SONG REVIEW: SKYLINE PIGEON (1972) BY ELTON JOHN
Written by: Elton John and Bernie Taupin
Originally featured in “Empty Sky” (1969) as a harpsichord version and as the B-side to “Daniel” (1972) as the reworked piano version.
“Skyline Pigeon” by Elton John is one of my favorite songs of all time, I love everything about this song – it’s wonderful melody, meaningful lyrics, piano arrangement and Elton’s soaring vocals.The song was originally featured in Elton’s 1969 debut album “Empty Sky” produced by Steve Brown and was actually acknowledged by Elton as the first song he and lyricist Bernie Taupin collaborated on. However, this original version was a harpsichord version and does not sound anything like the famous version we have all been familiar with. The song, for some reason, was never released as a single.
In 1972, Elton re-recorded the song as a piano version (produced by Gus Dudgeon) with his band during the recording sessions for “Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only The Piano Player (1972) and used the song as the B-side of the hit single “Daniel.” The song, however, was not included in the original vinyl album. In 1995, the song was finally featured as a bonus track in the expanded compact disc edition of “Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only The Piano Player.” The lyrics are metaphorical and describes one’s quest for freedom using a symbolic pigeon who wants to be set free after being in captivity.
My love for the 70s, 80s and even the 90s songs is forever.
Thank you for a great review. Makes me travel back in time.
God bless
Thanks Dino! It’s surprising why this great song was never released as a single in the US and UK way back when it could have been a no. 1 hit.
Instead, they used the piano version as the B-side to Daniel. Anyway, we can not re-write history but Skyline will always be among my top 3 favorite songs of all time (along with Terminal and Reminiscing). Reminds me of I Will Survive which was the B-side to an obscure Gloria Gaynor song called Substitute.