Major Tom's brother.

@ThinWhiteAxe

5 жыл бұрын

My thoughts exactly. Whereas Major Tom was a pioneer and a celebrity, Rocket Man was a much more run-of-the-mill character, but they both deal with that same theme of idol/space loneliness.

@liam1558

5 жыл бұрын

Piano man is Rocket man's cousin.

@ramonlopezjr2403

5 жыл бұрын

The brother who’s not a junkie

@tommymarquardt2870

5 жыл бұрын

@@liam1558 their uncle is mr. tambourine man

@liam1558

5 жыл бұрын

@@tommymarquardt2870 lol.

Your videos are great and I thoroughly enjoy them. The song "Rocket Man" was always one I listened to when I was a cross country truck driver. It's a song that a trucker can definitely relate to and the way you broke the song down is spot on. The way you talked about the Rocket Man being in space but missing home then being home and missing space was like a page read from my memories of trucking that I can all too well relate to. These days I'm not able to drive anymore and I miss the road like the Rocket Man would miss space. Thanks for another great video.

@someguy2135

5 жыл бұрын

I kept thinking through this video, that the Rocket Man was basically a "Space Trucker."

@djcartwright424

5 жыл бұрын

@@someguy2135 haha, yeah pretty much.

@bobbyberetta4206

5 жыл бұрын

DJ Cartwright what about Jerry Reed’s Eastbound & down?

@djcartwright424

5 жыл бұрын

@@bobbyberetta4206 that's a different mind set, man. I listened to that song many times running home happy to be heading that way. "Rocket Man" sets the tone for the lonely void between leaving home and coming back.

@djcartwright424

5 жыл бұрын

@Over Under Sideways Down i understand my friend. I have totally blurred vision in my left eye and maybe 50% in my right eye. Luckily i had procedures done in my right eye several years ago that helped to save what vision i have in that eye now. But i developed glaucoma in my left eye in January 2018 which, along with diabetic retinopathy, caused my eyeball to swell. I couldn't get treatment fast enough before permanent damage was done to the optic nerve in that eye. I know how you feel and what you've been through, sir.

Goals for 2019: 1. Get polyphonic to make a Jefferson Airplane video That’s it

@Xx_BoogieBomber_xX

5 жыл бұрын

How about a video about Richie Havens' woodstock performance for the 50th anniversary? The story behind it is really cool, especially how he made up "Freedom" on the fly for his like 3rd or 4th encore, he was pretty much stalling for the rest of the bands to make it to the festival

@ThatOneGuy7550

5 жыл бұрын

Goals for 2019 1. No Polyphonic video, no analysis, no graphics, he just plays In the Court of the Crimson King in full.

@goober4502

5 жыл бұрын

Aptly named... I was thinking of Jerry watching this video. Captain Trips is thee Rocket Man.

@JimzAuto

5 жыл бұрын

That One Guy Or at least ‘in a godda da vida’

@AWormsPurpose

5 жыл бұрын

They on acid, that’s the story

I always thought that Rocket Man was a song about drug addiction, and trying to find a way to balance everyday life with your addictions. But I guess that's one of the beautiful things about music. It can be interpreted in so many ways, and give the listener the experience that resonates most closely to them.

@myloakre4723

Жыл бұрын

Same I was just about to comment the same thing. I had never thought of rocket man as a metaphor for Elton's life so this video was incredibly eye opening.

Always found it amazing how Elton would interpret Bernie's words into musical ideas. Captain Fantastic is a brilliant album showing their working relationship.

@Heavenoid

5 жыл бұрын

Ken Lee Captain Fantastic is, for my money, the best of Elton and Bernie’s work.

@Mythodiir

2 жыл бұрын

@@Heavenoid GBYBR and Blue Moves are also masterpieces.

I don't think you can forget the influence of Bowie's Space Oddity with which it shares the record producer (Gus Dudgeon).

