Released in 1972 on the album “Honky Château,” “Rocket Man” quickly became one of Elton John’s most iconic and enduring songs. Written by Bernie Taupin, the lyrics were inspired by Ray Bradbury’s short story “The Rocket Man” from his collection “The Illustrated Man.” The story depicts a world where space travel is commonplace, but the astronauts are emotionally distant from their families due to their constant work. This theme of isolation and longing resonates throughout the song.
Themes:
Isolation and Loneliness: The song explores the profound sense of isolation experienced by the astronaut, who is physically and emotionally distant from his loved ones.
Sacrifice and Duty: It delves into the idea of sacrificing personal connections for the sake of one’s work or duty, highlighting the emotional toll this can take.
Duality of Identity: The astronaut grapples with the disconnect between his public persona as a celebrated “rocket man” and his private struggles with loneliness and longing.
The Human Cost of Progress: The song subtly critiques the potential dehumanizing effects of technological advancement and the pursuit of progress.
Overall:
“Rocket Man” is a timeless classic that speaks to universal human experiences of longing, isolation, and the search for meaning in a vast and impersonal universe. Its haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and Elton John’s passionate vocals have cemented its place as one of the most beloved songs in rock history.
… Roll them bleeding tapings The Leslie, the Leslie mic is still on The Leslie mic is still on, apparently Thank you Hey, good one, Jim (hey, good one, Jim) (Next) okay, off we go, lad, take six (I’m still worried about Jim) Two, three, four
… She packed my bags last night, pre-flight Zero hour, 9 a.m. And I’m gonna be high as a kite by then I miss the Earth so much, I miss my wife It’s lonely out in space On such a timeless flight
… And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time ‘Til touchdown brings me ’round again to find I’m not the man they think I am at home Oh, no, no, no I’m a rocket man Rocket man Burning out his fuse up here alone
… And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time ‘Til touchdown brings me ’round again to find I’m not the man they think I am at home Oh, no, no, no I’m a rocket man Rocket man Burning out his fuse up here alone
… Mars ain’t the kind of place to raise your kids In fact, it’s cold as hell And there’s no one there to raise them if you did And all the science, I don’t understand It’s just my job five days a week A rocket man A rocket man
… And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time ‘Til touchdown brings me ’round again to find I’m not the man they think I am at home Oh, no, no, no I’m a rocket man Rocket man Burning out his fuse up here alone
… And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time ‘Til touchdown brings me ’round again to find I’m not the man they think I am at home Oh, no, no, no I’m a rocket man Rocket man Burning out his fuse up here alone
… And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time And I think it’s gonna be a long, long time Oh, I think it’s gonna be a long, long time
