With a career spanning over five decades, Elton John has cemented his place as one of the most decorated and beloved artists of all time. John's discography is filled with enduring hits that demonstrate his unparalleled artistry as a singer, songwriter and pianist. Here is our compilation of top 20 Elton John songs that exemplify his talent for crafting memorable melodies and meaningful lyrics.
Top 20 Elton John Songs of All Time
Before going into details of each song separately, we have compiled a list of all the top 20 Elton John in the following table. You can jump to any song details by clicking its name from the following table.
| Sr. No. | Song Name | Release Year |
| 1 | 1973 | |
| 2 | 1971 | |
| 3 | 1970 | |
| 4 | 1973 | |
| 5 | 1972 | |
| 6 | 1973 | |
| 7 | 1976 | |
| 8 | 1983 | |
| 9 | 1972 | |
| 10 | 1973 | |
| 11 | 1973 | |
| 12 | 1975 | |
| 13 | 1989 | |
| 14 | 1971 | |
| 15 | 1971 | |
| 16 | 1975 | |
| 17 | 1970 | |
| 18 | 1984 | |
| 19 | 1973 | |
| 20 | 1976 |
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1. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973)
- Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
- Release Date: October 1973
- Genre: Pop, rock
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
The title track of John's seminal album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is an epic ballad featuring vivid storytelling lyrics and a majestic melody. The song's orchestral grandeur paired with nostalgic lyrics about disillusionment provide a cinematic scope that encapsulates John's musical ambition. Dynamic piano playing and soaring vocals cement it as a signature Elton John classic. The 11-minute runtime gives the song space to unfold deliberately, taking listeners on a melodic journey. Bernie Taupin metaphorical lyricism that compares giving up stardom to leaving the yellow brick road establishes an evocative mood of longing and retrospection.
The sweeping string arrangements coupled with John's impassioned vocals give the song an anthemic quality. The piano builds drama and tension before the chorus provides emotional release. The instrumental interplay between John keys and the string section showcase impressive musicianship. For its grand imagery and poignant sentiments, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road is regarded as one of John's most accomplished works, staying true to his artistry.
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2. Tiny Dancer (1971)
- Album: Madman Across the Water
- Release Date: November 1971
- Genre: Pop
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Tiny Dancer singalong chorus and endearing lyrics have made it a staple that connects generations of listeners. A piano-led ballad, its tender appreciation of a free-spirited woman embodies the spirit of 1970s California. John dynamic vocal delivery paired with sweeping orchestral arrangements result in a feel-good classic. The song unfolds slowly, driven by John measured piano chords, giving ample space to the evocative lyrics. Taupin vivid California-inspired imagery establishes a specific sense of time and place.
The multi-layered vocal harmonies on the hold me closer tiny dancer hook creates a warm, communal feel. As the song progresses, the instrumentation gradually intensifies, with strings and layers of guitar joining the arrangement. John's passionate, soaring vocals in the final minutes turn Tiny Dancer into an epic that exemplifies his powerful delivery. Taken together, the song's celebratory lyrics, melodic craft and dynamic performance account for its longevity as a beloved pop gem.
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3. Your Song (1970)
- Album: Elton John
- Release Date: October 1970
- Genre: Pop, soft rock
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Your Song was John's first major hit single, establishing his signature style as a pianist and vocalist. John's heartfelt performance brings life to romantic lyrics expressing the struggle to find the perfect words to convey love. Backed by delicate piano, the earnestness of Your Song led to global acclaim and became a pop standard. John's restrained piano playing creates an intimate mood that suits the romantic lyrics. His vocal delivery gradually builds from tender verses to an emotive chorus.
The minimalist production keeps the focus on the sincere lyrics and vocals. Touching lines like how wonderful life is while you're in the world resonated universally. The song's simple candor stirred listeners upon its release and continues to be covered frequently. Your Song crystallized John ability to connect through undefensive emotional authenticity - a quality that became central to his music.
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4. Benny and the Jets (1973)
- Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
- Release Date: October 1973
- Genre: Pop, rock
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Driven by John's infectious piano riff and dynamic vocals, Benny and the Jets is an enduring glam rock-inspired hit. With a sci-fi inspired lyricism alluding to John stage persona, the song became a smash upon its release. Its flamboyant yet high energy sound encapsulates John showmanship and musicality. The song defining piano hook instantly grabs attention. As a self-referential track personifying John's outlandish stage image as Benny, the lyrics are cleverly meta.