@jlyon1515

5 жыл бұрын

I am shocked that this wasn't mentioned. After Bowie died, Elton even gave credit to Bowie for how Space Oddity helped inspire and make popular Rocket Man, right?

@SharonMacNeil

5 жыл бұрын

@@jlyon1515 Yes, I remember reading that Elton really loved the production of Space Oddity and hired the producer for his debut album

@dannylee5588

3 жыл бұрын

These comments are really good. I feel exactly the same about DB

Polyphonic, thank you so much for all your amazing work. I love every video and get excited seeing you in my notifications.

the real question is: who was william shatner's rocket man?

@Alagboriel

4 жыл бұрын

Of course it was Kirk. He didnt understand the science and Spock stared at him failing to accept.

I could watch this guy do a video on a guy farting in a tuba.... And I'm sure he could blow me away some deep artistic meaning and the genius surrounding it.. Another fantastic video mate cheers from Central Illinois!

Man, Polyphonics videos are probably the most beautifully made on KZread, every video of you is an absolute masterpiece.

This video actually made me cry! I love Elton sooooo much - and I guess it feels so good to see someone appreciate him, and understand so much about what he was most likely "up to" when creating some of his earlier works. You are incredibly perceptive. Keep up the good work - Robert

I’d love a video on King Crimson sometime!

@francisduco8434

4 жыл бұрын

Wha-

@josemaria1035

4 жыл бұрын

@@francisduco8434 wha-

@reigenlucilfer6154

4 жыл бұрын

YES

@yurinovikov4664

4 жыл бұрын

Wha-

@wspann1967

4 жыл бұрын

wh

I always thought it was about a man dealing with drug addiction

3:20 I love it. You start by describing the lyrics, and then you pass the torch to Elton John's piano.

next do David Bowie Space Oddity or Starman or Life on Mars

@radtech21

5 жыл бұрын

Vol deMort LIFE on MARS would be awesome!

@mariaserrano8239

3 жыл бұрын

Or queens ‘39

I just saw him in Jacksonville, and man did he put on a show. For a guy of 71 years, he is incredible even to this day. The set list he performed had just as much, if not more, energy and emotion than the actual recording takes. What a legend.

Production Value feels crazy high.

I always took this song as a man struggling with a drug addiction, the lyrics really portrayed that

@smokinsnake42

2 жыл бұрын

Im gonna be highhhhhh

@ExWifeHaver287

2 жыл бұрын

I’d like to hear why you think that because that makes no sense to me

@ELENTE_

2 жыл бұрын

I think the same.. and it is obvious thats the real meaning…

@ericroe8342

2 жыл бұрын

@@ELENTE_ when I first heard it I heard that his wife packed her bags instead of her packing his bags so I imagine the wife leaving him which caused him to go on this drug addiction as a coping mechanism and I also like to mention the part where it goes you can’t raise a son on mars meaning you can’t raise a son with a drug addict and I imagine just him and his son and his son being neglected. The song also says I’m not the same person at home which I interpreted that as he’s a different person when’s he’s on drugs so I’m thinking he’s abusing his son or something. I think my first interpretation of this song is much darker than what the most people interpret it as

Can you please do a video about Billy Joel (not “Piano Man”)?

@mmcleod06

3 жыл бұрын

"Miami 2017" could fit that request and this theme of science fiction well. ;)

Waiting for: -Death grips video -Jethro tull - Thick as a brick video -Father John Misty and the postmodernism video -J dilla video -captain beffheart video Edit: and a video about "clipping - Splendor & misery" about cosmic horror.

@griffinbatcheller8659

5 жыл бұрын

I want that clipping video so bad

@ThatOneGuy7550

5 жыл бұрын

Would love a video on FJM, Death Grips and J Dilla

@goober4502

5 жыл бұрын

Interested in a beefheart, not gonna lie

@brokenacoustic

5 жыл бұрын

Death Grips would be a great choice.

@Polyphonic

5 жыл бұрын

One of these artists is next week's video.

Love your channel Polyphonic! Your videos make me listen to old songs in a new way - your dissection never destroys the songs, it only ever enhances them.

