Elton John Mona lisas and mad hatters

"Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" is a song from the Elton John album Honky Château. It reflects Bernie Taupin's take on New York City after hearing a gun go off near his hotel window during his first visit to the city. The song's lyrics were partly inspired by Ben E. King's "Spanish Harlem," in which he sings "There is a rose in Spanish Harlem". In response to this, Taupin writes, "Now I know Spanish Harlem are not just pretty words to say / I thought I knew, but now I know that rose trees never grow in New York City." A more upbeat sequel to the song called "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters (Part Two)," was recorded about 15 years later for Elton's later album Reg Strikes Back.

Rolling Stone magazine's Jon Landau praised the song when it was released, writing:"Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" shows how much John can really do in the space of a single cut. Using minimal instrumentation and singing one of Taupin's most direct lyrics, John effortlessly reveals the myth beneath the myth of "... a rose in Spanish Harlem." He expresses his involvement with the city, his need for its people, and his final desire to be alone through one of his best tunes, simplest arrangements, and most natural vocal performances.

Elton himself has called the song "one of my all-time favourites" upon introducing it at his 60th-birthday concert in New York's Madison Square Garden.

The song was used in the film Almost Famous, in a scene in New York City, highlighting the loneliness of one of the film's characters.

The song was used in the finale of Life on Mars (U.S. TV series).

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Elton
• John
• Mona
• lisas
• and
• mad
• hatters

[sarabeth73132]

Such an underrated song....it's amazing.

[ChrisDan915]

I think this was one of his best

[Alli8833]

Oh my god, I just love this song soooo much.

[Maxshard]

Another little know Elton/Bernie classic.

[sarabeth73132]

@101796bg  I do now! :)

[101796bg]

@sarabeth73132 you too!

[101796bg]

@ChrisDan915 lol i bet you dont even remember putting that comment up!

[thecheerleaders1]

he really is an idol ..<3

[BryandeRover]

Ik begrijp niet waarom dit nummertje niet in de Top 2000 zit.

[untzpuntz]

@GenieOfBeast your mom.

[sinsel1434]

I listen to this fucking masterpiece on a daily basis.

[floresm951]

name one bad elton john song...............dont worry i'll wait for anyone to answer