High Flying Bird - Elton John (Don't Shoot Me 10 of 10)

[bamf7220]

for my dearly departed and senselessly murdered brother in law 30 years dont make the tears stop when i think about you bro rip

[1cut1]

One of the best of all time.

[TheDiffy9]

how did this guy end up writing crappy love songs for Lion King

[djs61909]

"I thought myself her keeper...she thought I meant her harm" Classic!!

[stuvian]

this song hits me where I live. Thanks to Nalencer for posting it

[manjv5665]

all of us that are of the age that heard Elton John at his best at our formative years are forever hooked on this particular quality.. and today's music sounds like complete CRAP in comparison. I have had that argument with my young nephews. I suppose i have to admit that it's something that can't ever be verified or quantified. We will all prefer the music of our youth.

[bullsnutsoz]

@manjv5665 Yeah; we all have that argument. They are of the brainwash variety who cant use the greater part of their mind. Its been taught outa them for a purpose!

I think the music before the brainwash set in in the 80s was all good, and in all eras!

[jstendor]

Play where to now St Peter... another classic

[guyNbluejeans]

I used to listen to this gem on my Ranger 8-track back in the day. Thanks Much for posting it!!

[ffnjst12]

the backing vocals were superb.....like harmony, this is a masterpiece of the band in their prime

[Puseye2]

Nigel Olson was Elton John's drummer on this set. I saw the Don't Shoot Me tour in Toronto Canada. Nigel Olson was outstanding. The Elton John went "Hollywood" with Yellow Brick Road. Sad.

[meeperkins]

@Puseye2 Also, Nigel had to be one of the best-looking drummers in rock and roll history.

(in my opinion!)

[deejaydan313]

Glad to see such a great song was played in full in the last episode, season 1,  of Californication.

[letsjam100]

This has got too be one of my best. I love this song so much.

[letsjam100]

This has got to be one of EJ's best!!! I love this song, and album

[lsmjan]

Still and always.

[Andy1Emcee]

This is a great album. Some marvelous pop hits here. The underrated tracks of course are abundant too. This song is great and that opening hmmmmm is just magic.

[walleeece]

one of the songs that catapults me back to my youth. back when elton john and bernie taupin wrote some of the greatest songs of a generation. those harmonies still get me. come back 1973!!!

[johhylan]

My sweet baby

[clintonplaza]

I Love reading all the comments that contain "has it been that long". LOL The sure sign of genius and something being a CLASSIC is one having to ask that question. It actually hasn't been that long, you simply have forgotten the amount of time since you have heard ANYTHING this good! Enjoy, as I myself will never forget my mom buying me my first EJ record, Tumbleweed Connection, as it opened up an entire new insight that I have enjoyed ever since. It is called T A L E N T!

[johhylan]

My first album...My step dad gave it to me as Santa on Christmas....Then he raped me...



[totallyout9]

@johhylan sorry to here that

[buckeyesrule10]

This is currently my new favortie song! AMAZING!!!! Sounds like the perfect live song for Elton!

[TheAbbfan]

@voyeurcurioso I also bought this album in 1973 and after playing it when I got it home, this became my favorite Elton song, and still is today. It should have been released as a single so it wouldn't have lapsed into obscurity.

[voyeurcurioso]

I bought this album back in 1973, and always loved this haunting tune. What a pity it has lapsed into relative obscurity. Even Elton himself had to rediscover this song. He plays an enchanting rendition on his 60th Birthday concert DVD, and by his own admission, the band had to re-teach him this song. He referred to it as one of his favorites. No wonder.

[elinorvonzahm]

Used to sneak a listen to this on my older brother's stereo system, until he would walk in and kick me out. It was worth it

[mackdaddy1976]

Classic. Nice Post Hombre

[ottoramsaig]

I'm not crying its just all the dust in here.

[Suuperman5461]

Devmom100, so sorry to hear but grateful at the same time to see that women like you still walk this earth. I've been listening to this song, this album for a long time. I'm really sorry and people like you still give me hope.

[Nigeepoo]

I just broke down and sobbed my heart out listening to this song. I needed that.

[grizzlyhughes]

First time I've heard this song since I used to listen to the 8-track in my room as a 15 year old. What a classic! Nice ending too.

[abc27726]

woah! one of the very few videos i came across with over a 100 likes and no dislikes at all!

very well deserved :)

i loveeee this song

[ljtgal]

One of the best lyrics ever that never fails to touch me..'you bled upon the cold stone like a young man in the foreign field of death'

Bernie and Elton pure magic!

