What is Daniel About Elton John Song? Who is Daniel in The Elton John Song?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jun 26, 2023
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Elton John's Daniel Song
"Daniel" is a song co-written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and it was performed by Elton John himself. The song was first featured on John's 1973 album titled "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player." Upon its release, "Daniel" achieved notable chart success. In the United Kingdom, it reached the fourth position on the official chart. In the United States, the song climbed to number two on the pop charts, being held off from the top spot only by "My Love" by Paul McCartney and Wings.
However, "Daniel" did reach number one on the adult contemporary charts in the spring of 1973, maintaining that position for two weeks. The song's popularity also garnered significant certifications. In the US, it received a gold certification in September 1995 and achieved platinum status in May 2018, as certified by the RIAA. In Canada, "Daniel" became Elton John's second number one single, following "Crocodile Rock" earlier in the year. It held the top position on the RPM 100 national singles chart for two weeks.
Additionally, "Daniel" earned John and Taupin the Ivor Novello award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically in 1973. Furthermore, "Daniel" was included in the soundtrack of the 1974 film "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore." "Daniel" remains a beloved and successful song in Elton John's discography, praised for its musical and lyrical qualities, and remembered for its chart achievements and cinematic association.
What is Daniel About Elton John Song?
"Daniel" is a song by Elton John released in 1973. The song tells the story of a man named Daniel who is leaving on a plane to Spain. The narrator watches as Daniel's plane takes off, and despite the distance, they can still see the red tail lights of the aircraft. The narrator reflects on Daniel's love for Spain, even though they have never been there themselves. The song conveys a sense of longing and missing someone dearly. The narrator expresses their deep affection for Daniel, emphasizing how much they miss him.
The line "God, it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes" suggests that the narrator might be mistaking other people for Daniel due to their overwhelming emotions. As the song continues, the lyrics shift to a more introspective tone. The narrator addresses Daniel directly, acknowledging that he is older and might still carry emotional pain from past experiences. The mention of scars that won't heal implies that Daniel has gone through difficult times, but his eyes still hold wisdom and insight.
The chorus repeats the same lines, expressing the narrator's love and admiration for Daniel. The song ends with the repetition of the opening lines, emphasizing the lasting impression Daniel has left on the narrator. "Daniel" is a heartfelt song that explores themes of separation, longing, and the depth of a meaningful connection between two individuals. It captures the bittersweet emotions associated with missing someone and cherishing their unique qualities.
Who is Daniel in the Elton John Song?
In the Elton John song "Daniel," the character Daniel is a Vietnam War veteran who has returned home after being blinded in the war. The song depicts Daniel's desire to escape the attention and adulation he receives as a hero and instead seek solace and anonymity. He decides to leave Texas and move to Spain, where he hopes to find peace and a sense of normalcy away from the spotlight.
Bernie Taupin, Elton John's lyricist and writing partner, explained that the inspiration for the song came from an article he read about the Tet Offensive in Vietnam. He imagined a character like Daniel, a war veteran who wants to escape the hero's narrative and find solace elsewhere. The song portrays Daniel as a humble and unassuming individual who longs for a simple life on a farm. Despite being hailed as a hero, Daniel yearns to retreat from the public eye and live a quiet existence.
The lyrics suggest that Daniel's blindness from the war has affected him deeply, symbolizing the emotional scars and pain he carries. The song does not provide a detailed backstory of Daniel's experiences in the war or his life beyond his desire to leave and live in Spain. However, the focus is on his longing for a different life and his struggle with the emotional aftermath of war. "Daniel" is a poignant portrayal of a Vietnam War veteran seeking refuge from the demands of fame and the haunting memories of the past.
Details About Daniel Song
Song Title
Daniel
B-side
"Skyline Pigeon"
Released
January 1973
Recorded
10 June 1972
Location
Château d'Hérouville, France
Genre
Soft rock
Length
3:54
Label
MCA (US), DJM (UK)
Songwriters
Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Producer
Gus Dudgeon
About Elton John
Elton John is a renowned British singer, pianist, and composer. He is widely acclaimed by critics and musicians, particularly for his influential work in the 1970s, which left a lasting impact on the music industry. John's exceptional songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin is regarded as one of the most successful collaborations in history. Raised in the London suburb of Pinner, John displayed a talent for piano at a young age.
He earned a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music, where he studied for five years. In 1962, he formed the blues band Bluesology but eventually embarked on a solo career, meeting Bernie Taupin after both responded to a songwriter advertisement. They spent two years writing songs for other artists, while John worked as a session musician.
John released his debut album, "Empty Sky," in 1969, and the following year, he formed the Elton John Band and achieved his first hit single with "Your Song." During the 1970s, he experienced critical acclaim with a string of chart-topping albums in the US and UK, including notable releases like "Honky Château" (1972) and "Rock of the Westies" (1975).
John's success continued in the 1980s and 1990s with numerous hit singles and albums. He has since remained active in creating new music. Additionally, he has found success in composing for musical films and theater productions, such as "The Lion King," "Aida," and "Billy Elliot the Musical." John's farewell tour, "Farewell Yellow Brick Road" (2018–2023), became the highest-grossing tour of all time. His life and career were depicted in the 2019 biopic "Rocketman."
Beyond his musical endeavors, John is known for his extensive charitable work in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992, raising significant funds and hosting the annual AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Party. John has also been involved in the world of sports, serving as chairman and director of Watford F.C. and being an honorary life president of the club. Overcoming addiction, he has been sober since 1990.
With more than fifty top-40 hits on both the UK Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100, including multiple number ones, Elton John has sold over 300 million records worldwide. He holds the record for the most consecutive number-one albums in the US by a solo artist. His tribute single to Princess Diana, "Candle in the Wind 1997," remains the best-selling chart single of all time. John has received numerous awards, including Grammys, Brit Awards, Academy Awards, Golden Globes, and the Kennedy Center Honor. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 and became a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2020.
What is Daniel About Elton John Song - FAQs
"Daniel" is a song about a Vietnam War veteran who returns to his hometown in Texas but longs to escape from the attention and fame he receives as a war hero. He decides to leave for Spain to seek solace and a sense of peace.
While "Daniel" is not based on a specific real-life individual, it draws inspiration from the experiences of Vietnam War veterans and their struggles to readjust to civilian life.
Daniel is the central character in the song. He represents a Vietnam War veteran who becomes a symbol of heroism in his community but desires to live a quiet life away from the spotlight. His decision to go to Spain reflects his search for inner peace and a fresh start.
Daniel seeks refuge in Spain as a means to escape the attention and expectations placed upon him as a war hero in his hometown. Spain is portrayed as a place of tranquility and beauty that Daniel believes will provide him with a sense of peace and a chance to start anew.
This line suggests that the narrator, observing Daniel waving goodbye, initially mistakes him for someone else due to the tears in their eyes. It symbolizes the emotional impact of Daniel's departure and highlights the narrator's strong connection and admiration for him.