Maybe not so popular but levon is my personal favorite song of Elton's ✌️

It's a perfect record. You can imagine the impact Elton's music had for those of us who were teenagers in the 70s.

Characters are fictional according to Bernie Taupin, but Levon was the son of Alvin Tostig, born as the War (presumably WWIi) was starting. As war generations do, Levon focused on making his money. His son Jesus, born into a rich family business, just wanted to get away from it. Just a beautiful song about fairly typical family generational dynamics. Elton can make anything sound bigger than it is and this song is sonically gorgeous.

"Burn Down the Mission" is another Elton John that's got incredibly energetic piano in it..

Besides all the tremendous elements of this fabulous recording, it just needs to be said that Elton sang the shit out of this thing.

Levon epitomizes the songwriting dynamic between Taupin and Elton. No one but Elton could have turned Taupin’s lyrics - which do not seem at all like any song I’ve ever heard - into this masterpiece.

Elton will never be duplicated in a million years.

Levon has the best piano intro of any pop song ever, and I think you guys are discovering, track by track, that Madman Across The Water is Elton's masterpiece.

I forgot to mention he wrote a song for John Lennon when he died. It was called Empty Garden. You should check it out. Its different

YEAH, HE STARTED BANGING AWAY AT 4 YEARS OLD SO, OVERRRR 70 YEARS OF INSANE PLAYING! 😊

Elton is the Mozart of our generation...

His old stuff like this is by far his best. Take Me to the Pilot, Burn Down the Mission, etc

In Susan Black's book Elton John in His Own Words, Elton says of "Levon": "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." When Rolling Stone asked Taupin about the song in 2013, he insisted that he has no idea what he intended as the meaning. "It was a free-form writing," he said. "It was just lines that came out that were interesting."

What you’ve experienced and just voiced about Sir Elton John is the reason he was knighted.

The most mind blowing thing for me about EJ, is how Bernie Taupin could finish the lyrics of a new song, hand them off to Elton, and the dude sat down and would knock out these brilliant and amazing songs we all know and love, right off the top of hi head, in less than an hour a lot of times...some greats he wrote in 20 minutes! How does THAT work!? The man's musical genius is on another level..

Paul Buckmaster's orchestral arrangements on this album are monumental. Check out Indian Sunset and the transition into Holiday Inn. Not only is it outstanding but does a wonderful job of transitioning from the heartbreak reflected in Indian Sunset into the commercialism of Holiday Inn. Great Album. One of his all-around best

Madman Across the Water is by far my favorite Elton John album. He became more pop oriented after the early 70s.

This song STILL gives me chills EVERY TIME I hear it!!! ❤

Philadelphia Freedom by Elton…. Pure magic.

Check out his live album 11-17-70, recorded in a radio studio on his first trip to the States. He was hungry and fierce.

Paul Buckmaster strings are epic.

And another double meaning, He shall be Levon and He shall believe on. Love it.

levon Helm - the band

After more than 50 years this song is STILL a banger!!! What a masterpiece! Love you guys!

“Alvin Tostig had a son today… and he shall be Levon” Greats drumming by Barry Morgan! Great reaction 😊

Incredible song both lyrically and musically. A little context: In January 1966, the New York Times ran a piece about the then-new debate about how society was becoming more secular and God was being “written out” of science and stuff like that. The article had the headline, “Religion; ‘God Is Dead’ Debate Widens.” There was a text box on the bottom of the page that said “God is Dead.”

I've been waiting for you guys to do this song. This is definitely my favorite song by EJ. I think the lyrics are very interesting but the delivery here, everything about this recording is perfect. The elegant piano intro, the arrangement, the vocals. But the orchestra was brilliant the vocals and the strings complimented each other beautifully. This album didn't have any top 40 hits but Levon, Tiny Dancer, Madman, Razor Face and Holliday Inn are all first rate. Elton really hit his stride with this album. The performances and production were top level. This era - 1970, 72 and 73 was, in my opinion, the best time for Rock music. So many masterpieces hit at this time.

You can be guaranteed everything from Elton will be a huge fantastic production... I'm going to second the "Burn Down the Mission" suggestion.. The piano is magnificent and drives the entire song.

