April 28, 2024 / By Leona Brown
The Emotional Journey of Elton John’s “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues”
Table of Contents
Introduction
Elton John’s “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” is a timeless classic that speaks to the heart of anyone who has ever felt the pain of unrequited love. Released as a single in 1983, the song was an instant hit, becoming one of Elton John’s most successful singles. But behind the catchy melody and infectious rhythm lies a story of heartbreak, longing, and the complexities of love.
The Making of the Song
“I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” was written by Elton John, Bernie Taupin, and Davey Johnstone. According to John, the song was inspired by a conversation he had with Taupin, his longtime lyricist and collaborator. John had just ended a long-term relationship and was feeling the pain of heartbreak. Taupin told him, “I guess that’s why they call it the blues,” and the rest is history.
The song was recorded in the summer of 1982 and features a memorable saxophone solo by jazz great, Davey Payne. The production is polished and sophisticated, with a lush string arrangement and Elton John’s signature piano playing.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” are both simple and profound. The song tells the story of a man who has lost the love of his life and is struggling to move on. He finds solace in the simple pleasures of life, such as walking the streets at night and listening to the rain. But at the end of the day, he knows that nothing can replace the love he has lost.
The chorus of the song is particularly poignant: “And I guess that’s why they call it the blues/ Time on my hands could be time spent with you/ Laughing like children, living like lovers/ Rolling like thunder under the covers/ And I guess that’s why they call it the blues.”
The line “time on my hands could be time spent with you” is especially touching, as it suggests that the man has nothing but time now that his love is gone, and he wishes he could spend it with her.
The Meaning Behind the Song
At its core, “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” is a song about the pain of losing someone you love. Elton John has spoken about the personal meaning behind the song, saying that it was written during a particularly difficult time in his life. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he said, “At the time, I had just broken up with a relationship, and it was a very painful time for me. So, I think that’s why the songs that we wrote at that time have a lot of depth and a lot of feeling in them.”
Despite its melancholy lyrics, the song is ultimately about hope. The man in the song may be heartbroken, but he knows that one day he will find love again. The line “Dreams will pass you by” is a reminder that life is too short to dwell on the past. Life goes on, and there is always the possibility of new love and new beginnings.
The Impact of the Song
“I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” has become one of Elton John’s most beloved songs, and it has stood the test of time. In a review of Elton John’s Greatest Hits Volume II, Rolling Stone called it a “classic ballad,” and praised John’s “soulful piano and strong vocals.”
The song has also been covered by a number of other artists, including Billy Joel, who frequently performs it in his live shows. The saxophone solo has become iconic, with many music fans recognizing it immediately.
Conclusion
“I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” is more than just a song. It’s a heartfelt expression of the pain of losing someone you love, and the hope that comes with the possibility of new beginnings. Elton John’s emotional delivery, coupled with the lush production and memorable saxophone solo, make the song a true classic. Decades after its release, it still resonates with listeners and speaks to the human experience in a way that few songs can.
