Shine on Through
Encyclopedia
"Shine on Through" is a song by Elton John
with lyrics written by Gary Osborne
. The song appears as the opening track on his 1978
album, A Single Man. It was also John's first album without his long-time collaborator, Bernie Taupin
.
structure, sung and written like a hymn. After the first couple of verses, bass, guitars and drums create a slow 2/4 beat that holds in the background with occasional breaks. That arrangement is similar to that of his most famous hit, "Your Song
". In fact, both songs are in the key of E flat.
. Though songs from the sessions were released in 1979, the version of "Shine on Through" that was recorded with Thom Bell would not be released until 1989, when MCA Records
finally released the complete sessions. The Thom Bell version is double the length of the one which appeared on A Single Man, clocking at 7:45.
It was performed on the 1977 Morecambe and Wise
Christmas special as a piano solo.
It was a staple in his live sets throughout 1977-1978, though live performances during this time were rare, as Elton was in a state of semi-retirement from live performance. Like most of Elton's songs from this period, "Shine on Through" has not been performed live since promotion for A Single Man ran its course.
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
with lyrics written by Gary Osborne
Gary Osborne
Gary Osborne is an English singer and songwriter from the United Kingdom.-Career:Osborne was born in London, educated in Switzerland, and followed his father into the music industry at the age of fifteen....
. The song appears as the opening track on his 1978
1978 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1978.-January–April:*January 14 – The Sex Pistols play their final show at San Francisco's Winterland Ballroom....
album, A Single Man. It was also John's first album without his long-time collaborator, 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...
.
Musical structure
The song is reminiscent of his earlier works, with a sole piano and a string section being the only instruments the first half of the song. As many other of his songs it's built up around a gospelGospel music
Gospel music is music that is written to express either personal, spiritual or a communal belief regarding Christian life, as well as to give a Christian alternative to mainstream secular music....
structure, sung and written like a hymn. After the first couple of verses, bass, guitars and drums create a slow 2/4 beat that holds in the background with occasional breaks. That arrangement is similar to that of his most famous hit, "Your Song
Your Song
"Your Song" is a ballad composed and performed by English musician Elton John with lyrics by his long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin. It appeared on John's self-titled second album in 1970....
". In fact, both songs are in the key of E flat.
Lyrical meaning
The lyrics tell a story of a man who's in love; a typical love song. Throughout the song, their relationship is ending. He has "cursed the stars above that lead my heart to you".Performances
This song was originally composed the year before, in the fall of 1977. At that time, John was recording what became The Thom Bell SessionsThe Thom Bell Sessions
The Thom Bell Sessions is an EP recorded by Elton John in the second half of 1977 but was not released by MCA Records until June 1979. The project was a departure for Elton at the time. Up until that time he had worked almost exclusively with lyricist Bernie Taupin and record producer Gus Dudgeon...
. Though songs from the sessions were released in 1979, the version of "Shine on Through" that was recorded with Thom Bell would not be released until 1989, when MCA Records
MCA Records
MCA Records was an American-based record company owned by MCA Inc., which later gave way to the larger MCA Music Entertainment Group , of which MCA Records was still part. MCA Records was absorbed by Geffen Records in 2003...
finally released the complete sessions. The Thom Bell version is double the length of the one which appeared on A Single Man, clocking at 7:45.
It was performed on the 1977 Morecambe and Wise
Morecambe and Wise
Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise, usually referred to as Morecambe and Wise, or Eric and Ernie, were a British comic double act, working in variety, radio, film and most successfully in television. Their partnership lasted from 1941 until Morecambe's death in 1984...
Christmas special as a piano solo.
It was a staple in his live sets throughout 1977-1978, though live performances during this time were rare, as Elton was in a state of semi-retirement from live performance. Like most of Elton's songs from this period, "Shine on Through" has not been performed live since promotion for A Single Man ran its course.