YES!!! An Elton John Polyphonic video!!! Thank you so much!

Elton's backing vocals were provided by Nigel Olsson (his drummer), Davey Johnstone (his guitarist) and the late, great Dee Murray (bassist). The four of them had a sound that, if they had made any songs with as much production, could rival Queen. Such a great backing band. Look to Candle In The Wind for other great uses of their harmonies.

@darkkiss7247

5 жыл бұрын

Or the song Harmony...

@mtthwskdmr2

5 жыл бұрын

@@darkkiss7247 Another prime example. The Yellow Brick Road album is (in my mind, anyways) Elton's best work. It's one of the few albums where I can listen to all of it, in order. Never skipping a song, just sitting and listening. And a double album, no less. To put 17 absolute bangers on one album is incredibly tough to do.

@darkkiss7247

5 жыл бұрын

@@mtthwskdmr2 I couldn't agree with you more. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is a brilliant album.

As a fellow video essayist who makes a good amount of content about musicians, you are one of my biggest inspirations to keep going and to improve the quality of my content. Thank you so much.

I always thought Rocket Man was about a man’s addiction to drugs and being kicked out by his wife because of it, and he wanted to get better but knew it would be a long road and he may not be able to do it. He was lost in the drugs, high as a kite, floating in space.

so glad this relatively unknown artist and song were given exposure by the visionary that is Young Thug /xs

@ineverswag

5 жыл бұрын

Dkmo94 hahahaha

They are one of music's iconic duos

I had heard this song a thousand times growing up. Then one day I got divorced, became homeless, and found myself illegally living in the attic (illegally) of a large house. All I had was my ipod and whatever food I could scrounge from my new job that day. Rocket Man came on when I was playing Shuffle on the ipod and I realized that this song was about my divorce and my situation in that attic. Only Bernie Taupin could write a song in the 70s based on me in 2010. Taupin would do it again with his song "Indian Sunset", but that will be a story for a different video.

@vassilyvodka2638

5 жыл бұрын

Hope you're doing better now. I feel sorry what happened to you

@Gekokujo76

5 жыл бұрын

That's very kind of you. Im doing better now. I live in a home I own and am just a town over from my daughter. I still look back on those times homeless/in the attic as the worst of my life...but there is no doubt that I learned a lot from those times and that the songs I heard all sounded new again in that situation. I miss the earth so much I miss my wife It's lonely out in space On such a timeless flight Mars ain't the kind of place To raise your kids In fact, it's cold as hell And there's no one there to raise them If you did

@vassilyvodka2638

5 жыл бұрын

@@Gekokujo76 I'm glad to hear that brother. It's great that you can see ypur daughter often. You're a strong person that you never gave up. Keep that attitude.

@Gekokujo76

5 жыл бұрын

It means a lot to hear you say that....probably the kindest thing anybody's said to me all year. If I was to say that my daughter and "that attitude" are all I have, that would be an exaggeration. That said, it is no exaggeration to say that, when I didnt have "that attitude" and my daughter, I had nothing. You are wise to see that truth in my silly "Bernie wrote that about me" story...and you are kind for sharing your welcomed/needed words with me. YOU keep that up as well, my friend.

@vassilyvodka2638

5 жыл бұрын

@@Gekokujo76 Thanks for the kind words. I feel appreciated that my words could give you a smile on your face. If you feel lonely i will help you. You can write to me any time any place.

Love the history you bring too your videos. Well done!

I love how amazing the visuals are on this channel, especially since it's about music! Spectacular work, once again!

You should do a video on King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's musical universe (known as the Gizzverse) that is shared across almost all of their albums, and tells stories of rebirth, humanity, the destruction of the universe, cyborgs, and more. Their forthcoming album Fishing for Fishies seems to be continuing the story of the Gizzverse, so it would be perfect timing. Keep up the good work, by the way!