[vradiohd]

The hippie love in meڿڰۣ

bows to the hippie love in you•

¸¸.•*¨*•♫♥ڿڰۣ

ⓅⒺⒶⓒⒺ

[rubystaralways59]

I dont know why this song didnt make it to the charts..I still believe if it was released today..it would make a impact..and stay on the charts for awhile...I also miss the 70's. This was my beloved mothers favorite song.....

[Perfidia4ever]

Una delle perle dell'Elton post sinfonico un istante prima di diventare lui stesso un coccodrillo e ritengo una canzone scritta prima dell'illuminante conversione al rock anni 50 riveduto e corretto: questo è l'Elton che mi piace, canzoni struggenti, forte senso melodico ma mai stucchevole, una spruzzatina di Betales e il testo sempre intriso di profondo senso poetico del Bernie migliore: God bless Elton

[guyNbluejeans]

I used to listen to this great tune in my clunker of a car back in the day, but it always sounded great on my Range 8-track just the same!!

Thanks for posting this vid!!:-)

[reggiesgirl44]

this song is AWESOME!!!!

[tarkan525201]

man i cant believe how many great songs he created these are albums i gotta get!

[TheAbbfan]

Elton's best song ever in my opinion.

[toniswedberg]

@TheAbbfan I listen to this song on repeat for days at a time.

[AVGIRL186]

I love this EJ song. Great one to listen to after a long day...

[modrockersparks]

thank God for youtube/the internet! This Song/Sound Recording Is truly A Work Of Art!!! MY HIGH FLYING BIRD Didn`t Get The Radio Air Play Because Of Elton`s Other So Many Hits(and other Artists) At The Time!! It`s Like One Of Those GREAT LOST SONGS!!!

[davideh11]

brings a tear to your eyes, it is so beautiful

[modrockersparks]

@davideh11 Sincerely, I Can Relate, That`s Heavy Man.  I Mean It, That`s Heavy Man! (the sound recording for this song is so rich).(....In the 70`s, We use to say that all the time,........"that`s heavy.).

[jodal38]

Don't know why he doesn't sing this song on his shows. It's one of the best.

[tabu42]

a very udrerated album

[wolfwhistle07]

@tabu42 not at the time mate I think this album went to Number 1 it was the first record I ever bought...

[rubystaralways59]

@wolfwhistle07 As it was my first album I bought...Love ever song on it....Elderberry wine, teenage idol was some of the top favorites on this album..well of course this song...

[tsardooka]

wolfy was a pop star, opera was pop back then, it was new, where the money was. I suspect that LC has songs that he keeps to himself, that are private. Personal. Just as wolfy did. The main stream was just a job. And if a job is worth doing.............Even a genius needs to be fed, imagine what's on the menu without the profit motive. Time for Elton to give Reg a go.

[mizofan]

This song is one of the great hidden treasures, should be as famous as Your Song, Daniel and the rest. Most people aren't aware of just how many great songs Elton has done- unfortunately some of his biggest hits have been very far from his best, so for all his fame in some ways he's an unknown master! I'm hopeful the new album The Union with Leon Russell will further restore his critical reputation, the reviews i've seen so far have been excellent.

[MisterEvasion]

@mizofan - A good point. His early work is still available off the shelf, but it might as well be out of print. Time has unfairly obscured these great songs I used to enjoy as well as many other people who had these albums during that generation. After he had a long haitus around 1977-1978, he resumed his career with some weak output and never quite recaptured the interesting work of those fine early albums.

[mizofan]

@MisterEvasion Yes, he came to some sort of crossroads after Blue Moves in 76 and took a wrong turn, it was strange, that decline in his songwriting- a combination of drugs, the reaction to coming out as bisexual, being almost too prolific before? The amount of great compositions from 70-6 was incredible. But there have been some good albums and excellent songs in recent years and i love The Union.

[187lilcashh]

@mizofan excellent observation kudos to you

[arisarastuart]

Features in an episode of TV series Californication. Fantastic song !

[lindzable]

love it

[kelses1]

OH MY GAWD!! I have been looking for this song for a long long time!!! Simply my all time favorite song not sure why just is!

