The 17th vlog posting is the eighth track from Elton’s self-titled album, The Greatest Discovery. This track is of course filled with a beautiful string arrangement by Paul Buckmaster that I did my best to emulate on the piano. My rendition is modeled mostly after the way Elton has recently performed the song in his solo concert dates.
The lyric is about the birth of Bernie’s younger brother Kit. This is one of those fantastic Bernie Taupin lyrics that is like watching a little four minute movie. It is just about how nothing compares to the wonderment and excitement of a new sibling coming into your life. The lyric is very insightful and does a brilliant job of describing the discovery of a new brother with words that one would not expect.
Elton’s melody flows through the words like they were written together. The song moves through peaks and valleys that are accentuated by the string arrangement. I really feel that this is one of Elton’s favorite songs to play in a live setting. He always seems to mention what the song is about, no matter how many times he plays it. I sense that he may have a certain attachment to this song because he never got to experience the joy of a sibling.
I hope you enjoy what I have done with the song. As always, thank you for stopping by and please feel free to leave feedback.
Peering out of tiny eyes
The grubby hands that gripped the rail
Wiped the window clean of frost
As the morning air laid on the latch
A whistle awakened someone there
Next door to the nursery just down the hall
A strange new sound you never heard before
A strange new sound that makes boys explore
Tread neat so small those little feet
Amid the morning his small heart beats
So much excitement yesterday
That must be rewarded must be displayed
Large hands lift him through the air
Excited eyes contain him there
The eyes of those he loves and knows
But what’s this extra bed just here
His puzzled head tipped to one side
Amazement swims in those bright green eyes
Glancing down upon this thing
That make strange sounds, strange sounds that sing
In those silent happy seconds
That surround the sound of this event
A parent smile is made in moments
They have made for you a friend
And all you ever learned from them
Until you grew much older
Did not compare with when they said
This is your brand new brother
This is your brand new brother
This is your brand new brother
© 1969 Dick James Music, Inc.
