Facing the Unexpected: The Story Behind This Is Not A Drill

Sometimes reality surpasses fiction with unexpected intensity. On January 13, 2018, a ballistic missile alert shook the calm of Hawai‘i: for long 38 minutes, panic and confusion ran high. When it was finally confirmed to be a false alarm caused by human error, another wave of emotions unfolded. 

This real-life event is the basis for This Is Not A Drill, a musical by Holly Doubet, with book by Holly Doubet and Joe McDonough Music and lyrics co-written with Holly Doubet, Kathy Babylon and John Vester, that delves into the human response to the unforeseen, exploring connection, reactions, and redemption. 

Holly Doubet, originally from Texas, studied piano at the Royal Academy of Music in London and also holds degrees in voice and piano from the United States. She has built a multifaceted career: composing songs for the children’s series Barney and Friends, performing professionally as a singer in studios and venues in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, and leading her own band. Her return to stage composition reflects great artistic maturity and a personal perspective that permeates the entire piece. 

Kathy Babylon is a writer and lyricist with a narrative voice rooted in personal memory that resonates with collective truths. Married to keyboardist Guy Babylon (Elton John’s arranger), and mother to Ben Babylon, she brings literary and emotional sensitivity that deeply enriches the score. 

The musical direction benefits from the expertise of Paul Bogaev, a renowned producer and musical director of major Broadway shows. Ben Babylon has been a key part of the process: recording most of the music in the studio, working closely with Bogaev, and serving as assistant musical director and keyboardist (Keys 2) during performances. 

Several cast members of This Is Not A Drill have previously been involved in Aida, the acclaimed musical by Elton John and Tim Rice. Notably, Felicia Finley, who starred as Amneris in Aida, brings her powerful presence and experience to this new production. This connection enriches This Is Not A Drill, linking it to a legacy of celebrated musical theatre and showcasing how past collaborations and experiences continue to inspire and shape contemporary works.

The show is set to premiere this September at the Theatre at St. Jean’s in New York. This musical aims to be an artistic and emotional experience that invites audiences to reflect on how we live, react, and come together when everything seems to be shaken Stay tuned—tomorrow we will be sharing an exclusive interview with Kathy Babylon and Holly Doubet, offering deeper insights into the creation and meaning behind This Is Not A Drill.

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Echoes of Mortality: Death in the Music of Elton John and Bernie Taupin

Death is a recurring and profound theme in the body of work created by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. Their songs often explore mortality not merely as an end, but as a lens through which to reflect on life itself. Through intimate storytelling and powerful melodies, they delve into loss, grief, and the fragility of human existence, inviting listeners to confront and contemplate these universal experiences.

The songs selected for this collection have been carefully chosen to represent the diverse ways Elton and Bernie approach death—from personal struggles and tragic loss to social commentary and existential reflection. The order of the songs is intentional, guiding the listener through a journey that moves from public tributes and historical reflections to intimate confessions and contemplations on mortality.

This progression not only highlights the depth and range of their work but also mirrors the complex emotions and stages we encounter when facing death—grief, remembrance, acceptance, and ultimately, understanding. Through this curated path, the collection reveals how death, in their music, serves as a powerful mirror reflecting the meaning and value of life.

With this framework in mind, we now present the selected songs that exemplify Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s exploration of death and its many facets. Each song is accompanied by its album and year of release, as well as a brief commentary highlighting its unique perspective on mortality.

The journey begins with public and historical tributes, moves through intimate personal reflections, and concludes with meditations on aging and the inevitability of death. This carefully structured sequence allows us to appreciate the depth and nuance of their work, revealing how their music transforms the theme of death into a profound reflection on life itself.

1. “Funeral for a Friend / Love Lies Bleeding” (1973, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road)
The medley opens Goodbye Yellow Brick Road with an instrumental imagining of a funeral, followed by heartfelt lyrics of loss and heartbreak. Elton conceived it as the music he’d want at his own funeral.

