"Tiny Dancer" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" by Elton John

Elton John and his lyricist Bernie Taupin wrote so many great songs over the years that it was impossible to pick a single one for Strong Songs. So, why not do two? Kirk dives into a pair of classics by the storied songwriting duo, talking about Elton's chameleon-like voice, his love of pedal tones and embrace of the circle of fourths, the fascinating relationship between lyricist and songwriter, and what it means for a song to sound "piano-y."

Both songs by: Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin

Album 1: Madman Across the Water, 1971

Listen/Buy via Album.Link

Album 2: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, 1973

Listen/Buy via Album.Link

ALSO REFERENCED/DISCUSSED:

"I'm Still Standing," "Your Song," and "Grey Seal," all by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
"I Want Love" by John/Taupin, as performed in the 2019 movie Rocketman.

NEW THEME MUSIC!

Strong Songs has a new theme song! It'll evolve a bit over the next few episodes as Kirk adds a couple more musicians to the mix, so that should be fun. Hope you dig it.

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WHOLE-NOTE BACKERS:

Caleb Rotach - Chad Barnard - Dan Apczynski - Dave Florey - Sara Walsh

HALF-NOTE BACKERS:

Andre Bremer - Andrew Lee - Arjun Sharma - Chas Lednicky - Earl Lozada - Emily Williams - Fishbones - Forrest Chang - Jaehoon Jeong - James Johnson - Jasmine Fellows - Jeff Dixon - John and Sharon Stenglein - Jon O’Keefe - joujou - Justin Liew - Justin McElroy - Kevin Morrell - Kevin Pennyfeather - Kyle Simons - Max Schechter - Michael Blackwell - Shane DeLeon - Tom Lauer

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💃STRONG SONGS LIVE!🕺
July 11, 2026 | Portland, OR
Buy Tickets Here

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