John's vocal delivery alternates smoothly between his natural voice and falsetto range. The chorus' catchy call and response vocals became widely memorable. While capturing the spectacle of John live concerts, Benny and the Jets maintains pop sensibility through its addictive melody and bold sound.
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5. Rocket Man (1972)
- Album: Honky Château
- Release Date: May 1972
- Genre: Pop, rock
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Rocket Man ingeniously blends folk, pop and rock through metaphorical lyrics comparing space exploration to artistic pursuit. John's self-reflective performance paired with a catchy melody resulted in a breakthrough hit that endures in pop culture. The song's blend of introspective lyrics with sonic expansiveness exemplifies John songcraft. Taupin abstract lyrics equate an astronaut feeling disconnected to earth to John isolation as a performer.
John's soulful delivery paired with a moving melody evokes the yearning expressed in the lyrics. The song builds textural depth with gospel-inspired backing vocals, synthesizers and electric guitars. Rocket Man monumentally showcased John ability to write profound lyrical metaphors delivered through pop poignancy.
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6. Daniel (1973)
- Album: Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player
- Release Date: January 1973
- Genre: Pop rock
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Daniel is a meditative ballad that touches on themes of prejudice and redemption. John subdued piano and vocals and took on the perspective of a younger brother observing the homecoming of a war veteran. As the song progresses, hard-hitting lyrics address the cruelty faced by Daniel's family. John's compassionate delivery humanizes the pain of injustice. The title becomes a protest as Daniel represents marginalized groups ostracized by society.
When the chorus arrives, the simplicity of Daniel, they locked you away sung to a melancholic melody is devastating. The final line Daniel you're a star ends on a poignant note suggesting hope remains. Daniel demonstrated John ability to craft socially conscious folk-pop commenting on complex issues with empathy.
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7. Don't Go Breaking My Heart (1976)
- Album: Single
- Release Date: June 1976
- Genre: Pop, disco
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
A joyful duet with Kiki Dee, Don't Go Breaking My Heart exemplifies John chart sensibilities through an infectious dance pop melody. Its playful back-and-forth flirtatious lyrics struck pop gold, becoming his first number one single in the UK and US. John falsetto harmonizing with Dee resulted in an irresistibly fun, disco-inspired duet. Upbeat piano chords and a driving disco rhythm provide fun danceable energy.
Kiki Dee's soulful yet silky vocals prove the perfect foil to John's smooth voice. When their alternating vocals intertwine in the chorus, it creates giddy chemistry. Lyrics expressing loyalty through ups and downs are elevated by the performers' dynamic chemistry. Coming in the wake of John publicly coming out as bisexual, Don't Go Breaking My Heart resonated as an queer-tinged anthem in the 1970s for its portrayal of romantic joy.
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8. I'm Still Standing (1983)
- Album: Too Low for Zero
- Release Date: May 1983
- Genre: Pop, rock
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
I'm Still Standing persistently pairs upbeat music with lyrics about resilience to create an empowering dance-rock anthem. Propelled by synthesizers and John's energetic piano, the song's mix of defiance and optimism provided a triumphant comeback hit. Its driving rhythm and chant-along chorus make it a staple at live shows exemplifying John's endurance. The pulsing synthesizers and propulsive beat create an infectious dance-pop sound distinctly 80s.
John's powerful vocals alternated between his chest voice and ringing falsetto flawlessly match the rhythm. Lyrics proudly proclaiming having overcome heartache fit the upbeat music. The anthemic chorus provided catharsis for listeners feeling knocked down but not defeated. I'm Still Standing encapsulated John's resilience and invited audiences to share in celebrating inner strength.
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9. Crocodile Rock (1972)
- Album: Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player
- Release Date: January 1973
- Genre: Pop, rock
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Evoking 1950s rock n' roll and early 60s pop, Crocodile Rock reminisces on youth through an infectious dance melody. John pounding keys and nostalgic lyricism resulted in a worldwide smash that encapsulates his talent for fun pop pastiche. With handclaps and a retro energy, the song is a testament to John versatility. John's lively staccato piano playing instantly establishes a vintage rock n' roll feel.
The lyrics humorously detail a dance craze called the Crocodile Rock. Taupin tongue-in-cheek references to old pop culture create feel-good throwback appeal. John's enthusiastic vocals fit the celebratory mood. Coming after his early ballad hits, Crocodile Rock displayed John's capacity for upbeat pop nonsense with mass appeal and cemented his superstar status.