2. “Candle in the Wind” (1973, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road)

A tribute originally written for Marilyn Monroe, the song reflects on the tragedy of fame and the price paid by those in the spotlight. The lines:  “Even when you died / Oh, the press still hounded you / All the papers had to say / Was that Marilyn was found in the nude”  highlight the relentless and invasive nature of media attention even after death, emphasizing the vulnerability and objectification faced by the icon. The song mourns not just the loss of a life but also the cruelty that surrounds public figures, making it a poignant meditation on mortality and fame.

3. “Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)” (1982, Jump Up!)
A tribute to John Lennon, reflecting on grief, absence, and the echoing void left behind. The empty garden becomes a powerful symbol of loss and memory. It also expresses Elton’s personal sense of loneliness and disbelief after Lennon’s death, underscoring the deep impact of losing a friend and cultural icon. The song is both a public tribute and a private lament, balancing collective mourning with intimate grief.

4. “The Last Song” (1992, The One)
A poignant narrative of a young man dying from AIDS and seeking reconciliation with his father. Bernie Taupin aimed to "thaw the intolerance of not understanding" through this story, making it a standout in Elton’s catalog. The added line: “Tonight we touched on the things that were never spoken / That kind of understanding sets me free” emphasizes the fragile, precious connection and the release that comes from finally expressing deep, long-suppressed emotions. It reflects the human need for closure and forgiveness, especially in the face of impending death.

5. “Song for Guy” (1978, A Single Man)
A minimalist piano instrumental dedicated to Guy Burchett, a young messenger boy who died tragically. Its understated, contemplative tone serves as a quiet elegy.

6. “American Triangle” (2001, Songs from the West Coast)

Inspired by the hate-driven murder of Matthew Shepard, touching on tragic death and intolerance. The line:  “Looks like a painting, that blue skyline / God hates fags where we come from”  lays bare the harsh realities of homophobia and hatred that led to Shepard’s brutal death. The juxtaposition of a peaceful, beautiful sky with the violent prejudices of society heightens the tragic irony and emphasizes the cruel environment surrounding the event. It’s a stark and painful reminder of the social attitudes that fuel such hate crimes.

7. “Blues Never Fade Away” (2006, The Captain & the Kid)

Reflects on living through tragedy and loss amid life’s hardships, using blues as a metaphor for enduring pain and sorrow. The line: “And how did we get so lucky? / Targets on the rifle range / Who makes the call and who gets to choose?” deepens the sense of chance and fortune amid tragedy, in a life marked by hardship and pain. The imagery of “targets on the rifle range” and the question of who makes the call about life and death highlight the vulnerability and uncertainty that accompany human suffering, offering a meditation on fate and responsibility in an unjust world.

8. “Talking Old Soldiers” (1970, Tumbleweed Connection)

One of the most devastating and lesser-known songs in the catalog. An old soldier talks to a young man in a pub, remembering dead comrades and the life that will never return. Death isn’t explicit, but absence and loneliness permeate everything. The line: “Well, it's time I moved off / But it's been great just listening to you / And I might even see ya next time I'm passing through” adds a layer of poignant farewell and fleeting connection. It captures the bittersweet moment of parting, reflecting the transient nature of relationships formed amidst loss and the hope, however fragile, of reconnecting in the future despite the ever-present shadow of mortality.

9. “Goodbye” (1971, Madman Across the Water)

 A brief, melancholic song that closes the album with a farewell that could be literal or symbolic. The final chord hangs suspended, like a life cut off mid-phrase. The lyric: “Just turn back a page / I'll waste away” deepens the sense of inevitable decline and resignation. It evokes the slow fading of life, memory, or perhaps a relationship, underscoring the theme of loss with a quiet, haunting sadness.

10. “Ticking” (1974, Caribou)
Based on a real shooting story. The protagonist, an outcast with mental illness, kills several people before dying. A harsh reflection on tragedy, violence, and senseless death. The lyric: “But they pumped you full of rifle shells as you stepped out the door / Oh you danced in death like a marionette on the vengeance of the law” vividly captures the tragic and violent climax, portraying the protagonist’s helplessness and the cold, mechanical nature of death. The image of dancing like a marionette underscores the loss of control and inevitability of fate in this grim scenario.

