It's a song close to my heart because Daniel was a returning Vietnam War Veteran who was cheered and lauded but all he wanted was to get back to the farm. I knew many men and women who were Vietnam war veterans as was my late husband. Some were treated horribly because of the anti- war sentiment while others were given a heros welcome but either way some had a difficult time after their return. This is a beautiful and bittersweet song for me and I too love it Daniel.

Thank you for playing “Daniel”. It IS melancholy, but sweetly mesmerizing at the same time. Good luck with your upcoming gig.

Just reminds me of no matter who you are, loss is loss. So many people have scars that we can't see... instead of looking down at people, people should offer a hand up

Yes, the day we have waiting for has finally come. "Daniel" (1973) went #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Kept out of #1 by Paul McCartney's "My Love." Supposedly written about a returning Vietnam Vet who wanted to get back to former life. Played on the AM radio extensively back then. A great song. and reaction.

Wow! What a beautiful and sad song! I've never heard it before, but I like this type of music. Thank you, Daniel, for sharing this! Greetings from Siberia! ✌😉🇷🇺🇺🇸

The late Dee Murray on bass. One of the unsung greats among bassists.

Bernie said he wrote the lyrics about a US veteran coming back form the Vietnam war. He has PTSD and goes to Spain to convalesce.

Daniel, welcome back. I am 70 years old (soon to be 71) and enjoy watching reaction videos because I like seeing younger people enjoy music that was special to me in my lifetime. You are one of my favorites just because I like you and I like your reactions. I was a singer in a rock band and it's special to me. I know you have your own aspirations and I wish you all the best in all of your endeavors. Just know that you have many fans and people who love you!

The early to mid '70s stuff from Elton and Bernie are just fantastic pieces of art. Such a prolific time for them. Levon, Madman, so many deep tracks on these albums Rock of the Westies and back. His live album with Melbourne Symphony explores many of these gems, worth a listen sometime. Good luck with your upcoming gig.

I waved at you Daniel! 👋 😀

Daniel for Daniel:) This song created a visual for me as I always pictured a younger sibling watching his brother depart for a better way of life. Then I read the facts about the song about a Vietnam soldier wanting to be back home but going off in a plane to Spain. It's a beautiful song. It always leaves tears.

FINALLY. This song has always made me feel warm and cozy, of course it came out when I was four, so that was probably the most coddled and nurtured year of my life.

No matter your favorite genre, a song which is almost impossible NOT to like. As beautiful and as epic as a song can be.

You should check out Elton John and George Michael live performance of "Don't let the sun go down on me". Awesome performance.

I had a friend named Daniel that left for Vietnam right about when this came out. Love this song, he came home. Enjoy

This song always brings me to tears…so many memories of the 70’s

Full disclosure: when I first saw your channel last week, this was the first song I thought of that you'd cover, for obvious reasons. It was so weird and synchronistic, because I had just moments before returned from the supermarket, where the kid that checked me and my stuff out was named Daniel. He was around your age and I immediately lectured him about how he has to go immediately to play this track, which he claimed to have never heard. Surely one of Bernie Taupin's ultimate masterpieces, with EJ's plaintive Fender Rhodes taking it to the stratosphere of the emotional charts. I always thought Daniel's disability was that he was blind, i.e. his eyes had died.

Good one Daniel! Classic Elton but such beautiful lyrics and melody....a sad song but delivered beautifully by Elton who played this on his last tour in Australia...and I got to sit at his piano as well....great memories.

Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

Great to see you back, my friend. Great selection, excellent review!

This song always makes me cry. When I was in my mid-20s my parents took out their new plane and they were flying with some friends who were flying near to them and they're the their friends. Saw their plane starting to nose dive and they couldn't identify my parents remains. It was the worst day of my life. Anyway, just a short painful story I was wanted to share

It only took a year. Well worth the wait!

Do you still feel the pain Of the scars that won't heal........

Love this song. Always had a special significance since my brother’s name is Daniel.

One of my favourite Elton songs.

I have avoided listening to this for what seems like a very long time. It is truly a lovely, melancholy song. Thank you for doing it justice.

Beautiful song! Have always loved this song! It’s so beautiful!

Buenos Dias from New Mexico. Stay blessed and continue to be great Daniel

missed you glad you are back love elton john and all his songs thanks for the reaction smiles and love

Good to see and hear you…loved the commentary, as always!!!

I've always loved this song. Even though the subject matter isn't happy per se, it has a hopeful feel to it. I love Elton's use of the mellotron here. Acts as a perfect counterpoint to the drum & bassline. One of EJ's best!! Should definitely check Tonight. It's not well known, but a beautiful piece, lyrically & musically.

Daniel, I've been keeping up with your reactions and enjoying them, you're always very tuned in and perceptive to the music, and this one is no exception. I noticed how you liked the name of this album, Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player - it's a play on a French film from 1962 by "New Wave" director Francois Truffaut, the name was "Shoot the Piano Player" - I always got a kick out of that! Keep up the great work!

