Elton John – “Your Song”

Today I watched an old Christmas video of Elton John’s regression through his life and career, back to his childhood and his first piano.

I don’t know if that was truly how he rolled into the greatness he is today, but I’d like to think so, and I want to give a nod to my late big brother who introduced me to his music.

My brother Jonathan had most of Elton John’s music, but his “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” album was my favorite. Jon gave me unlimited access to all that it contained; I wore it out and knew every song by heart by the time it had to be retired. Jon once told me that meeting E.J. was at the top of his bucket list (back before ‘bucket list’ was even a term), and today I’m sad that I never took a moment to write Elton John about one of his biggest fans. I would have asked him if he could meet my brother in person at one of his concerts – John was in awe of his greatness and thought he was (‘was’, not ‘had’) one of the best gifts the musical world had ever received; he would have died a happy man, had he been able to meet his idol.

This also told me just how much my brother loved me, to trust me with one of his most prized possessions, this particular album. I don’t think Jon ever had a favorite, I think he admired Elton John’s talent; Jon would put his music on the record player, and we would listen to it for hours.

So back to today and when I heard “Your Song” by Elton John, my thoughts went immediately to my late brother, Jon. This is my song for you, big brother, this is “Your Song.” I miss you.