11. “All the Nasties” (1971, Madman Across the Water)
A melancholic and religious piece with an almost funeral-like choir. It deals with guilt, redemption, and the judgment that may come after death. The lyric: “Help them understand / That a full-blooded city boy / Is now a full-blooded city man” suggests a passage from innocence to experience, possibly hinting at personal growth or societal expectations. It may reflect the internal struggle of coming to terms with oneself amid external judgment and the consequences of past actions, fitting into the song’s themes of redemption and moral reckoning.

12. “Have Mercy on the Criminal” (1973, Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player)
A song with echoes of a death sentence. The fugitive’s flight could be a metaphor for imminent death, with a very cinematic tone. The lyric: “Now have you ever seen the white teeth gleam / While you lie on a cold damp ground / You're taking in the face of a rifle butt / While the wardens hold you down” evokes a vivid, harsh image of violence and captivity, emphasizing the desperation and brutality faced by the fugitive. The tension and sense of impending doom create a powerful narrative of struggle against inevitable punishment.

13. “Lady Samantha” (1969, Single)
The lyrics tell of a mysterious woman who appears suddenly and disappears just as fast, while the community watches but does nothing. Some critics interpret it as an allegory of death or a woman who decides to commit suicide or flee the world. Not explicit but surrounded by mystery, disappearance, and loss. The lyric: “Lady Samantha glides over the hills / In a long satin dress that she wears every day / Her home is the hillside, her bed is the grave” enhances the haunting, ethereal quality of the song. The imagery of gliding over hills in a satin dress suggests an almost spectral presence, while “her bed is the grave” underlines the theme of death or escape from life, reinforcing the song’s somber, enigmatic mood.

14. “I Think I’m Going to Kill Myself” (1972, Honky Château)
Mixes an extremely serious topic—suicide—with an ironic, almost playful presentation. The light, almost circus-like tone contrasts with the gravity of the title and theme. The song seems a critique of adolescent hedonism and narcissism but also talks about a fantasy of death as a reaction to emotional emptiness. The lyric: “I think I'm gonna kill myself / Cause a little suicide / Stick around for a couple of days / What a scandal if I died on” captures this ironic tension perfectly. It conveys a flippant, almost mischievous attitude toward suicide, highlighting the youthful dramatics and the performative aspect of self-destruction fantasies, while also hinting at the seriousness beneath the surface.

15. “Someone’s Final Song” (1976, Blue Moves)
An intimate and compassionate ballad where the narrator sings for someone who has just died—without knowing who they were. It’s a simple, sober tribute, almost like a secular mass for someone forgotten. The lyric: “I've gathered dust / Like the dying flowers / And I've drunk myself sober / After hours and hours” evokes a profound sense of weariness and mourning. It paints a picture of emotional exhaustion and the quiet rituals of grief, deepening the song’s atmosphere of somber reflection and gentle remembrance.

16. “The Man Who Never Died” (1985, B-side of Nikita)
An elegant and serene tribute to John Lennon. Mostly instrumental, the title speaks for itself: death does not erase the presence or impact of someone like Lennon. Unlike “Empty Garden,” which expresses sadness and incomprehension, here Elton seems to offer a moment of calm and transcendence.

17. “Emily” (1992, The One)
A soft, nostalgic ballad about a woman who has died, buried and forgotten by the world but remembered by the narrator. It’s a meditation on oblivion, memory, and the value of those lives that go unnoticed. The lyric: “In a cage sits a gold canary / By a wicker chair and a rosewood loom / As a soul ascends aboard the evening / Canary sings to an empty room” evokes a haunting image of loneliness and quiet departure. The canary’s song to an empty room symbolizes remembrance in solitude, underscoring the theme of isolation after death and the fading echoes of a life once lived.

18. “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” (1975, Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy)
A deeply personal song about Elton’s struggle with his sexuality and a suicide attempt. It speaks candidly about salvation and survival, reflecting on how someone’s intervention saved him from death. The lyric: “I never realized the passin' hours of evening showers / A slip noose hangin' in my darkest dreams” reveals the depth of Elton’s despair and the lurking presence of suicidal thoughts. The metaphor of a noose “hanging” in his darkest dreams poignantly captures the gravity of his crisis and the fragile line between life and death that he struggled to navigate.