You found your “namesake song.” This is a very beautiful and touching piece of music. I’m glad you reacted to it enjoyed it! 😊

Good to have you back and what a great song to come back with, especially because Elton John is such a legendary artist and I believe he's also a resident of Atlanta (or someone not too far away). Elton recently became the first artist ever to have number ones in 6 different decades, which I find absolutely mindboggling. You're right, this is a very emotional song, but one that has to be heard as it is a classic so thanks for analysing it for us. You should do more Elton. Also I would suggest watching the movie Rocketman, if you haven't already. I only watched it recently having seen the Bohemian Rhapsody movie a while ago and thought whilst watchable it was a bit whitewashed, probably because Freddie Mercury died and the other band members didn't want to make the movie too open as to tarnish his or their legacy. I was surprised to see how open it was and what a struggle Elton John had growing up, it certainly makes you appreciate him even more, if that's actually possible, but it did to me. I'm sure things are left out of the story, but what was left in does stay with you. If you've not seen it yet watch it, would love to hear your thoughts on it as well at some stage. Keep up the good work and hope to see more videos soon.

Happy Friday Daniel

Love this song!

I love this song it is sad but beautiful. Thank you for reacting to this song.

On the liner notes of the CD copy I have, Taupin said "it is a song that is important to me, because it was the one thing I said about the Viet Nam war". Also, in a book I found at the library, Elton tells the story about the "mysterious" missing verse. FYI, when I was in Jr/Sr High I wore out three copies of the 45 from playing it so much, and one LP. Thanks. This was great.

Thank you for this reaction video.

You really are an excellent human being and fine Reactor Daniel. I loved the way we gently heard your words and visually saw your reaction during the song without interrupting the flow and rhythm of the tune. "Nor particularly interesting fact" lol: I saw Reg Dwight's (Elton John) Uncle Rot Dwight play for my football team in 1963 and he broke his leg in the 1957 Cup Final in England...

Beautiful song, sad but beautiful 😌

I saw Elton for the only time in '72. He opened with this song (which we hadn't heard before), which I thought was very cool inasmuch as it's not some typically rousing opening number. Great performer, great showman, great composer. The album this is originally off of is outstanding, btw.

What a partnership they both had. Sometimes I forget how early Elton was in the rock timeline.

Thank you for your reaction!

Love this song and I must have listened to this so my about a thousand times in my life!

A elegant song that has stood the test of time, and has inspired those inciteful ones who can read deep between the lines...

Glad your back.

His albums Elton John and Tumbleweed Connection (both 1970) should be listened to especially Madman Across the Water-you will Love this song! (recently sung by Brandi Carlyle), Burn Down the Mission, Amoreena. Sixty Years On, I Need You to Turn To....

Thank you for Reacting to this song it's a beautiful song, I'm Loving your channel I'm new to Your channel but love it ,God Bless You

The only Daniel I know reacts to songs on KZfaq.

Welcome back.

My first first cousin to pass away was Daniel a couple of years ago.I come from a very close family,so it hit me hard.

Since the first time I ever watched one of your videos, I've been waiting for you to react to DANIEL. Thank you for ending the suspense Daniel! There's a video on You Tube of Elton appearing on a talk show and a guy in the audience stands up and requests he play this song because he once had a friend name Daniel who had died in a car accident. Elton simply said "sure" and walked right over to the piano and played it beautifully. The studio audience was enthralled. - TRUE FILM FAN

Missed you man. Welcome back.

Finally a 70's song with lyrics You can understand lol! Don't get used to it. Cheers from the Past.

A favorite of his!

About time you got around to this one Daniel. I am sure your sisters will enjoy listening to it especially since they are younger than you. Hopefully someone will take a video of your first gig. That would be awesome.

I've always liked the electric piano he played on this.

Suggest you listen to - Funeral for a Friend

My friend thank you for choosing such a beautiful song. Elton John's catalog is huge. Plenty of great songs Try Crocodile Rock or the album Honky Chateau Thanks you and peace to you

You and your intelligent, emotional and honest reactions (on all your vids that I've watched) are wonderful. Subscribed many vids ago, but always look forward to your next.

You could do so many Elton tunes..."Country Comfort" from "Tumbleweed Connection" and "Social Disease" from "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" have been stuck in my brain lately. But just drop a needle on any of those early albums and you're golden!

Great reaction.

If I'm not mistaken, this is Elton's favourite song that he and Bernie Taupin wrote. I seem to remember him saying so on some concert footage I watched a few years ago.

My sons name also that I lost 5 years ago. Love this song and you buddy have a fabulous name!!!!!

THIS IS FROM THE COVER YOU HAVE UP WHICH WAS HIS 74 ( GREATEST HITS ) HE HAD 3 GREATEST HITS ALBUMS AND THEN HE PUT OUT ( DIAMOND DELUXE ) I THINK IN 17 SO THAT'S 5 YEARS AGO NOW, GEEEZZZ, LONGGGGGG OVER 50 YEAR CAREER DANIEL! :)

Daniel, I am one of your many fans who suggested a year back that you react to this one, so I am pleased you finally did!! You reacted to some Halloween songs last year and I wonder, if you are going to do so this year if you would consider "Werewolf" by The Five Man Electrical Band please??