[tsardooka]

u can't do n e better

[rjmendera]

the incredible sir elton ....yes sir ...the early stuff was magic!! rjm

[ncf1]

songs like this... absolute gorgeous, timeless classic that will tragically never be heard by most, hopefully someday a lot of Elton's "undiscovered" masterpieces such as this will be heard.

[jjacintoful]

Elton has had piles of great songs that have never been played on the radio. They only play the same 4 or 5 songs.....year after year....decade after decade. Crocadile Rock, Candle in the Wind(always the live version......which pales in comparison to the studio version), Bennie and the Jets. He probable had 100 songs that are better than these songs.....that haven't been play at all. Therefore there are huge masses of people who are only familiar with those songs. Pitty, pitty.

[karmangal]

@jjacintoful ~~ I totally agree! I can't believe that Lion King song gets played so much. And Benny and the Jets....come on people! There's so much Elton has and yet only a pittance gets played commercially. It really is a pity and a damn shame.

[florianska6]

@jjacintoful

Well said, I fully agree with you.

Actually I think that it is his best songs which are ignored - for example "High Flying Bird"

florianska6

florianska6

[guyNbluejeans]

@jjacintoful Yup.

[qquark99]

i have often wondered what the words mean. nearest i can guess is that he had a lover who left him because she thought he meant her harm. and even though he keeps saying he couldnt do her harm he kills her, or at least finds her dead and bleeding.

[ricorreze]

one of those magic songs that bridges us to the real home beyond...

[321SYC]

Great music and lyrics, not like the crap that's out there today.

[mizofan]

Magnificent song, should have been a single, would have been a bit hit along with Daniel and Crocodile Rock from the album

[gleemen]

This is one of Elton and Bernie's best! The melody and words often bring tears to my eyes.

[mikedo6]

Nitemoovs..ditto for me.

[ATamandua]

This album was such a wonderful precursor to "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", Elton's Magnum Opus. And this SONG...it always seemed to me to be Elton and Bernie's creation of an "older sister" to "Goodbye Norma Jean".

Honestly, I'd be surprised if this song didn't help inspire the later one...

[nitemoovs]

I had this album when I was 14. The cover was so cool. This and Blues for Baby and Me were my faviurites

[irishpogi]

I loved this song and this album. This song was the one I loved the most. Thanks for posting!

[Greekpeople1]

Fantastic Song :) mmm mmm mmmmmm (8)

[swomac8199]

You wore a little cross of gold around your neck I saw it as you flew between my reason Like a raven in the night time when you left I wear a chain upon my wrist that bears no name You touched it and you wore it And you kept it in your pillow all the same My high-flying bird has flown from out my arms I thought myself her keeper She thought I meant her harm She thought I was the archer A weather man of words But I could never shoot down My high-flying bird

[martinone9]

Beautuful song,anyone know what it's about??

[SteveSparx]

@martinone9 unrequited love

[owenbrough]

@martinone9 The boy has been dumped by his girlfriend and he does not understand why and he still loves her.

[headstock48]

@martinone9 I'm assuming it's about a woman who left the man who loved her. She thought he wanted to control/hurt her, but he just wanted to protect her?

[flormtr1]

This is just another one of EJ/Bernie's great songs. The music fits the words so well. So many tunes like this one never made it big on the charts, but still great to hear. Thanks for posting!! Peace

[statman99]

I still have this album/8-Track. It is one of if not the best album Sir Elton has EVER put out.....

[Mygrassisblue01]

Elton and Bernie hit a bases loaded home run with the incredible foursome of Tumbleweed connection, Madman across the water, Honky chateau and Don't shoot me I am only the piano player. Elton lost a lot when he and Bernie went their separate ways...together they made magic

[torturedej]

Elton and Bernie have written so many great songs it's unbelievable. This is definitely one of them. My favorite songwriting-team.

[devmom100]

to my beloved husband keith, who passed away at age 30 , i will never forget you, i remember you had this cd which was your moms, i dedicate this song to most wonderful man to walk the earth , love your wife and baby deven

[mminer58]

@devmom100 God bless you!

[Paneeks1960]

@devmom100 That was a really nice comment that you left.

[bapakeith]

Defy anyone to find a bad note on this album.

[pmoyer50]

Had to post this after reading that a listener queried about the meaning of the lyrics. First, she wore a cross of gold around her neck. Super religious. And he wore a band or whatever around his wrist that held no name. Agnostic, at the least. High flying bird could be a metaphor for a hard one held high for the girl of his dreams. He thought himself a keeper. Maybe possessive. Who knows? But she thought him to be a little on the dark side. Only my opinion, mind you. Does this help?