Man, this song is so beautiful

At 15 yrs of age when this was released I never thought of it in anyway as impressive as this. Thanks for your interpretation.

Bro, I will never understand how Polyphonic does it... his channel is like a fucking album that just has banger after banger. Dude keep this up

Amazing piece of work, as always. Thanks for uploading)

Most underated youtube channel ever.

I just listened to this song, perfect timing

@enricomfg

5 жыл бұрын

stupid hipsterdoofus or is it

YOU rock it man!

Some really great editing and after effects in this video!

Another brilliantly done video!

4:48 I always heard that line as "burning all the fuels I never know", which is similar to "all the science, I don't understand".

Always a favorite, my relationship with this song changes over time. Nice video, thanks.

My first tattoo was a nod to this song. Your videos are so incredible man.

I doubt ppl will see this but this song carries a lot of my emotions and memories my parents do the best cover I’ve ever heard and seen

This is such a good channel, still impressed by every video

I really really enjoy your videos!!! 👍

this video interacts really well with philosophy tube's cosmonaut video

Cheers mate, really good video, loved it If you'd like my 2 cents I'd love to see a video about Warren Zevon, so underrated and yet so brilliant, both in music and lyrics in songs like Excitable Boy, Desperados Under The Eaves and/or Roland The Headless Thompson Gunner

This is one of your best videos. You are the rocket, man. ;)

Another great video!

Thanks. Elton John is another of my all-times favorite artists. I think he's also a very underrated singer, as well. As to being on the verge of getting into space again (and this time for real, we presume): we need to make sure we've got nothing in particular to prove, this time. We need to move outward progressively - industry in orbit around Earth, then back to the Moon (to stay), then outward to Mars and beyond. Only by building slowly & steadily - making sure the foundations are solid - will there be any edifice to stand on in the future. tavi.

this video was very beautiful! bonus point for talking about a beautiful song.

I’m officially addicted to Polyphonic videos.

I never even particularly liked this song, always thinking of it as 'that one Elton John earworm', and now ya got me trying not to cry over it. 10/10 job well done.

Brah you're really good at doing this.

Finally a video on Elton, thank you

I love your videos they are always so interesting

Please do a video for Hal Blaine, the late Wrecking Crew Drummer.

Excellent analysis of the origins of and themes in one of the great rock songs. Thank you.

Great video!

I thought that it was about Eltons sexuality. "I'm not the man I think They think I am at home", anyone?

@ZaveAres

3 жыл бұрын

I'm a rocket man lol we know Elton we know

@handsoap3346

3 жыл бұрын

I love your profile picture and agree that such a video would be pretty cool

Dude that ending was great! (Before the curiosity stream ad)

You make the most quality videos of any youtuber

Unexpectedly excellent video. Thanks.

This song puts me there!!!! Genius.

Great video, great song.

Great explanation and song.

Do a series on musicans about their journey and growth from start to finish (or the present) please. All your videos are the best btw.

Being a rock star is a lonely job. Rocker Man! Rocket Man! Same flashy but mundane job. Genius!

Dude, You love music, how can someone can read so much into music it amazing weather your interpretation is right or not it is still great to hear

excellent choice. Now let's just jump- in & blast off! I Love the song btw - Rocket Man. 🚀📀

this was beautiful

This was great. Great, great song. You should do a video on the Kinks too, I'd love to see it. Very underrated band!

This song

Great vid as always :) A Video about Elvis Connection To Hawaii would be interesting :)

*Fun Fact:* Elton John wrote "Rocket Man" as a birthday present for Kim Jong Un.

@mariozamprogno1654

5 жыл бұрын

Friendship Now that’s funny

@BigDaddy-vr2ut

5 жыл бұрын

Friendship, Hardy harr harr

@G0K3001

5 жыл бұрын

Very good!

@auguststormpiper2661

5 жыл бұрын

but Rocket man is from 1972 and Kim Jong Un got born 1984

@dbuck5350

5 жыл бұрын

And the song was written in words by Bernie Taupin first, then put to music by Elton.