19. “When this Old World Is Done With Me” (2021, Who Believes in Angels?)
From his latest album, written with Bernie Taupin and Brandi Carlile. Elton revealed the song deeply moved him, and he broke down for about 45 minutes during writing. The chorus speaks candidly about his own mortality: “To be broken up in pieces / Scatter me among the stars / When this old world is done with me / When I close my eyes / Release me like an ocean wave / Return me to the tide” These lines express a profound surrender to the inevitable cycle of life and death, asking for a peaceful return to nature and the cosmos. It reflects a tender acceptance of mortality, embracing dissolution as a form of liberation and continuation beyond the self.

20. “Sixty Years On” (1970, Elton John)
A haunting reflection on aging, loss, and the passage of time. It contemplates the inevitable approach of death and the loneliness of looking back on life. “And the future you're giving me holds nothing for a gun / I've no wish to be living sixty years on” These lines convey a profound sense of despair and resignation toward a future that feels bleak and threatening. The lyric expresses a wish to escape prolonged suffering or stagnation, highlighting the emotional weight of confronting mortality and the loss of hope.

In conclusion, studying Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s treatment of death has shown how deeply and thoughtfully they explore this universal theme. Their songs transform death from an end into a reflection on life, grief, memory, and acceptance.

This collection reveals a journey through diverse emotions—from public tribute to intimate confession—offering insight and compassion. Ultimately, their music teaches us that facing death helps us understand and value life more deeply. Specially when it comes from Bernie’s lyrics…

Picture Created and Courtesy of Júlia, 11 years old

An Interview with the Interviewer

As someone who usually tells stories and shares perspectives through my own space, it felt both strange and exciting to suddenly find myself on the other side of the conversation. This time, I was the one being interviewed by Robson Vianna for Elton John’s Pics—a blog that has become an essential stop for anyone interested in Elton John’s career.

Robson Vianna is a passionate music journalist and curator, known for his insightful coverage of Elton John’s career on Elton John’s Pics. A devoted fan since 1973, Robson has dedicated decades to exploring Elton’s music, performances, and legacy. He shares digital recordings, photographs, and historical documents, often highlighting rare or little-known moments from Elton’s career. Beyond collecting and archiving, Robson is committed to preserving musical history, restoring rare interviews and live performances, and making them accessible to fans worldwide. He collaborates with other enthusiasts through various projects on platforms like YouTube and AllMyLinks, creating spaces where memories, stories, and perspectives converge.

Currently, Robson is working on “The Illustrated Elton John Timeline”, a project that provides a chronological and illustrated overview of Elton’s career, covering tours, albums, media appearances, and significant events. He also continues to animate and share iconic photographs of Elton, bringing legendary images to life and preserving the artist’s rich history for fans around the world.

His deep knowledge of Elton’s work, combined with his dedication to the fan community, has made him a respected figure among collectors, historians, and devoted fans alike.

During our conversation, Robson and I explored the Eltonjohnallsongslist blog’s journey, from its beginnings as a simple passion project to its growth into a central hub for fans worldwide. We discussed some of the most memorable and rare songs and recordings featured on the site, the stories behind their discovery, and the personal significance they hold. I reflected on the incredible fan community, sharing moments when people connected over memories, rare collectibles, and personal anecdotes related to Elton’s career. One of the most fascinating aspects we discussed was how collaborations with other fans often uncover unexpected stories and deepen connections within the community. We also touched on the joys and challenges of maintaining the blog while keeping it a trusted and engaging space for everyone involved.

That's on:

Elton John Pictures: An Essential Blog on Elton John’s Career: A Conversation with Miguel Sala of Elton John All Songs List

One of the most emotional parts of our discussion was remembering those we have lost: Bob Birch, Guy Babylon, and Paul Buckmaster—musicians and collaborators whose work and friendship left a lasting mark on Elton’s music and on my blog itself. There was a section on called “Interview with the Idols” where I had the chance to do interviews with various people related to Elton, and I have so many memories from those conversations. The last one was an unfinished interview with Paul Buckmaster—his passing shocked me deeply. He was a great person and always so kind to me. We went through his origins, his influences… Other painful and heartfelt losses were those of Bob Birch and Guy Babylon, both of whom had contributed to my blog. Birch, for instance, once told me how much he admired the work of the late Dee Murray.