Great reaction, guys! Would love to see you react to Someone Saved My Life Tonight, and Rocket Man!

You two appreciating this song is making me smile ear to ear. I just adore you guys for your ability to see talent!! ❤❤ Do the rest of side 1 from this....do Razor Face!! It's another banger!!

This album and the ones before them are, in my opinion, much better than the commercial stuff, which I also loved....🎉❤P.S. Where to Now, St. Peter? Was a favorite of mine. The entire Tumbleweed Connection album was truly a great album. 🌠

No one makes songs like this anymore.

I danced with my son on his wedding day because I love the line and he shall be a good man,and he is a really good man

So glad you got here. Tumbleweed Connection and Madman are two very special albums from the many successful LP’s throughout his long career. Enjoying your reactions. 👈

Respect his drummer I repeat Respect his drummer 😅

This is from my adolescence. We all were spoiled in the 70s with artist's such as Elton John, That's why it's harder for my generation to accept today's music as something valid. Yes, there are exceptions to the rule, such as Metallica or U2. Modern Rock Music was pioneered by artist's that existed in the 70s, and has expanded exponentially from that source. The 70s are the greatest decade in Rock history, and if you don't believe me, look it up.

I remember being like 6 yrs old, Mom's would take older sis to Kmart to get some clothes. She'd come back with a 45 record of Elton. We'd play it on our little catalog bought record player. We didn't have much in those days but we did have some great music.

keep going. this record is perfect, start to finish. :) paul buckmaster was a genius producer and string arranger. elton's piano hero is leon russell.

This is by far my favorite EJ song. I crank it every time and it brings tears to my eyes. Goosebumps for days no matter how many times I hear it.

"Love Song" off of Tumbleweed Connection as well as "Talking Old Soldier". "Friends" is a lovely song as well.

Beautiful strings 🎶🎼🎵

One of my favorites off the album.

My favorite Elton song😊

A prog snob here requesting "Ticking" from Caribou by Elton John. Sparse, haunting and wrenching. One of Bernie's best lyrics.

A great song is just that. Doesn't matter who you are, what you believe, or how you think. A great song just rises above everything.

Mona Lisa's and Mad Hatters next!

Great choice & an absolute classic..Another off the same album & title track, Elton John "Madman Across The Water"

This song always struck me as so sad, even the first time I heard it in the 70s at maybe 11, 12? Caught my ear early on and it’s still a favorite. The strings catch you by surprise and from there it’s just majestic.

Don’t know if you guys can appreciate how much this DEBUT album shifted the Earth on it’s axis. A huge change in music.

Great Elton song!!!

Nothing like Elton in the morning. We need some All the Girls Love Alice or maybe even Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy. More Elton please!!!!!!

He shall be Levon, and he shall believe on!

It's one of my favorite songs.❤

1970's Elton John is some of the best music ever made.

Amazing... this song gives me chills! Elton's voice and piano are positively commanding❤

You guys need to check out the album "Tumbleweed Connection". Another masterpiece by Elton.

Paul Buckmaster arranged those fantastic strings on Levon, and many other early Elton songs. And yes, you nailed it: Elton came out of the womb playing the piano--a true prodigy. As a youth, Elton applied to a music school--the interviewer played a classical piece on the piano, and asked Elton if he could play it. He said yes, played for a while, and stopped. The interviewer asked him why he'd stopped, and he said "Because that's all you played." He didn't know the piece, but immediately played it by ear.

"He was born a pauper to a pawn...." Love that line.

Well done guys, a true time tested masterpiece…. Hard to hear better. Thanks for sharing/stay safe

You're discovering Elton's greatest music--his early 70s work, Elton John through Honky Chateau. Please keep it up, you won't be disappointed--so much better and more soulful than his later better-known albums.

Two other great tracks from this album are 'Madman Across the Water' and 'Indian Sunset'. This is one of Elton's best 5 albums and personally my fav. Others being, 'Tumbleweed Connection', 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road', 'Honky Chateau' and 'Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy'. Cheers ✌

This is one of those Elton John tracks that when you hear it you cry and then you never can get away from that feeling. it's beautifully produced as well

Elton was a master of building emotion in a song.

Early Elton is incredible those were the great years.