[blueberries4ever]

@pmoyer50 Bernie Taupin wrote this as a tribute to Van Morrison. Bernie also leaves it up to listeners to ascertain their own interpretation of his music, but thought I would add what he once said was his reason for penning this wonderful song. "She thought I was the archer" still captivates me after 38 years. Wow, has it been that long....

[pmoyer50]

I used to love driving around listening to this tape. To those who don't like it then ABCDEF them!

[marathonmongoose]

I adore this song but confess I've never quite been able to pick apart the metaphors to decipher what they mean and what the song is actually about. Can anyone enlighten me?

[joelcoates]

I saw Elton in Vancouver about 1973-ish(?). My date had tried to overdose on pills a few months earlier. The song left her in tears, but determined to live. Just a thought about a very moving song.

[spd13062]

"Instead you moved away"...........

[mikeaurand]

whatever. this song reminds me of a long deceased lover who was killed...

[tsardooka]

at the time, elton was considered too commercial, too gay, too much , but as we all look back, the production was superb, not a mistake, done like the professional that he is and was. He surounded himself with the likes of paul buckmaster, nigel, dee, and davy and they all lifted him to where his potential ly.

One hundred years from now they will still be listening to elton, only a handfull of others. a bit like mozart really....

[terrierlvr]

@tsardooka

No more a brilliant musician than this incredible genius. Mozart, and the poet, BT.

[lyleporcher]

saw it as it flew between my reasons-

could not have said it better

[statman99]

By far, EJ's BEST album (Captain Fantastic would be #2). This album from beginning to end is EXCELLENT!!! Thanks for bringing back the memories!!!

[mikeaurand]

I agree, the vocals, arragements and overall production far outweighs Caribou, CF and even YBR in my view

[TanzaniteAlien]

Will we ever see another talent like Sir EJ. His music stands the test time. This is as good in 2010 as it was in 1973. Mystical!

[mactheartofwarfare]

The Greatest Melody Writer Ever In Popular Music

[paul607]

Loved how good his voice was on this

album

[Hot4Hutch]

I played this song over and over. Love his vocal quality here.

[psilvafox1]

Terrivelmente linda esta canção!!! Parabéns 70's and 80's Elton John Band!!! Congratulations, 70 and 80's Elton John Band, for this song!!!

[Perfidia4ever]

Che canzone straordinaria. Sono pochi ad avere la Melodia nelle dita e nel cuore.Elton è il Re del Pop, solo lui. Gli altri sono solo saponette.

[maghetto901]

grande elton

[psilvafox]

70's The Elton John Band was fantastic!!! How they had inspiration!!! Many learned with them!!! Congratulations, 70's The Elton John Band(Dee,Nigel,Johnstone,Dudge­on)!!! Eu era criança e adolescente nos anos 70, mas curtia demais esta turma(Brazilian Portuguese)!!!

[TheMorgaine90]

Elton and Bernie were a perfect pair...this song is proof positive....

[demonsbutterfly]

Wow i haven't heard this for about 30 years. It's still a killer song. This Album & Goodbye are just sublime. What a Band. They all just worked. Reginald never got this close again, but he did get there.

[peanutboy2pro]

reminds me of my childhood. 1997 - riding down the road in my dad's corvette in the passenger seat, listening to our old tapes - tumbleweed connection by elton john - toys in the attic by aerosmith - all the good stuff.

[lompocwillie]

I remember your girlfriend, Whew, good times

[SuperFeralcat]

reminds me of my first girlfriend...and it still hurts.

[KP11520]

Bernie used to write the Lyrics first and give them to Reggie Dwight. Then Reggie wrote the music and arrangement. Then the producer added the finnishing touches on the arrangement and then Elton and band performed it!

Reginald Kenneth Dwight is Elton John. And he is one of the few that can do it this way! Kinda like a Genius/Prodigy! He has so many great songs. I'm not sure If I like Don't Shoot Me or Goodbye Yellowbrick Road best! Maybe there's room for both!

[RhythmUniverse]

"...I saw it as you flew between my reason." What a great line. Bernie Taupin

Yes, Bernie wrote every song with Elton until 77-79.The songs in those years were pretty much crap until Bernie started writing with him again, IMHO.

Bernie also wrote the lyrics for Heart's "These Dreams".

