Elton John Gets Emotional on Graham Norton Show
Music legend Sir recently shared a deeply emotional moment on BBC’s The Graham Norton Show, where he admitted that he “lost it” for 45 minutes after realizing the meaning behind a new song. The 76-year-old superstar, who has battled multiple health issues in recent years, became visibly emotional while discussing his own mortality and the impact it has on his family.
The emotional moment was triggered while working on the song “When This Whole World Is Done With Me,” written by his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin. As he composed the music, Elton suddenly grasped that the lyrics reflected his own eventual passing, a realization that hit him harder than he expected.
Facing Mortality Through Music
Speaking to Graham Norton, Elton revealed that as he reached the chorus of the song, it dawned on him that the lyrics were about his own death. The thought of leaving behind his husband and children overwhelmed him, causing an emotional breakdown.
“As a 76-year-old man, and having children and a husband, mortality makes you think: ‘How long have I got?'” Elton confessed. “I hope I have much longer than I maybe do.”
The realization led to an intense emotional reaction, where Elton admitted he was unable to continue for nearly an hour, needing consolation from those around him.
Recording an Emotional Masterpiece
Despite the breakdown, Elton channeled his emotions into the recording process. The next day, he returned to the studio and recorded the song in a single take, capturing the raw vulnerability of the moment.
“It’s a really lovely song. I did its vocal and piano at the same time, and I added a brass band at the end because I’ve always loved the sound of colliery bands,” he explained. The addition of the brass ensemble was inspired by his lifelong love for the traditional Cup Final hymn, “Abide With Me,” which had always moved him to tears.
A Reflection on His Life and Legacy
As a global icon, Elton John has spent decades in the limelight, but he admits that he rarely looks back on his past performances. He finds it difficult to watch himself, preferring to focus on the present. However, while working on his latest music video, he was deeply moved by archival footage of his life journey.
“It was a journey from unhappiness and fame to epiphany, happiness, family, and children. That’s the arc of my life,” he reflected. “There were some clips I had never even seen before, and it really moved me.”
Health Battles and Retirement Plans
Elton John’s health struggles over the years have fueled speculation about his future in music. After bidding farewell to touring with his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, the Rocket Man singer has been focused on spending more time with his family and enjoying his retirement. However, his love for music remains unwavering, as evidenced by his upcoming collaboration with Brandi Carlile on their track “Who Believes In Angels?”, set for release on April 4.
What’s Next for Elton John?
Despite his emotional revelations, Elton John continues to inspire generations of fans with his music. While he acknowledges that his time may be limited, his impact on the world of music and pop culture is immortal. Fans eagerly anticipate his new music, and while he may have stepped away from touring, his influence remains as strong as ever.
