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Post by BiteUrLip on Jul 5, 2019 11:39:34 GMT
Music: Elton John
Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
drums: Barry Morgan
bass guitar: Alan Weighll
lead guitar: Caleb Quaye
rhythm guitar: Alan Parker
percussion: Dennis Lopez
backing vocals: Madeline Bell, Leslie Duncan
No man's a jester playing Shakespeare
Round your throne room floor
While the juggler's act is danced upon
The crown that you once wore
And sooner or later
Everybody's kingdom must end
And I'm so afraid your courtiers
Cannot be called best friends
Caesar's had your troubles
Widows had to cry
While mercenaries in cloisters sing
And the king must die
Some men are better staying sailors
Take my word and go
But tell the ostler that his name was
The very first they chose
And if my hands are stained forever
And the altar should refuse me
Would you let me in, would you let me in, would you let me in
Should I cry sanctuary
No man's a jester playing Shakespeare
Round your throne room floor
While the juggler's act is danced upon
The crown that you once wore
The king is dead, the king is dead
The king is dead, the king is dead
Long live the king
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Post by BiteUrLip on Jul 5, 2019 11:40:13 GMT
One of the absolute highlights from the self-titled album. It's epic.
5 stars.
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Post by rocketman on Jul 6, 2019 18:20:02 GMT
4.5 stars...It gets a 5 from me on Live In Australia, where it is treated to a bigger sound, thanks to the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Elton's intense vocals, and the booming drums of Charlie Morgan.
But this version sets the stage for all that, and on its own is quite compelling, ending the Elton John album in a stately manner as Bernie's lyrics explore the halls of kingship in Medieval trappings.
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Post by Commodore Orpington on Jul 8, 2019 8:46:19 GMT
A candidate for best ever.
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Post by dougs on Jul 10, 2019 2:39:26 GMT
"The King Must Die" from ELTON JOHN:
A powerful song from Elton's debut album (for most of the world - actually his 2nd) in 1970. Supported by excellent production (Gus Dudgeon) and orchetration (Paul Buckmaster) the song was played live frequently between 1970 and 1973 and then again in the late 80s and basically whenever Elton played with an orchestra. The song received a superb arrangement for the famous 1986 concerts in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. In 2008, "The King is Dead" appeared on the remastered ELTON JOHN Deluxe Edition double CD which also featured a beautiful piano & vocal only demo version of the song well worth listening to.
It is both a tender and powerful song. Very dramatic. Great to hear that young voice shining through on this one.
Rating: 5 stars
Doug
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Post by newloneranger on Jul 13, 2019 5:22:26 GMT
Classic Elton, One of the highlights from this album.
5+ stars
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Post by Commodore Orpington on Jul 13, 2019 5:24:14 GMT
Only one problem, EJ's enunciation of "the" as "thuh" at the very end...
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Post by nix on Aug 7, 2019 10:33:33 GMT
5 One of the most dark and dramatic songs ever. Love it.
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