Looking ahead, I shared with Robson my excitement about the Eltonjohnallsongslist blog’s future. Plans include new segments, more interaction with the Eltonites, and a stronger focus on collecting and preserving rare Elton-related items in the Re-collecting section. The blog will also continue to highlight talented musicians who have worked with Elton and Bernie, through the Interview with the Idols section, and follow the Adventures of Jack Rabbit series to explore and share unique stories. Beyond these, I have a feeling that something significant is emerging with Elton John, and while I’m taking it step by step, I’m confident that exciting surprises are yet to come. Above all, I remain deeply grateful for the connections, stories, and trust of all those who have collaborated with the blog—without them, none of this would be possible.

The conversation allowed me to revisit my blog’s milestones, consider its future direction, and appreciate the generosity and passion of the Elton fan family—how connections grow naturally, and how stories gain depth when shared. Being in conversation with Robson reminded me that interviews are never just about questions and answers—they are about connection, perspective, and the chance to see your own work through someone else’s eyes. That’s what made this moment truly special: an interview with the interviewer, and an opportunity to tell my story in a new light.

The C-O-M-E-B-A-C-K

 

C-O-M-E-B-A-C-K. It’s not just a word, it’s a chain, a process, an ordered sequence of events and growth that brings me back here, to my passion for the All Songs List blog. That’s why I write each letter separated, with hyphens: because every step has had its moment, its importance, and together they form this C-O-M-E-B-A-C-K I’m announcing today.

After five years of pause due to a personal lapse, I return with more strength and a fresh perspective, inspired also by the Elton John of today. We have witnessed the Farewell Tour, marking the end of a spectacular and emotional era for him and his Eltonites. But the Elton John I know now is more than an ending: he’s an artist who keeps growing, reinventing himself through a few but very meaningful collaborations, and preparing new projects that keep his legacy alive.

The blog www.eltonjohnallsongslist.blogspot.com.es is my space to follow this journey, to collect, analyze, and share his entire body of work—from the classics to these new stages—always with the same passion and rigor. At All Songs List, our Comitee d’Experts ensures depth and accuracy across diverse sections—interviews, curious research, and what I call Forth of a Kind: exclusive collaborations with renowned writers offering fresh, original insights.

And as part of this C-O-M-E-B-A-C-K, I’m thrilled to announce that soon I’ll be hosting the creators of the new Broadway musical This Is Not a Drill. A visit that symbolizes this chain of important moments and that I want to share exclusively with all of you.

Thank you for being here, for waiting, and for being part of this journey. This is just the beginning of a new chapter, full of music, stories, and emotions.

Stay tuned for exclusive interviews, deep dives into Elton’s timeless songs, and all the latest news about his ongoing projects and collaborations.

Welcome to my C-O-M-E-B-A-C-K. Let’s get started!

Picture: At Madison Square Garden, October 2018 – witnessing Elton's Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. A moment that stayed with me... and now leads me to this C-O-M-E-B-A-C-K.

Elton John in the 21st Century: 25 Songs That Reinvent a Legend

Few artists have managed to remain as culturally and musically relevant across decades as Elton John. In the 21st century, he has not only released some of his most personal and inventive work, but has also amplified his influence through projects like the Rocket Hour radio show — a vibrant platform for emerging voices and sonic discoveries. His artistry continues to evolve, bridging generations with authenticity, curiosity, and boundless melody. This list reflects Elton John’s most innovative and emotionally resonant songs of the 21st century — highlighting his continued evolution as a storyteller and musical pioneer beyond commercial success.

1. American Triangle
   A haunting ballad on the murder of Matthew Shepard, this stands as Elton John's most powerful narrative of the century. Stark, brave, and achingly beautiful. The lyric “God hates fags where we come from” is not an endorsement but a stark condemnation of the hatred and intolerance that led to the crime, brought to the forefront without compromise

2. Original Sin
   A mature exploration of regret and longing, this track melds soaring melodies with emotional vulnerability. One of his finest lyrical moments post-2000. “Oh it's carnival night, and they're stringing the lights around you” paints an image of nostalgia tinged with loss, evoking the haunting glow of memories that can't be reclaimed.

