Elton John and Bernie Taupin stand as one of history’s most celebrated songwriting duos, their partnership spanning over five decades and producing a treasure trove of iconic songs. From the anthemic spirit of “Rocket Man” to the heartfelt balladry of “Your Song” and the resilient energy of “I’m Still Standing,” their discography is a testament to their enduring talent. Among their vast catalog, “Daniel” remains a particularly intriguing and often misunderstood masterpiece.
The Genesis of “Daniel”: A Song Born in France
“Daniel” emerged from the 1973 album Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player, an album itself recorded at the legendary Chateau d’Herouville in France, affectionately known as the “Honky Chateau.” Incredibly, “Daniel”, with its poignant narrative and emotive melody, was conceived and laid down in a single day. Elton John and his band, in a burst of creative synergy, captured the essence of the song in just three takes, a testament to their musical prowess and the song’s inherent power. The deceptively upbeat melody that introduces “Daniel” belies the depth and complexity of the story Taupin’s lyrics weave.
Daniel is traveling tonight on a plane
I can see the red tail lights heading for Spain
And I can see Daniel waving goodbye
Oh it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes
Unraveling the Lyrics: Beyond the Misinterpretations of “Daniel”
Despite its widespread popularity, “Daniel” is famously one of Elton John’s most misinterpreted songs. Lyricist Bernie Taupin has clarified that the song tells the story of a Vietnam War veteran named Daniel returning to his quiet hometown in Texas, seeking solace and a return to normalcy after the tumultuous experience of war. Contrary to some assumptions, Daniel is not heading off to a glamorous life; he is retreating from the fanfare and seeking peace.
In the Two Rooms tribute project, Taupin explained, “‘Daniel’ had been the most misinterpreted song that we’d ever written. The story was about a guy that went back to a small town in Texas, returning from the Vietnam War. They’d lauded him when he came home and treated him like a hero. But he just wanted to go home, go back to the farm, and try to get back to the life that he’d led before. I wanted to write something that was sympathetic to the people that came home.”
Originally, Taupin’s lyrics included more explicit references to Daniel’s veteran status, but these were later removed at the suggestion of Elton and the record label, concerned about the song’s length and perhaps its directness. Even without these explicit lines, the lyrics poignantly convey a sense of brotherly love and understanding, hinting at shared experiences and unspoken pain. The lines:
Daniel my brother you are older than me
Do you still feel the pain of the scars that won’t heal?
Your eyes have died but you see more than I
Daniel, you’re a star in the face of the sky
suggest a deep connection and empathy between the narrator and Daniel, adding layers of emotional resonance to the song. The “scars that won’t heal” can be interpreted both physically and emotionally, reflecting the lasting impact of war.
“Daniel”‘s Unexpected Ascent to Chart-Topping Success
Ironically, the very record label that now profits from “Daniel”‘s enduring appeal was initially hesitant about its release as a single. They deemed it too melancholic and lengthy for mainstream success. Their doubts, however, were quickly dispelled. “Daniel” resonated deeply with audiences, climbing to No. 4 in the UK charts and reaching No. 2 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song’s commercial success was further cemented with Gold certification in the US in 1995, followed by Platinum status in May 2018 from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying its lasting popularity and cultural impact.
“Daniel”‘s legacy extends beyond its original release. In 2018, its timeless appeal was reaffirmed when non-binary artist Sam Smith covered “Daniel” for the album Revamp: Reimagining the Songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin. This cover on Elton’s star-studded album introduced the song to a new generation, proving its continued relevance and emotional power across decades.
Listen to Elton John’s “Daniel” and experience the lyrical storytelling and musical artistry that has made it a timeless classic.
Listen to Elton John’s “Daniel” on YouTube
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Alt text for the image: Elton John in concert, passionately performing “Daniel”, emphasizing the song’s emotional lyrics and enduring appeal to audiences.
