53 Years Ago, Elton John Released the Iconic Song that Would Become His Greatest Hit of All Time

53 Years Ago, Elton John Released the Iconic Song that Would Become His Greatest Hit of All Time Elton John in his new Disney+ documentary Elton John: Never Too Late.Image via Disney+ By  Ryan Louis Mantilla Published 49 minutes ago

Ryan is a lifestyle and culture journalist born and raised in the Philippines. He primarily covers film, television, music, and all things pop culture. Beyond writing, you can find him buried in thriller novels or off exploring the world on occasion. He deeply romanticizes a slow, peaceful life — even though he’s almost always drowning in deadlines (insert skull emoji here).

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To name a signature Elton John song might be a challenge for some, especially for longtime fans. Throughout his extensive discography, the British singer-songwriter and EGOT winner has delivered some of the greatest songs of all time, including “Tiny Dancer,” “Your Song,” “Candle in the Wind,” and many more. Born Reginald Kenneth Dwight, each of his songs tells a story and showcases his musical genius. His catalog spans decades, genres, and eras, yet it still has the power to move listeners across generations. But if we had to name the closest thing the legendary musician has to a signature song, it would be “Rocket Man” — an introspective track that captures John's songwriting talent and enduring impact on pop culture.

Released in 1972 as a single from John’s fifth studio album Honky Château, “Rocket Man” arrived at a time when the singer had already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. His first four albums (Empty Sky, the self-titled 1970-second studio album, Tumbleweed Connection, and Madman Across the Water) were credited with launching him to superstardom. But with Honky Château, especially the sixth track, also known as "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)," he once again proved he could outdo himself. And while his earlier work had already shown his knack for storytelling, John reached new heights with “Rocket Man,” demonstrating his ability to craft a compelling narrative and create what would become a future classic. The song’s blend of introspective lyrics and distinctive piano work not only captured the imagination of listeners at the time but also cemented John’s reputation as one of the most innovative and enduring artists of his generation — and as an influence for generations that followed.

"Rocket Man" Arguably Stands as Elton John's Best Work

“Rocket Man” is a masterclass in storytelling and arguably John’s greatest song. The track, which has amassed over 1 billion streams on Spotify, wasn’t just a commercial success; it is credited with transforming John’s career almost overnight and earning widespread critical acclaim. And you know a song is truly iconic when a biopic about the musician takes its name. Take Bohemian Rhapsody, for example. John’s biopic, titled Rocketman and starring Taron Egerton as the celebrated musician, followed in the footsteps of its namesake, exploring not only his rise to fame but also the personal struggles and triumphs that shaped his music. The film currently holds an impressive 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes — a notable achievement, considering how hit-or-miss biopics can be. What's more, it introduced a new generation of fans to the enduring power of John’s work.

But if there’s one thing that makes the song so iconic, it is its entire narrative. Written by John and Bernie Taupin, the song was speculated by some to be about drug use. It was even thought to be a rip-off of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity,” which Taupin has since debunked. Despite these rumors, “Rocket Man” carries a far more profound meaning than popular speculation suggests, exploring themes of isolation and the human desire for connection. The song reflects the tension between personal desire and professional duty, with some viewing it as a song about the universal struggle of balancing work and personal life. The song was inspired by Ray Bradbury's short story “The Rocket Man,” which is told from a child’s perspective and centers on an astronaut father who struggles with conflicted emotions about leaving his family to work in space.

Of course, as is the case with many songs, “Rocket Man” can be interpreted in multiple ways. Some listeners view it as a symbol of general loneliness or as a reflection on the universal experience of alienation. John and Taupin adapted Bradbury's story into a musical reflection on the costs of pursuing one’s dreams and the emotional toll of being apart from loved ones. This is reflected in the lyrics: “I miss the Earth so much, I miss my wife / It's lonely out in space / On such a timeless flight.” The chorus further emphasizes the narrator’s sense of isolation and longing: “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 burnin' out his fuse up here alone.”

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