How Elton John Wrote “Rocketman”
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In 1972, space exploration captivated the world. With the Apollo 16 mission sending men to the moon for the fifth time, the fascination with space was at its peak. It was during this time that “Rocketman” was released, capturing the spirit of the era and intertwining it with a deeply personal narrative.
Elton John and Bernie Taupin were no strangers to crafting songs that resonated with audiences. While the song was rooted in science fiction, it was also deeply human. The themes of isolation and longing made “Rocketman” much more than just another space-themed song. Instead, it became a reflection of what it means to leave behind the familiar for the unknown.
The connection between space travel and music was not new, but “Rocketman” managed to stand out. It wasn’t just about an astronaut traveling through space—it was about sacrifice, loneliness, and the cost of ambition. This relatability contributed to the song’s immense success.
The Influence of Ray Bradbury
The inspiration for Bernie Taupin’s lyrics came from a short story written by Ray Bradbury titled “The Rocket Man.” Bradbury, a celebrated science fiction author, crafted a tale told from the perspective of a child whose father is an astronaut. The father, torn between his duty and his love for his family, experiences a deep internal struggle.
The emotional depth of Bradbury’s story resonated with Taupin, who was known for his poetic and introspective lyrics. He took the theme of longing and distance and translated it into a song that felt both fantastical and deeply personal. The astronaut in “Rocketman” was not just a space traveler but a symbol of anyone who must leave behind loved ones in pursuit of something greater.
This concept of duty versus personal relationships added a layer of complexity to “Rocketman.” It wasn’t just a song about space travel; it was a metaphor for fame, ambition, and the sacrifices that come with them—something both Taupin and Elton John would experience firsthand.
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A Song Born on the Road
Bernie Taupin’s process for writing lyrics was often spontaneous. Inspiration struck him while he was driving near his parents’ home in Lincolnshire, England. Knowing he had to capture the idea immediately, he drove as fast as he could to reach a place where he could write it down.
The opening lines came to him in a rush: “She packed my bags last night, pre-flight. Zero hours, 9 a.m., and I’m gonna be high as a kite by then.” These words set the tone for the song, blending the literal idea of an astronaut’s departure with the emotional weight of leaving behind a familiar world.
Once Taupin had the lyrics, Elton John brought them to life with his signature melody. His ability to interpret Taupin’s words and give them an emotional voice was one of the reasons their partnership was so successful. The song’s melancholic yet soaring composition perfectly matched the bittersweet theme of the lyrics.
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Comparisons to “Space Oddity”
At the time of its release, “Rocketman” was often compared to David Bowie’s “Space Oddity.” Both songs shared a space travel theme and a sense of isolation, leading some critics and fans to accuse Elton John of copying Bowie’s concept.
However, both Elton and Bernie Taupin denied these claims, emphasizing that their inspiration came from different sources. While Bowie’s “Space Oddity” was heavily influenced by Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, “Rocketman” had its roots in Bradbury’s literature. Despite the similarities, the two songs had distinct tones and messages, with “Rocketman” focusing more on personal sacrifice rather than existential detachment.
Additionally, “Rocketman” was produced by Gus Dudgeon, who had also worked with Bowie on “Space Oddity.” This connection might have further fueled comparisons, but ultimately, both songs carved their own paths in music history. “Rocketman” would go on to become one of Elton John’s most beloved songs.
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A Career-Defining Hit
Before “Rocketman,” Elton John had already achieved success with songs like “Your Song,” but “Rocketman” took his career to a new level. The song became his biggest hit at that point, surpassing the success of his previous work and proving that he could sustain a long-lasting career in music.
This newfound confidence propelled Elton John into an era of musical exploration and bold artistic choices. He became known not just for his songwriting and vocal abilities but also for his flamboyant stage presence and boundary-pushing performances. “Rocketman” set the stage for his rise to superstardom.
The song remains an essential part of Elton John’s legacy. It has been covered and referenced countless times, solidifying its place in popular culture. More than just a hit song, “Rocketman” is a testament to the power of storytelling through music, blending science fiction with raw human emotion in a way that continues to resonate decades later.
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