Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long Long Time) (4:42)
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“Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time)” is a song composed by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and originally performed by John. It is loosely based on the short story “The Rocket Man” in Ray Bradbury’s book The Illustrated Man, and echoes the theme of David Bowie’s 1969 song “Space Oddity” (both recordings were produced by Gus Dudgeon). The song first appeared on John’s 1972 album Honky Château and became a hit single, rising to #2 in the UK and #6 in the U.S.
The lyrics in the song, written by John’s longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, describe a Mars-bound astronaut’s mixed feelings at leaving his family in order to do his job. Musically, the song is a highly arranged pop ballad anchored by John’s piano, with atmospheric texture added by synthesizer and processed slide guitar.
“Rocket Man” was ranked #242 in the 2004 List of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Another song called “Rocket Man” (and also based on Bradbury’s short story) was released by the musical group Pearls Before Swine on their 1970 album The Use of Ashes. In an interview in Billboard magazine, Taupin acknowledged that the song, written by Tom Rapp, had been a direct inspiration for his own lyrics.
Elton John performed “Rocket Man” at the launch site of Space Shuttle Discovery in 1998.
The lyrics in the song, written by John’s longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, describe a Mars-bound astronaut’s mixed feelings at leaving his family in order to do his job. Musically, the song is a highly arranged pop ballad anchored by John’s piano, with atmospheric texture added by synthesizer and processed slide guitar.
“Rocket Man” was ranked #242 in the 2004 List of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Another song called “Rocket Man” (and also based on Bradbury’s short story) was released by the musical group Pearls Before Swine on their 1970 album The Use of Ashes. In an interview in Billboard magazine, Taupin acknowledged that the song, written by Tom Rapp, had been a direct inspiration for his own lyrics.
Elton John performed “Rocket Man” at the launch site of Space Shuttle Discovery in 1998.
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Added by robowen11
On March 25, 2007, Elton John celebrated his 60th birthday and 60th Sold Out concert at Madison Square Garden. In honor of this achievement an Elton John #60 banner was raised to the rafters.
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Shouts
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Goodleaf wrote:
thats the good shit
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toto47 wrote:
zeitloser und epischer Superhit aus meiner Jugend, ich liebe diesen Titel!
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Lowbacca wrote:
..sigh
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dancedeern wrote:
da war ich noch so jung - und das war MEIN song.
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sneggyuser wrote:
A great classic from Reggie!!
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DejaBlue4u wrote:
due back on planet earth but the trip was well worth it...thanks EJ
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helptheherd wrote:
i love this song so much
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JohnnyUhrig wrote:
Great Song!
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mrskittycat wrote:
classic - I love this song - Elton John is great
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knooky wrote:
he should of stopped up there!
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MarshAndChris wrote:
Science Fiction Song Fare
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AlexLionH wrote:
Epic song
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hehahi wrote:
love this
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melancholymiles wrote:
This song is sooooo much fun. It's pretty and chill and cool... fantastic!
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ZJ345 wrote:
Such a great song for being nostalgic to.
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dopemoves wrote:
Awesome song that reminds me of my older bro.
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enrico111 wrote:
cool song !
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porkpie75 wrote:
It`s gonna bea long time!!!!!!!!!!!
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mitchn wrote:
Listening to this reminds me how lucky I was to be a teenager in the early '70s.
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davidbowiegirl wrote:
Good song
Elton John
Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long Long Time)
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