April 17, 2022, marks the 50th anniversary of Elton John’s classic hit Rocket Man. The song is about a man who goes to Mars and deals with adventure, loneliness and hope.
The music is Pop/Brit Pop. The composition is smooth and rhythmic. It’s an exceptional ballad that is rich and intricate. Elton John plays the piano beautifully. The instruments played in perfect harmony complement the song’s mood and vibe. The musicians did a remarkable job – the credit goes to David Hentschel (ARP synthesizer), Davey Johnstone (electric slide and acoustic guitars), Dee Murray (bass guitar), and Nigel Olsson (drums). The producer Gus Dudgeon did an excellent job producing this legendary classic. The music of Rocketman is memorable and timeless – 50 years later!
Elton John’s voice is rich and soulful. He sings with a remarkable vocal range, going from low notes to higher ones in a smooth transition. Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, and Nigel Olsson did the backing vocals. They did an incredible job singing backing vocals harmoniously.
Elton John and songwriter Bernie Taupin wrote Rocketman. The lyrics are profound and heartbreaking, telling a touching story about a lonely man in space. There’s an incredible depth to the song with rich poetic language. The words are well-written. The use of freestyle poetry and writing is a good choice. The lyrics flow naturally in a rhythmic fashion. The symbolic aspect of the tune adds a dynamic touch. In this case, the planet Mars symbolizes isolation and hardship one faces in life. The layers of meaning give Rocketman an incredible deepness and richness in language. The song ending with the sentence “And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time” is a brilliant idea as it represents the loneliness felt by the Rocketman. The song is a masterpiece through its poetry and essence.
Side Note
Taron Egerton’s take on Rocketman is incredible. His vocal style is close to Elton John’s, yet it has his personal touch. He sings with impressive richness and depth.