Welcome back your presence was missed . Off topic I guess but i have a Halloween song suggestion for you if your doing that this year. Song is " Swamp Witch" by Jim Stafford neat little story you might enjoy. We Are Legion ✌️♥️

Once again, astonished that young people have never heard this classic song. I'm getting old obviously.

I think you would really like Twigh-light Zone and Radar Love by Golden Earring. Right in the middle of your wheelhouse.

HEYYYYYYYYYYY!!! :) YOU'RE DOING SOME ELTON ON A FRIDAY DANIEL, DAMNNNN DUDE!!! LOL :) WHATTA GREAT SONG AND I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU HAVEN'T DONE MORE ELTON :( SO THIS OFF OF HIS MULTI PLATINUM 72 ALBUM ( DON'T SHOOT ME I'M ONLY THE PIANO PLAYER ) :) THE OTHER BIG HIT OFF OF THIS WAS ( CROCODILE ROCK ) THE DEEP TRACK I'D TELL IS ( HAVE MERCY ON THE CRIMINAL )

This is great, but my two all-time favourite Elton songs are ‘Don’t Let The Sun Shine Down On Me’, specifically the live version featuring George Michael and the second one is ‘Nikita’ a little played number, but it just resonates with me.

The 70's were awesome. Enjoy more fun

By the way, I'd like to say as a new subscriber - what I like the best about your reviews/reactions are how you get into the lyrics and origins of the songs.

Daniel almost makes me cry

Another suggestion from Elton. “Levon” will also tug at your heartstrings. ❤🎶😃😃

You're right, we've been waiting awhile for this. Maybe follow this with Layla and Gilbert O'Sullivan's Claire sometime.

Dee Murray, may his soul rest in eternal peace, was one of the greatest bass-guitarists who ever played. On a level with Paul McCartney, John Entwhistle etc. Although the bass is usually treated as mainly a rhythm instrument, Dee Murray played it as an actual guitar, with nuance and melodic variations that could be stunning, and that took a lot of responsibility off the shoulder of guitarist Davey Johnstone, freeing him to be more inventive than a lot of other bands' guitarists could be. Dee Murray had an ear for detail which most bassists lack.

Nice !

Daniel, I know you love great guitar, that's why I'm recommending you react to "House of Broken Love" by Great White🐬. It starts with a guitar solo, has a guitar solo in the middle, and has one at the end. Actually, it's just one long guitar solo with some vocals over some of it. You will _LOVE_ it. _I_ do.

Elton John has SO many great songs, but if you get a chance check out "Burn Down the Mission" from the album Tumbleweed Connection, circa 1970.

Much as I adore Elton, please react to Queen's "Somebody to Love", Montreal 1981. Epic.

There was another verse that was written that actually explains the entire song (Daniel was a Vietnam War vet). Unfortunately, Elton discarded it because he felt the song was too long. I suggest Billy Joel’s Goodnight Saigon, another song about the Vietnam War

Pre Disney Elton was incredible

Daniel, Great song, and Absolutely a Great Artist !! I love Elton John !! He is just sooooo good !! Please react to Saved My Life Tonight ! Please give it a listen, my favorite Elton John song.

I love this song, but I love all songs Elton John. I've seen him in concert 5 times over the years!

You should try Tumbleweed Connection, his first American album release.

Oh, I stand corrected.

Elton at his best, at the peak of his career.

Never enough credit given to the drums in this song. They add so much but in such a subtle way.

Don't Shoot Me might be my favourite Elton John record. Actually it might be tied with Honky Chateau and Madman Across the Water, but it's definitely right up there with songs such as Daniel, Elderberry Wine, Blues for Baby and Me, Have Mercy on the Criminal, I'm Going to Be a Teenage Idol and High Flying Bird. Sensational album!!!

Love Elton John, my favorite is his "Candle in the Wind" that he wrote about Marilyn Monroe when she died. Best video performance while playing piano live in a white suit and powdered wig. I would sure like you to do, Bon Jovi "Wanted Dead or Alive"

Beautiful 😎

Review Madman Across the Water or Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word or Someone Saved My Life Tonight. Great Job Brother

You have to do Levon. What a great song, like every Elton John song pre- I’m Still Standing, the first Elton album I didn’t buy. He’s a maestro at song craft 😁❤️

I think Daniel's body is coming back by plane. His "eyes have died", yet "you see more than I." Very sad.

This is a song know a lot about, but put all that on hold and just let it wash over me and just let myself feel and not think. Just moving

❤️❤️❤️

I just watched your reaction to Monsters by James Blunt and now this song by Elton John. There is a video on You Tube of James Blunt & Ed Sheeran singing the Elton John song Sacrifice. James Blunts voice was made for this song. I would love to see you react to the video.

WHY WON'T ANY OF THE REACTORS DO Levon? I HAVE BEEN BEGGING FOR OVER A YEAR. Sorry about that, I just love that song so much. When I was 16 years old, the line " ...and the New York Times said God is dead..." I thought it was the most profound statement I'd ever heard.