Bernie Taupin: Lyrical Inspiration

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Academy of Achievement

Film, Politics, Arts, Self-help, Sports, Society & Culture, Success, Literature, Humanitarian, Military, Social Justice, Technology, Podcast, Achievement, Music, Science

4.6 • 943 Ratings

🗓️ 27 August 2018

⏱️ 45 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

When Elton John and Bernie Taupin met as teenagers, they were each talented and full of potential, but together, they were unstoppable. For over 50 years, with Taupin as lyricist and John as composer, they have created many of the most enduring songs in pop and rock n' roll. Taupin describes his decision to leave farm life to pursue his love of poetry and music, and he tells the story of how he and Elton John met soon after, in 1967. He also lays out the unusual and speedy process they have always used to write their songs. And if you've ever wanted the back story to "Your Song" or "Daniel," now's your chance. (c ) American Academy of Achievement 2018

Transcript

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0:00.0	For over 50 years, Elton John and Bernie Toppin have been writing hit songs together.
0:06.0	Elton John, the music, Bernie Toppin, the lyrics.
0:09.7	Just for fun today, I challenged myself to see how many of them I could fit into a minute
0:15.9	and a half montage. Don't get whiplash now.
0:19.9	It's a little bit funny.
0:26.0	This feeling inside.
0:31.0	Marz ain't kind of place to raise your kill. Take me to the pilot, beat me to the train,
0:35.0	to the pilot, I'm gonna sing.
0:38.0	Blue Jean, baby,
0:40.0	LA, lady, I remember when rock. Yeah, Lady Lady Lady.
0:43.0	I remember when Rock was young,
0:46.0	me until they had so much fun.
0:49.0	While I'm outside my future lies beyond the yellow rig around.
0:58.0	And it seems to me you lived your life like a candle and a way
1:05.0	Bally on the chest.
1:07.0	So you're breaking my heart.
1:10.0	I won't go breaking your heart. I want to bring it up.
1:17.0	Don't wish it away, Don't look at it like it's forever.
1:21.0	Oh, don't let the sun go down on me.
1:29.0	Can you feel the love is going down on me?
1:29.0	And can you feel the love tonight.
1:35.0	And I can't just cry.
	...

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