Your Song oDDBall

David Ball sings unaccompanied.
"Your Song" is one of Elton John's most beloved and iconic tracks, often considered his breakthrough hit. It was released in 1970 on his self-titled second studio album. The song marked the beginning of a long and successful partnership between Elton John and his lyricist, Bernie Taupin.

### Background:
1. **Creation**:
- The lyrics to "Your Song" were written by Bernie Taupin when he was just 17 years old. Taupin wrote the words quickly over breakfast at Elton John's mother's house, where he was staying at the time. The innocence and simplicity of the lyrics reflect Taupin's youthful perspective on love and romance.
- Elton John composed the music almost immediately after reading Taupin's lyrics. The melody was created at the piano, capturing the heartfelt and tender tone of the lyrics.

2. **Lyrics and Theme**:
- The song is a straightforward, sincere love song that expresses the feelings of someone who wants to convey their love but is unsure how to do so. The simplicity of the lyrics, combined with their genuine emotion, has resonated with listeners for decades.
- Lines like "It's a little bit funny, this feeling inside" and "I hope you don't mind that I put down in words how wonderful life is while you're in the world" have become iconic.

3. **Recording**:
- "Your Song" was recorded at Trident Studios in London, with Elton John on piano and vocals. The production was handled by Gus Dudgeon, who would go on to produce many of John's albums.
- The recording is notable for its sparse arrangement, with the focus on John's piano and vocals, allowing the song's emotion to shine through.

4. **Reception and Legacy**:
- Upon its release, "Your Song" received widespread acclaim and became one of Elton John's first major hits, reaching the top 10 in both the UK and the US.
- The song's success helped to establish Elton John as a major artist and laid the foundation for his long and prolific career.
- Over the years, "Your Song" has been covered by numerous artists and remains a staple of Elton John's live performances.

### Influence and Impact:
- "Your Song" is often praised for its purity and sincerity, characteristics that have allowed it to endure as a timeless love song. It has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and is frequently ranked among the greatest songs of all time.

In summary, "Your Song" is a landmark in Elton John's career, representing the perfect blend of Bernie Taupin's evocative lyrics and John's emotive music, making it a beloved classic in popular music.