Bernie Taupin and Elton John had a unique and highly successful songwriting partnership. Unlike many songwriting duos who write together in the same room, they worked separately before bringing their contributions together. Here’s how their creative process worked:
1. Bernie Taupin Wrote the Lyrics First
- Taupin would write full lyrics without music—essentially poetry or storytelling lyrics.
- He often worked alone, drawing inspiration from personal experiences, books, movies, or historical events.
- His lyrics weren’t tied to a specific melody, giving Elton room to interpret them freely.
2. Elton John Composed the Music
- Elton would receive Taupin’s lyrics and then sit at the piano to create a melody.
- He composed incredibly fast—sometimes finishing a song in as little as 30 minutes!
- He rarely changed Taupin’s lyrics, instead shaping his melodies to fit the words naturally.
3. Refining & Arranging
- Once Elton had the music, he’d work with his band or a producer to refine the song.
- Orchestration, instrumentation, and harmonies were added during production.
4. Recording & Performing
- After refining the arrangement, they recorded the song in the studio.
- Elton John’s performance and unique vocal style brought Taupin’s lyrics to life.
Example of Their Process in Action
- "Your Song" – Taupin wrote the lyrics in 15 minutes while having breakfast, and Elton composed the melody almost immediately afterward.
- "Rocket Man" – Taupin was inspired by Ray Bradbury’s short story The Rocket Man, and Elton turned the lyrics into one of his most famous ballads.
This unusual lyrics-first, music-later approach allowed them to create timeless songs with deep emotional impact.
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