daughter and "that attitude" are all I have, that would be an exaggeration. That said, it is no exaggeration to say that, when I didnt have "that attitude" and my daughter, I had nothing. You are wise to see that truth in my silly "Bernie wrote that about me" story...and you are kind for sharing your welcomed/needed words with me. YOU keep that up as well, my friend.
@@Gekokujo76 Thanks for the kind words. I feel appreciated that my words could give you a smile on your face. If you feel lonely i will help you. You can write to me any time any place.
Brah you're really good at doing this.
This song puts me there!!!! Genius.
Excellent analysis of the origins of and themes in one of the great rock songs. Thank you.
I’m officially addicted to Polyphonic videos.
Great video!
I love your videos they are always so interesting
Finally a video on Elton, thank you
Dude that ending was great!
(Before the curiosity stream ad)
I never even particularly liked this song, always thinking of it as 'that one Elton John earworm', and now ya got me trying not to cry over it. 10/10 job well done.
Unexpectedly excellent video. Thanks.
You make the most quality videos of any youtuber
Cheers mate, really good video, loved it
If you'd like my 2 cents I'd love to see a video about Warren Zevon, so underrated and yet so brilliant, both in music and lyrics in songs like Excitable Boy, Desperados Under The Eaves and/or Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner
Great video, great song.
Please do a video for Hal Blaine, the late Wrecking Crew Drummer.
Great explanation and song.
Do a series on musicans about their journey and growth from start to finish (or the present) please. All your videos are the best btw.
This song
A choir of voices...well, really just his band at that point, Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, and Nigel Olsson. They really did great backing vocals AFTER booting Elton out of the studio so they could work in peace, haha, usually standing around one mic. They really show it off in Candle in the Wind.
Dude, You love music, how can someone can read so much into music it amazing weather your interpretation is right or not it is still great to hear
This was great. Great, great song. You should do a video on the Kinks too, I'd love to see it. Very underrated band!
What I find fascinating is how the songs hang together musically...yet the individual band members created their own 'parts' of the songs. They don't get a lot of credit for this (except from the fans) but Nigel Olsson, Dee Murray and Davey Johnstone are pretty important in creating the Elton 'sound'. The 'choir' here is the band, singing the backing vocals. According to Elton (and the band) Elton let them do what they wanted, and gave no direction or input...they could do whatever they 'felt'.
excellent choice. Now let's just jump- in & blast off! I Love the song btw - Rocket Man. 🚀📀
this was beautiful
sweet and short.... good episode
Great vid as always :) A Video about Elvis Connection To Hawaii would be interesting :)
Could you make a video about Buckethead?
Totally awesome ❤️🇬🇧🍾🥂
Being a rock star is a lonely job.
Rocker Man! Rocket Man! Same flashy but mundane job. Genius!
Clearly its the astronaut from Cygnus x-1
Heh
I love what you just did
X-1 is a black hole, I don’t think that Astronaut will come back...I’m very fun at parties.
@@TealScarab Dude... Go listen to the songs
@@CrashfHackergames ooooh
I've actually read that book, I never knew it was the inspiration for the song though. It's a great read!
I thought that it was about Eltons sexuality. "I'm not the man I think They think I am at home", anyone?
I'm a rocket man lol we know Elton we know
I love your profile picture and agree that such a video would be pretty cool
This Song paved the way for William Shatner's brilliant interpretative spoken performance of Rocket Man on television. A highlight that should not be forgotten!
To me, as a fan of sci-fi, the song is of a space equivalent of a trucker. Flying through the solar system, dropping off supplies to outposts five days a week (Thanks to FTL). But missing his family all the same.
First? If so hi love your stuff keep making these great videos I've seen all of your video essays when I first found your channel I binged everything. Now I'm a loyal viewer even when I don't listen to an artist you cover I love learning about their messages and techniques
If you haven't yet, definitely listen to the Me First and the Gimme Gimmies version of this already amazing song. A mind blowing take on a classic.
My next recommendation is the album Ocean Eyes by Owl City. Even besides Fireflies, every track is a pop masterpiece and each song has a sense of familiarity. Great vid btw!
Exceptional as always. Please please do Radiohead, The Smith’s, or maybe The Microphones “The Glow Pt 2”
can you do audiobooks or something lol your voice is awesome to listen too
It always felt like a traveling salesman analogy to me.
Some kind of video on Cardiacs would be pretty cool. They've progressed through practically every genre over the course their discography, which has been building since the 90's, and they have the most hardcore and die hard fanbase I've ever seen. Even though I'm not the biggest fan, I could easily call some of their music "transcendental".
Their lead singer, Tim Smith, had a tragically ironic cardiac arrest in 2008 that left him with brain damage & dystonia and I think he still lives in a medical facility.
Oh yeah, and if you want a quick sample you should look up their video for "Tarred and Feathered" or "Dirty Boy". I think you hit either end of their spectrum with those songs.
Is it related to the real life - The Farmer Astronaut ? There's a movie of that name and I've seen it several times and the guy did circle the earth several times and landed back down without being hurt. He used to be with NASA. His father died while he was at the end of his training and NASA said NO you can't go to your fathers funeral. He went anyway and NASA kicked him out so he and his family made his dream come true,and remember he was a farmer. He didn't have 16 million or billion dollars like NASA claim it takes to send a man into orbit, so what do they do with all that extra money? The Farmer Astronaut certainly didn't have the kind of money NASA has, but the guy still did it. Truth !!!
Should do a video on KISS destroyer or Music from the Elder. Both have great stories behind the recording
This song makes hair on my neck stand up, I have always loved it.
Who's is always waiting for this to happen 0:51
Some audio leveling would make this video even better
It was me. I became a Member of the British Astronaut Society in 1970. Me and Elton used to fly around in my rocket, only it looked like a taxi and Elton was on the radio.
Hey Polyphonic, could you make a video about Nick Drake's Fruit Tree and the idea of posthumous fame which he eerily predicted so accurately. Thanks and keep up the great job.
Polyphonic,
Can you please tell me how you are able to Isolate the Tracks? As an aspiring musician I'd appreciate your answer. Also, your Steely Dan focus catapulted me into not only "their" skills but yours as well. Cheers!!
Can you please make a video about Pulp?? That'll be so interesting!