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10. Candle in the Wind (1973)
- Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
- Release Date: March 1974
- Genre: Pop, soft rock
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
A heartfelt tribute to Marilyn Monroe, Candle in the Wind pairs Taupin poignant lyrics with an elegant piano melody. John's sympathetic vocal performance immortalized Monroe through song with sensitivity. Covered at Princess Diana's funeral in 1997, it demonstrates John's unmatched capacity to connect and comfort through music. John's restrained piano accompaniment puts the focus on his nuanced vocals interpreting Taupin evocative lyrics.
When John sings your candle burned out long before, his anguished delivery poignantly conveys loss and mourning. Monroe is humanized as the lyrics detail her inner turmoil behind the glamor. The song swells with an orchestral string section to amplify the theme of love and tragedy. In its devastating emotional clarity, Candle in the Wind underscores John's ability to craft profoundly moving pop elegies.
11. Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting (1973)
- Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
- Release Date: May 1973
- Genre: Pop, rock
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting is a raucous ode to letting loose. John vigorous piano playing and assertive vocals drive the song's relentless energy. Its mix of carnival rock pianos and boogie rhythms showed John early command of dynamic genre fusion. The song remains a concert highlight exemplifying his passionate showmanship. The song explodes to life with John forceful piano chord progression backed by heavy percussion.
His rowdy vocal delivery is youthful and rebellious. Lyrics reveling in the freedom of Saturday night capture a celebratory wild abandon. The honky tonk pianos and rockabilly guitars create an old time rock n' roll feel. As a high-energy track about cathartic release, Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting showcases John dexterity in performing extroverted uptempo pop-rock.
12. Someone Saved My Life Tonight (1975)
- Album: Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy
- Release Date: June 1975
- Genre: Pop, rock
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
A deeply personal song based on John's real experience, Someone Saved My Life Tonight pairs confessional, melancholic lyrics with elegant pop arrangements. John rich tenor conveys honest emotion on disillusionment and struggle. The contrast between somber lyrics and sweeping orchestration showcase John musical depth. Someone Saved My Life Tonight tells the true story of John suicide attempt when he felt trapped in an engagement. His pained vocals vividly depict inner turmoil.
Taupin lyrics capture disillusionment and despair with stark honesty. The smooth transition from melancholy verses to an uplifting chorus provides hope. As John vocals become increasingly powerful, the song builds to become an anthem affirming the importance of compassion. Its candor about mental health resonated as a profound statement on enduring hardships.
13. Sacrifice (1989)
- Album: Sleeping with the Past
- Release Date: August 1989
- Genre: Pop
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Sacrifice demonstrated John continued relevance with its heartfelt power balladry blended with contemporary R&B influences. Touching orchestration augments lyrics on devotion with vulnerability. John's vocal delivery pairs perfectly with the sentimental piano and string arrangements, resulting in timeless pop with crossover appeal. Sacrifice stood out in the late 80s pop landscape for its classical piano ballad format.
John's emotional yet nuanced vocals interpret Taupin earnest lyrics pledging selfless love. The sparse verses build tension that gets released in the sweeping choruses. As backing vocals join during the second chorus, it escalates the soulful bombast. John sings of sacrifice in a way that feels genuine instead of martyr-like. The blend of vulnerability and grandeur appealed widely to listeners' longing for romance.
14. Levon (1971)
- Album: Madman Across the Water
- Release Date: November 1971
- Genre: Pop, rock
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Showcasing John's artistic leap, Levon intrigues listeners with cryptic lyrics of a spiritual seeker named Levon. Dynamic pianos drive the song momentum while vivid imagery creates a provocative character study. John called it one of the greatest songs Bernie has ever written. Its eccentric lyricism revealed John songcraft. Levon pioneered progressive pop-rock through its unconventional musical structures and enigmatic storytelling lyrics.
John's expressive piano playing complements the surreal lyrics. Vocally he conveys Levon internal contradictions through shifting dynamics. The song offers a memorable character while suggesting open-ended meaning. For mainstream pop, Levon was boldly nonlinear and experimental showcasing John creative boundary-pushing.
