Ego (Elton John song)
Encyclopedia
"Ego" is a song by Elton John
with lyrics by Bernie Taupin
. It was released as a single in early 1978, and did not appear on the album that came out that year, A Single Man. The song was however included along with all other non-album material from the time on the album's 1998 remaster.
The single did poorly on the charts, reaching #34 in both the UK
and the U.S.. A music video was made, and was the most expensive of its kind in its day.
was made to accompany the song. It features synthesizers, and even carnival-esque organs, unusual for its time.
The same style of singing was also used on another Taupin-song from this time, "I Cry at Night
".
but was left out. Elton said of the song by the time of its release:
"Ego was just something I had lying around, and I wanted to release it for a long time. Unfortunately, the time wasn't right. It's been disappointing. I really had hoped it would do well because I really liked it. I wrote the song jointly with Bernie Taupin, and we never thought of it as an autobiography until it came out. It's about the silliness of rock 'n' roll stars, and the video film was supposed to show just how stupid rock 'n' roll can be. It's the grotesque side of rock 'n' roll. And it's turned out to be one of the most sincere songs we've ever written."
The song is, as said, about rock stars and their fame which tend to get to their heads. Elton played this song live from 1978 up until 1980. It was also performed at his free concert in Central Park, 1980. The song was not available on CD until 1990 and the release of "To Be Continued...
". Later, in remastered form, it was added to the reissue of "A Single Man" along with four other b-sides from the era.
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
with lyrics by Bernie Taupin
Bernie Taupin
Bernard John "Bernie" Taupin is an English lyricist, poet, and singer, best known for his long-term collaboration with Elton John, writing the lyrics for the majority of the star's songs, making his lyrics some of the best known in pop-rock's history.In 1967, Taupin answered an advertisement in...
. It was released as a single in early 1978, and did not appear on the album that came out that year, A Single Man. The song was however included along with all other non-album material from the time on the album's 1998 remaster.
The single did poorly on the charts, reaching #34 in both the UK
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
and the U.S.. A music video was made, and was the most expensive of its kind in its day.
Musical structure
The song starts with a rollicking piano accompanied by a train whistle, making it sound like there's a train rolling down a track. The song then goes into a steady 4/4 beat, then breaks down and goes to the chorus. Later in the song it goes in half tempo and then up again. A music videoMusic video
A music video or song video is a short film integrating a song and imagery, produced for promotional or artistic purposes. Modern music videos are primarily made and used as a marketing device intended to promote the sale of music recordings...
was made to accompany the song. It features synthesizers, and even carnival-esque organs, unusual for its time.
The same style of singing was also used on another Taupin-song from this time, "I Cry at Night
I Cry at Night
"I Cry at Night" is a song by Elton John with lyrics written by Bernie Taupin. It appeared as the B-side to his 1978 single, "Part-Time Love".-Musical structure:...
".
Lyrical meaning
It was originally written during the sessions for his 1976 album Blue MovesBlue Moves
Blue Moves is the eleventh studio album by British singer/songwriter Elton John, released in 1976. It was also his second double album , and his first album released by his own Rocket Records Ltd...
but was left out. Elton said of the song by the time of its release:
"Ego was just something I had lying around, and I wanted to release it for a long time. Unfortunately, the time wasn't right. It's been disappointing. I really had hoped it would do well because I really liked it. I wrote the song jointly with Bernie Taupin, and we never thought of it as an autobiography until it came out. It's about the silliness of rock 'n' roll stars, and the video film was supposed to show just how stupid rock 'n' roll can be. It's the grotesque side of rock 'n' roll. And it's turned out to be one of the most sincere songs we've ever written."
The song is, as said, about rock stars and their fame which tend to get to their heads. Elton played this song live from 1978 up until 1980. It was also performed at his free concert in Central Park, 1980. The song was not available on CD until 1990 and the release of "To Be Continued...
To Be Continued
To Be Continued... is a 4 CD/4 cassette box set detailing Elton John's music from his days with Bluesology to the then-present day. Four new songs were recorded for the box set...
". Later, in remastered form, it was added to the reissue of "A Single Man" along with four other b-sides from the era.
Personnel
- Elton John - pianoPianoThe piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
, vocals, synthesizers, organ - Tim Renwick - guitarsElectric guitarAn electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker...
- Clive Franks - bassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
- Steve Holly - drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
- Ray CooperRay CooperRay Cooper is an English musician. He is a session and road-tour percussionist, and occasional actor, who has worked with several musically diverse bands and artists including George Harrison, Billy Joel, Eric Clapton, and Elton John. Cooper is commonly regarded by music fans, critics and fellow...
- percussion, train whistleTrain whistleA train whistle or air whistle, , is an audible signaling device on a steam locomotive used to warn that the train is approaching, and to communicate with rail workers.... - Paul BuckmasterPaul BuckmasterPaul John Buckmaster is a Grammy Award-winning English artist, arranger and composer.He began learning the cello at the age of 4 and graduated from the Royal College of Music at age 16....
- orchestral arrangements