What I find fascinating is how the songs hang together musically...yet the individual band members created their own 'parts' of the songs. They don't get a lot of credit for this (except from the fans) but Nigel Olsson, Dee Murray and Davey Johnstone are pretty important in creating the Elton 'sound'. The 'choir' here is the band, singing the backing vocals. According to Elton (and the band) Elton let them do what they wanted, and gave no direction or input...they could do whatever they 'felt'.

Totally awesome ❤️🇬🇧🍾🥂

sweet and short.... good episode

A choir of voices...well, really just his band at that point, Davey Johnstone, Dee Murray, and Nigel Olsson. They really did great backing vocals AFTER booting Elton out of the studio so they could work in peace, haha, usually standing around one mic. They really show it off in Candle in the Wind.

I've actually read that book, I never knew it was the inspiration for the song though. It's a great read!

Some kind of video on Cardiacs would be pretty cool. They've progressed through practically every genre over the course their discography, which has been building since the 90's, and they have the most hardcore and die hard fanbase I've ever seen. Even though I'm not the biggest fan, I could easily call some of their music "transcendental". Their lead singer, Tim Smith, had a tragically ironic cardiac arrest in 2008 that left him with brain damage & dystonia and I think he still lives in a medical facility. Oh yeah, and if you want a quick sample you should look up their video for "Tarred and Feathered" or "Dirty Boy". I think you hit either end of their spectrum with those songs.

It was me. I became a Member of the British Astronaut Society in 1970. Me and Elton used to fly around in my rocket, only it looked like a taxi and Elton was on the radio.

Bernie Taupin is the luckiest man who ever lived. He has churned out lyrics that range from trite to pure gibberish, and then had them placed within some of the most evocative and catchy musical settings in pop history. Even more, his musings were performed with whole-hearted sincerity by one of the most dynamic performers of the last 50 years, both in recordings and on stage. "Mars ain't the the kind of place to raise your kids, in fact it's cold as hell... and there's no one there to raise them if you did." Aren't we all wiser now the Bernie has shared this wisdom with us? I know it entirely changed my child-raising strategy. I hate to bash any successful artist but, jeeesh, Bernie Taupin's success is mystifying to me. Am I the only one?

@ballineunuch663

5 жыл бұрын

W.D. Rhine. I'm glad I'm not alone in thinking that. Bernie is given too much credit for their success nowadays. Gus Dundgeon said it best when he stated there's no such thing as a hit lyric. No one buys a record for the lyrics. If they like the vocal/melody enough, then they'll pay attention to the lyrics.

@WDRhine

5 жыл бұрын

While I am very conscious of lyrics, hence my strong response to Bernie Taupin (and don't get me started on the works of Yes or America - "Alligator lizards in the air"? alligators aren't lizards and even if they were what are they doing in the air?) I do agree that lyrics, especially in pop songs, are secondary features. Perhaps it is a testament to the talents of Elton John that he could have so many hits despite often singing drivel.

@ballineunuch663

5 жыл бұрын

W.D. Rhine I've always thought that Elton had separate primes for different skillsets. For example, I think most would agree that Elton's creativity/songwriting prime was 1970-1976, but I think his vocal prime was from 1978-1983. It wasn't until 1976 when Thom Bell taught Elton how to sing with proper technique. It's too bad Elton handicapped his creativity and voice with weed and cocaine.

@WDRhine

5 жыл бұрын

I'm probably more of an admirer than a fan when it comes to Elton John. His songs were so ubiquitous during my childhood but they were always sort of hit-or-miss to me. For every "Country Comfort" there was an "Island Girl" , for every "Rocket Man" (his peak, I think) there was a "Crocodile Rock" or other bit of fluff. Then, of course, there was "Don't Go Breakin' My Heart" in which Bernie Taupin actually wrote "Nobody told us because nobody showed us", a lyric that I still can't believe a native English speaker composed. In general, I think Elton John had vastly greater talent than taste. Perhaps this was due to drugs but I think the tendency toward schlock was there from the beginning, e.g. "Sixty Years On". He had very talented musicians and producers (Gus Dudgeon, indeed) to help him fully realize his musical vision but someone should have be hired to guard against bombast. This sonic overkill, combined with lyrical underkill (to coin a phrase), leaves Sir Elton without any claim to a song, or songs, that defined his time. He made the radio a better place overall and he (eventually) spoke the truth about his sexuality before this was common in pop music. These are real contributions and I can even overlook the Taupin lyrics. Except when a middle-brow critic like Polyphonic exalts them.