Madman across the water is incredible. Please listen to that piece of art.

Fun Facr Most of all heavy metal artists Love EJ I’m a metal head myself Nothing but Metal and Hard Rock But when I wanna chill Elton is the gateway When you head Bang 24 hours a day our relief sometimes is Sir Elton

"I would always say, this album is his masterpiece! Until the next one came along!" THANK YOU for reacting to this sonic masterpiece from a certified genius on the piano! "Burn Down the Mission"; "Someone Saved My Life Tonight"; "Mona Lisa's and Mad Hatters"; "The Bitch Is Back". THANK YOU!

Elton John's early albums have always been a matter of a different musical energy to me. The sound of presence just hit hard on. Madman Across The Water.

When you said he came out of the womb playing the piano that’s pretty much the way it was I think he around four and started playing on his own

Another great and unique voice of the era. My era....

Elton's got a bunch of albums that are freaking awesome! Give a listen to Burn Down the Mission from Tumbleweed Connection. That song is AMAZING! The combination of Bernie Taupin and Elton John for lyrics and music was pure magic.

He shall be-lieve on. Great album. Early Elton is the best

Definitely one of my favorites! Great all around! Love your reaction, thanks for the play..Cheers!

This was my first concert at 13, Elton John. We had to see him. In the 70s his music was awesome!

Another great reaction! Add Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (their bio) and Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters to your list.

Enjoy watching you react to some of my personal favorites by a true legend. This era of Elton actually helped me through some tough times..Brings back memories of having to report for draft physical, pending induction. These were anxious times for high school grads without college options.... Thanks guys.

Elton is always amazing

Elton's music could be classified as rock/pop, but he draws on many genres for his compositions, of course. Taupin's lyrics are sheer poetry. Thanks for your reaction.

This album...SUBLIME!! My personal fav of any of Elton's entire collection, Masterpiece. Appreciate your expertise and enthusiasm!! 😍

"He got flames!' Comment of the day. LMMFAO! Loving this trip I'm on with you guys. So MANY great tunes. Keep it going!!!!

Loved that your getting to know who Elton was in his early years. Great reaction, keep up the good work❤

Hearing Elton play this song live made me cry 😢. One of his/Bernie's best.

This is such a great song on a stellar album

Mad man across the water .. EPIC LEGENDARY

elton's voice sounds so perfect.

One of my favorite albums by Elton. He gets real funky on song Susie on Honky Chateau album ,another amazing album of his❤❤ have a great day my brothers💖💖💖

His voice has emotion to the soul

And he shall be Levon (believe on) Jesus. Christmas. God. In tradition with the family plan. And he shall believe on And he shall be a good man And he shall believe on In tradition with the family plan And he shall believe on And he shall be a good man He shall believe on Or it's simply as Taupin said, "It was just lines that came out that were interesting." 😂

Early Elton was amazing. What a great album!! Fortunate to see the man twice.

This song according to Bernie Taupin was inspired by and named after Levon Helm the drummer for The Band.

Paul Buckmaster arranged the strings on this album and others. A genius!

There's only 1 Elton John, it's amazing how many hits he has.

Loved your comment about if you had another baby you would be looking at Levon. I have a real life Elton John baby name story. When I was pregnant with my son, I was considering the name Benjamin. Every time I pondered the name and nicknames I’d end up with Bennie and the Jets running through my head. Because of that, my sons name is NOT Benjamin. 😂

I think I bought this album, and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, at least a dozen times

I saw Elton John in Lincoln Center in ‘98. It was a private show for the company I was working for at the time. The greatest thing about it was that it was just him and and a grand piano and he only played the best songs!! Like this song.

_Honky Chateau_ is my favorite Elton John album. Tons of great tunes on that LP!

Nice! Killer vocal! Next on this album, try Rotten Peaches

Thank you for your reaction to this song! I was in high school when this album came out. One day I was ditching class and found a stray cat at a McDonald's. I brought him home and named him Levon. Best pet I ever had!

Oh yeah Levon is bitchin. I spent many nights in high school with this song, my headphones and the dark. Thank you Elton for being the soundtrack to my life.

Absolutely love this song and absolutely love the album …❤❤