3. Finish Line (feat. Stevie Wonder)
   This collaboration shines with gospel-infused soul and healing. A highlight from The Lockdown Sessions, both vocally and spiritually uplifting. “Been to the bottom where the angels cry / Thought it had all been, all for nothing” evokes a personal reckoning with pain and perseverance — a quiet testament to survival and redemption.

4. Cold Heart (PNAU Remix) (feat. Dua Lipa)
   A pop triumph blending Elton’s classics into a fresh, modern hit. Its international success reintroduced his work to a new generation, bridging past and present with infectious style.

5. The Rose of Laura Nyro
   An elegant tribute to one of Elton’s key inspirations. Lyrically lush, it captures Nyro’s essence with warmth and reverence. The line “A sign inside the times / It's a poison pen they're pushing” reflects on media pressure and the commodification of art, while defending the creative freedom and integrity Nyro embodied.

6. Weight of the World
   Contemplative and personal, this track explores emotional burden with grace. A deeply felt and underrated gem. “When we fell, we got up / And crawled out the cracks” symbolizes the human capacity to overcome adversity and find strength to keep going despite setbacks.

7. Oscar Wilde Goes Out
   Literary, ironic, and theatrical, this song imagines Wilde on his last night in Paris. A queer, poetic highlight from The Diving Board. “Felt like the head of John the Baptist / In the arms of Salome” references the biblical story where John the Baptist was beheaded at Salome’s request, symbolizing Wilde’s vulnerability and cruel punishment in a world that rejected him. The line conveys the complex feeling of being a victim of seductive and destructive betrayal, reflecting Wilde’s life marked by persecution and ostracism.

8. I Want Love
   A minimalist ballad of aching sincerity. Elton strips things back to bare essentials, revealing a raw and resonant core. The chorus line “I want love, but it’s impossible” pulses with bruised longing.

9. (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again
   Written for Rocketman, this Oscar-winning anthem of self-love fuses retro soul with fresh joy. Infectious and affirming.  The line “A whispered word emergin' from a tale / My wake-up call to claim the cursed spell” suggests a subtle revelation arising from a past story or experience — an almost imperceptible yet crucial voice that awakens consciousness.

10. This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore
    Autobiographical and elegiac, this track addresses fading fame and self-awareness. One of his most honest late-career moments. “I used to be the main express” confesses decline without bitterness, embracing humility.

11. Voyeur
    Atmospheric and restrained, it peers into inner longings and distance. A slow burner that rewards attentive listening. The line “A whisper in the darkness / Holds more truth than a shout” highlights how the deepest truths often lie in silence and subtle revelations rather than loud declarations. 

12. Electricity
    Originally from Billy Elliot the Musical, this track captures the magic of artistic passion. Brimming with theatrical energy. “I can’t really explain it, I haven’t got the words” expresses the unspeakable force of creativity.

13. Gone to Shiloh (with Leon Russell & Neil Young)
    A civil war elegy told in three voices. Rich harmonies and solemn piano create a deeply historic and spiritual mood. The line “The old black rooster sang in death down that dirt road / His steps in bold, his man of fancy free” evokes a powerful image of dignity amid tragedy. The rooster symbolizes the end of an era and the relentless march of time, capturing the song’s bittersweet tension between freedom and mortality.

14. Never Too Late
    Hopeful yet solemn, this ballad meditates on second chances and acceptance. Quiet, reflective, and full of heart. “It’s never too late to start again” becomes both invitation and absolution.

15. The Bridge
    Lyrically spare and emotionally wise, this ballad finds Elton at his most Zen-like. A subtle but stunning piece. The line “And every one of us has to face that day / Do you cross the bridge or do you fade away” captures the universal dilemma: confronting challenges or quietly fading away. This metaphor of the bridge represents the opportunities and risks that shape our path and legacy.