@WDRhine

5 жыл бұрын

Anyone who takes the lyrics of pop music seriously is a fair target, myself included. But I'm not expecting a novel, just coherence. Here's a great lyric: What I like about you, you really know how to dance When you go uptown, jump around, sing about true romance Here's a lousy lyric: Subway's no way for a good man to go down Rich man can't ride and the hobo he can drown. Or For unless they see the sky but they can't and that is why They know not if it's dark outside or light It's just pompous blather delivered with such tortured syntax that it seems like Taupin just couldn't be bothered. Bad work is bad work even when the stakes are low. Especially, perhaps.

My next recommendation is the album Ocean Eyes by Owl City. Even besides Fireflies, every track is a pop masterpiece and each song has a sense of familiarity. Great vid btw!

Clearly its the astronaut from Cygnus x-1

@Sam-oq1zm

5 жыл бұрын

Heh

@user-hh7xw6xu8y

5 жыл бұрын

I love what you just did

@TealScarab

5 жыл бұрын

X-1 is a black hole, I don’t think that Astronaut will come back...I’m very fun at parties.

@CrashfHackergames

5 жыл бұрын

@@TealScarab Dude... Go listen to the songs

@Hevvvyyy

5 жыл бұрын

@@CrashfHackergames ooooh

To me, as a fan of sci-fi, the song is of a space equivalent of a trucker. Flying through the solar system, dropping off supplies to outposts five days a week (Thanks to FTL). But missing his family all the same.

This Song paved the way for William Shatner's brilliant interpretative spoken performance of Rocket Man on television. A highlight that should not be forgotten!

If you haven't yet, definitely listen to the Me First and the Gimme Gimmies version of this already amazing song. A mind blowing take on a classic.

Could you make a video about Buckethead?

Exceptional as always. Please please do Radiohead, The Smith’s, or maybe The Microphones “The Glow Pt 2”

Should do a video on KISS destroyer or Music from the Elder. Both have great stories behind the recording

Is it related to the real life - The Farmer Astronaut ? There's a movie of that name and I've seen it several times and the guy did circle the earth several times and landed back down without being hurt. He used to be with NASA. His father died while he was at the end of his training and NASA said NO you can't go to your fathers funeral. He went anyway and NASA kicked him out so he and his family made his dream come true,and remember he was a farmer. He didn't have 16 million or billion dollars like NASA claim it takes to send a man into orbit, so what do they do with all that extra money? The Farmer Astronaut certainly didn't have the kind of money NASA has, but the guy still did it. Truth !!!

Polyphonic, Can you please tell me how you are able to Isolate the Tracks? As an aspiring musician I'd appreciate your answer. Also, your Steely Dan focus catapulted me into not only "their" skills but yours as well. Cheers!!

can you do audiobooks or something lol your voice is awesome to listen too

It always felt like a traveling salesman analogy to me.

Hey Polyphonic, could you make a video about Nick Drake's Fruit Tree and the idea of posthumous fame which he eerily predicted so accurately. Thanks and keep up the great job.

This song makes hair on my neck stand up, I have always loved it.

First? If so hi love your stuff keep making these great videos I've seen all of your video essays when I first found your channel I binged everything. Now I'm a loyal viewer even when I don't listen to an artist you cover I love learning about their messages and techniques

Do a video on his album TumbleWeed connection. Its some of his best work but was forgotten and many fans don't know about it.