Yup. I'm a fan. ;)

[Datamore]

Beautiful! ......thanks!

[THEREALlittlejo]

I can still remember lying in bed with my HS sweetheart with this song playing, in fact the 8 track kept playing over and over.... Good Ole days... I agree his best album...

[Brandy777219]

This song was featured in an episode of "Californication." I love vintage Elton John.

[paul607]

Thank You for playing this video(song)

I love this album.

[DWaves47]

I'm not sure if everyone knows this but Bernie Taupin wrote of the lyrics most of the Elton's songs. Bernie did't write the lyrics to every song that Elton has played but most of them. According to the credits Bernie wrote these lyrics. FYI

[jhill2704]

one of the most beautiful songs written

[sreisverodoeht11]

great song!

[nanajanamike]

The best song he ever recorded from the best album he ever recorded!

[StenhouseJC]

Elton's best ever - it will live for ever .

[arfurlife]

For such a mixed up guy he sure could pen those ditties. bloody gorgeous Elton!

[lesterwink23]

Great lyrics and an arrangement that'll give you goosebumps...one of his most underrated songs for sure

[biollante62]

My god I forgot about this song..Thanx man

[sbcruiser]

Simply great! Thanks for posting this!

DON'T TAKE TAMIFLU!

[MrAppleby56]

LONG LIVE TAMIFLU!

[VivaLaSuomi]

the best

[TheWickerman48]

Lord how I miss the 70's

[SgtFaggatory]

best elton john song by far, love this song

[steve53london]

early elton albums were the best

[crissxpq]

@steve53london there wa nothing to beat the original e j my high flying bird!!!

[Bartoly]

@steve53london  "are the best"

[fecinny]

Classic ELton (& Bernie)!

[chante7000]

Por esta cancion me converti en un fan de Elton

[odie7]

one that should have been a single, its good enough!

[TinyDancer500]

"I saw it as you flew between my reason"

"She thought I was the archer, a weather man of words"

*sigh* A melancholy tune for me, always made me sad knowing the album was over. Don't laugh, I wasn't even a teen yet, I had a lot of angst! Such a soothing song, thanks.

[vibraharp226]

@TinyDancer500

Funny you should mention the bit about being sad knowing the album was over. I got the same feeling after listening to "Harmony," the last song on GBYBR, I believe. As a boy, I took piano lessons (classical, of course, which is still a major part of my life) but it was the love of EJ's music that prompted to buy his sheet music. Through it, I learned a great deal about music theory, harmony, and chords. No other rock and roll artist could ever have been a better teacher.

[cshowalter]

listened to this song when I was in grade school...remember looking out my window at the Boston skyline and thinking about the cute girl in my class...wishing I could write words like this for her.

[DWaves47]

you can write words like this, just look deep with in yourself. I just wrote something for an old friend last week. Iwas inspired by none other than a Elton John song.

[greeniem]

im constipated??

[rclamb04]

awesome

[luvjohnny]

I have this album stored away with many other

EJ albums. I had forgotten how much I LOVE this song! THANKS! GREAT MEMORIES!

[peterwilliamham]

Thankyou for posting!!! a Class song from a class album 5***** stars

[ChicagoZac21]

I heard this song for the 1st time during the season finale of "Californication"...and I've been obsessed ever since.

[GlassGirl321]

This song brings back such good memories.....

[RatzingerGay]

I have rediscovered this album recently, and thank god it has happened. I've forgotten how beautiful this song was (Blues for baby and me, Texan love song,teacher I need you,Elderberry wine= great songs)

[Pilotpatty1]

It's a wonderful discovery isnt it? His vintage music are pure classics! I'm not a very good singer, but this is one of the few songs of that I can actually sing. EJ is one of the few artists whom I can actually sing to on key!

[RatzingerGay]

I wish i could sing it too, but I can't; my voice is too rough. Congratulations to you. Keep on listening and greetings from Italy

[uclrichard]

i think you've summed it up! this reminds me of being 12 again - all the difficult things and good things...

[mizofan]

One of his top half dozen- should be much better known. Would have been the obvious choice for 3rd single from the album but in those days they weren't so greedy.

[t1ashkabat]

I love this song

[gpmasch]

so underrated

[boilingblacksea]

Timeless.

[sydlivy]

i love this song one of my favorites

*****Sydney*****

[dandon52]

the best song he ever did

[187lilcashh]

@dandon52 hes had so many i couldnt pick one but i do love this gem of a song