16. The New Fever Waltz
    A quirky and shadowy waltz that evokes cabaret mystery and lyrical play. A stylistic outlier with undeniable charm. “I was shaking with a fever / When the last good horse went down” evokes a moment of intense vulnerability and collapse — a metaphor for the last stand in a long-fought struggle. The lyric conveys both physical weakness and emotional exhaustion, as well as the dignity of those who keep dancing through devastation.

17. Mansfield
    Intimate storytelling and understated arrangement mark this track. A gentle portrait of a place and its people. “Like a wild pony dancing / Along the wall” is a vivid, sensual image that encapsulates the unrestrained energy of youthful love, flickering in candlelight and shadow. The lyric evokes intimacy and the overwhelming beauty of moments that feel both fragile and eternal — a fleeting love burned into memory.

18. Oceans Away
    A heartfelt remembrance of war veterans, sung with compassion and restraint. Simple, moving, and dignified. “Call 'em up, dust 'em off, let 'em shine” evokes a powerful emotional gesture—an appeal to remember and honour those long gone. It suggests that memory is not passive nostalgia, but an active responsibility: to bring the past forward, let it shine, and preserve its meaning in a world always looking ahead.

19. Home Again
    A melancholic return-to-roots ballad. With its reflective lyrics and soft piano lines, it resonates with quiet emotional power. The line “Just one more time for old time’s sake I'd like to go back home again” captures a universal longing — the hope of revisiting something lost, even if only for a moment. It speaks to the quiet ache of nostalgia and the human desire to find our way back to where things once made sense.

20. Who Believes in Angels
    Spiritual and haunting, this recent track explores belief and transcendence. One of Elton’s most ethereal recordings. “What does it cost to buy your soul back when you die" This line raises a profound question about the price of redemption and the consequences of the choices we make in life. It reflects on the soul, guilt, and the possibility of reclaiming what’s lost, blending honesty with existential doubt.

21. Wouldn’t Have You Any Other Way (NYC)
    An upbeat love letter to New York City. Romantic and nostalgic with a jazzy spark. "Turned up our collars to the chill of the wind" evokes a vivid and symbolic image of adversity and resilience. With a simple gesture, it expresses the will to protect oneself from the elements—not just the literal cold, but metaphorically from hardships and the harsh surroundings. This everyday detail captures the urban reality and the attitude of those who live it, adding authenticity and emotion to the narrative.

22. Turn the Lights Out When You Leave
    Country-tinged and sorrowful, this breakup song is graceful and honest. Elton at his most human. “Turn the lights out when you leave” is a line filled with restrained heartbreak.

23. Eight Hundred Dollar Shoes
    Witty and melodic, this is a satire of vanity wrapped in 70s-style pop. Smart and stylish. The line “We both stepped off a frozen rock onto a burning bridge” captures a dramatic and risky transition, moving from a cold, stagnant place onto a dangerous path consumed by flames. This powerful metaphor reflects inevitable change and those critical moments when one must move forward despite the consequences, revealing deep internal tensions and personal conflicts.

24. Deep Into the Ground
    A meditation on death and legacy. Its calmness conceals deep philosophical undercurrents. The line “But I’ll love these dark, dark hills forever / And I won’t leave them until I die” speaks of steadfast devotion and a profound bond to one’s homeland. It captures a spirit of resilience and acceptance, embracing both the beauty and hardship of a place that holds one’s memories, roots, and identity.

25. Hello, Hello
    Charming and whimsical, this animated soundtrack tune sparkles with innocence. Light but delightful. “Hello, hello, my, my, my what have we here?” invites us back into wonder.

Elton John’s 21st-century work is a testament to his enduring artistry and fearless evolution. Through deeply personal narratives, rich metaphors, and genre-defying sounds, he continues to reinvent himself while honoring the timeless themes of love, loss, resilience, and hope. These 25 songs showcase not just a legend’s legacy, but a vibrant creative spirit still exploring new frontiers and connecting across generations. In a musical landscape always shifting, Elton remains a beacon of authenticity and melodic brilliance — a true icon who invites us to reflect, feel, and dream alongside him. And as he continues to create and inspire, there is no doubt that his remarkable legacy will endure for years to come.