What is Daniel about Elton John’s song? Unravel the cryptic meaning of the lyrics in this intriguing exploration and discover the fascinating story behind Elton John’s ‘Daniel’.
Daniel’s song by Elton John
“Daniel” is a song co-written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and performed by Elton John himself. The song was first featured on John’s 1973 album Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player. Upon its release, “Daniel” achieved notable chart success. In the United Kingdom, it reached number four on the official chart. In the United States, the song climbed to the second place on the pop charts, and only “My Love” by Paul McCartney and Wings kept it from the first place.
However, “Daniel” reached number one on the adult contemporary chart in the spring of 1973, holding that position for two weeks. The song’s popularity also received significant endorsements. It was certified gold in the US in September 1995 and achieved platinum status in May 2018, as confirmed by the RIAA. In Canada, “Daniel” became Elton John’s second number one single, following “Crocodile Rock” earlier in the year. It held the top spot on the RPM 100 national singles chart for two weeks.
In addition, “Daniel” won John and Taupin an Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically in 1973. Furthermore, “Daniel” was included on the soundtrack of the 1974 film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. “Daniel” remains a favorite and successful song in Elton John’s discography, praised for its musical and lyrical qualities and remembered for its chart success and film association.
What is Daniel about Elton John’s song?
“Daniel” is a song by Elton John released in 1973. The song is about a man named Daniel who goes to Spain by plane. The narrator watches as Daniel’s plane takes off and despite the distance they can still see the red tail lights of the plane. The narrator reflects on Daniel’s love for Spain, even though they themselves have never been there. The song conveys the feeling of longing and missing someone. The narrator expresses their deep affection for Daniel, emphasizing how much they miss him.
The line “God, it looks like Daniel, there must be clouds in my eyes” suggests that the narrator may be mistaking other people for Daniel because of their overwhelming emotions. As the song continues, the lyrics shift to a more introspective tone. The narrator addresses Daniel directly, admitting that he is older and may still carry emotional pain from past experiences. The mention of scars that won’t heal implies that Daniel has been through hard times, but his eyes still hold wisdom and insight.
The chorus repeats the same lines, expressing the narrator’s love and admiration for Daniel. The poem ends with a repetition of the opening lines, emphasizing the lasting impression Daniel made on the narrator. “Daniel” is a heartfelt song that explores themes of separation, longing, and the depth of a meaningful relationship between two people. It captures the bittersweet emotions associated with missing someone and cherishing their unique qualities.
Who is Daniel in Elton John’s song?
In Elton John’s song “Daniel”, the character Daniel is a Vietnam War veteran who has returned home after being blinded in the war. The poem describes Daniel’s desire to escape the attention and adulation he receives as a hero and instead seek solace and anonymity. He decides to leave Texas and move to Spain, where he hopes to find peace and a sense of normalcy away from the spotlight.
Bernie Taupin, songwriter and partner of Elton John, explained that the inspiration for the song came from an article he read about the Tet Offensive in Vietnam. He imagined a character like Daniel, a war veteran who wants to escape from the hero’s story and find solace elsewhere. The song portrays Daniel as a humble and unassuming individual who yearns for a simple life on a farm. Despite being hailed as a hero, Daniel longs to withdraw from the public eye and live a quiet life.
The lyrics suggest that Daniel’s war blindness has affected him deeply, symbolizing the emotional scars and pain he carries. The poem does not give a detailed account of Daniel’s experiences in the war or his life beyond his desire to go and live in Spain. However, the focus is on his longing for a different life and his struggle with the emotional consequences of war. “Daniel” is a moving account of a Vietnam War veteran seeking refuge from the demands of fame and haunting memories of the past.
Details about Daniel Song
Title of the song | Daniel |
B-side | “Skyline Pigeon” |
Released | January 1973 |
Recorded | June 10, 1972 |
Place | Château d’Hérouville, France |
Genre | Soft rock |
Lenght | 3:54 |
To mark | MCA (USA), DJM (UK) |
Songwriters | Elton John, Bernie Taupin |
Manufacturer | Gus Dudgeon |
About Elton John
Elton John is a famous British singer, pianist and composer. He is widely praised by critics and musicians, especially for his influential work in the 1970s, which left a lasting impact on the music industry. John’s extraordinary songwriting partnership with songwriter Bernie Taupin is considered one of the most successful collaborations in history. Raised in the London suburb of Pinner, John showed a talent for the piano at a young age.
He received a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied for five years. In 1962 he formed the blues band Bluesology, but eventually began a solo career, meeting Bernie Taupin after they both answered an ad for a songwriter. They spent two years writing songs for other artists, while John worked as a session musician.
John released his debut album “Empty Sky” in 1969, and the following year he formed the Elton John Band and scored his first hit single with “Your Song”. During the 1970s he enjoyed critical acclaim with a number of US and UK chart-topping albums, including notable releases such as “Honky Château” (1972) and “Rock of the Westies” (1975).
John’s success continued in the 1980s and 1990s with numerous hit singles and albums. Since then, he has remained active in creating new music. In addition, he has achieved success in composing for musical films and theater productions, such as “The Lion King”, “Aida” and “Billy Elliot the Musical”. John’s farewell tour, “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” (2018-2023), became the highest-grossing tour of all time. His life and career were featured in the 2019 biopic “Rocketman.”
In addition to his musical endeavors, John is known for his extensive charity work in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992, raising significant funds and organizing the AIDS Foundation’s annual Academy Awards party. John was also involved in the world of sport, serving as chairman and director of Watford FC and honorary life president of the club. Having overcome addiction, he has been sober since 1990.
With more than fifty top-40 hits on the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100, including multiple number one hits, Elton John has sold more than 300 million records worldwide. He holds the record for the most consecutive albums by a solo artist in the US. His tribute single to Princess Diana, “Candle in the Wind 1997”, remains the best-selling single of all time. John has received numerous awards, including Grammys, Brit Awards, Oscars, Golden Globes and a Kennedy Center Honor. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998, and in 2020 he became a member of the Order of Honorable Companions.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education