15. Madman Across the Water (1971)
- Album: Madman Across the Water
- Release Date: November 1971
- Genre: Pop, rock
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
The epic eight-minute title track showcases John piano virtuosity through extended ruminative improvisations. Haunting lyrics in isolation meet John's mournful delivery and restless keys. The baroque orchestration builds cinematic drama that earned praise as one of John's finest recordings. It exemplified his unmatched merger of pop and prog rock. As a showcase for John intricate piano skills, Madman Across the Water contains multiple solo passages with technically dazzling playing.
The repetitive piano motif creates an ominous mood amplified by Taupin dark lyrics. John's voice effectively channels weariness and melancholy. The grandiose orchestral interludes dramatize the haunting atmosphere. Madman Across the Water revealed John flair for making ambitious, experimental pop music accessible through its sheer craft and emotional resonance.
16. Philadelphia Freedom (1975)
- Album: Greatest Hits
- Release Date: February 1976
- Genre: Pop, rock
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Philadelphia Freedom was John's heartfelt tribute to music and tennis icon Billie Jean King. Exuberant piano meets disco strings while John joyfully sings lyrics celebrating the King tennis team. The song demonstrated John familiarity with crafting ebullient pop displaying his characteristic passion and energy. The track bursts with buoyant energy through its vibrant piano melody and John effervescent performance.
Lyrics directly praising Billie Jean King's tennis team convey his admiration sincerely. When the chorus kicks in, it sweeps you up in the song's vibrant celebration of freedom and victory. Philadelphia Freedom embodied John's talent for crafting upbeat pop anthems imbued with joy and positivity. The song radiates a feel-good spirit true to his extroverted artistic spirit.
17. Border Song (1970)
- Album: Elton John
- Release Date: April 1970
- Genre: Gospel, R&B
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Border Song is a soulful gospel-influenced track showcasing John's vocal range and piano playing. Lyrics urging unity and openness paired with a catchy melody resulted in an uplifting civil rights anthem. John's impassioned delivery and bluesy piano solos elevate the song's call for compassion beyond just platitudes. The song kicks off with John bluesy piano riffs signaling its gospel roots. His soulful vocals deliver lyrics with palpable conviction.
Backing vocals chanting Let us live in peace create a communal church-like feel. The uplifting chorus, centered on accepting people across borders, culminates in a triumphant key change. Border Song combined John piano virtuosity and vocal range with inspiring civil rights lyrics. Its gospel-soul sound spotlighted his artistic depth while the resonant message of openness introduced socially conscious themes into his music.
18. Sad Songs (Say So Much) (1984)
- Album: Breaking Hearts
- Release Date: March 1984
- Genre: Pop
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Sad Songs pairs upbeat, catchy pop with lyrics about the catharsis of emotional music. Synthesized dance beats meet John uplifting delivery and arena-ready chorus. As a self-referential song about making sad songs, it demonstrated John's meta lyrical sensibilities through disco-pop exuberance. The song became a major 80s hit affirming John's longevity. The glossy 80s production gives Sad Songs an accessible dance-pop veneer.
However, lyrics encouraging the therapeutic value of listening to sad music add depth. John's signature piano meshes with electronic drums and synthesizers. Smooth backing vocals supplement his energetic lead vocals. By celebrating his own tradition of crafting poignant ballads, Sad Songs showed John creative self-awareness even amidst adapting to contemporary trends.
19. Step Into Christmas (1973)
- Album: Single
- Release Date: November 1973
- Genre: Pop, Christmas
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Step Into Christmas is John's joyous ode to the holiday spirit defined by playful piano and uplifting melody. With tongue-in-cheek lyrics encouraging everyone to join the festivities, it became a beloved Christmas staple. John's enthusiastic performance pairs perfectly with the jaunty rhythm to encapsulate the song's feel-good charm. The bounce of the piano melody instantly evokes Christmas cheer.
Lyrics like Snow is falling, all around me further craft festive imagery. John's vocal delivery captures childlike wonder while ornamental chimes add to the holiday ambience. The campy lyrics and John spirited performance make it a Christmas classic that never fails to delight. As John's sole original Christmas song, it occupies a special place in his catalog.
20. Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word (1976)
- Album: Blue Moves
- Release Date: October 1976
- Genre: Pop, soft rock
- Lyrics: Bernie Taupin
- Songwriter: Elton John, Bernie Taupin
A piano ballad exemplifying John musicality, Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word conveys heartache through restrained yet eloquent arrangements. Sung with emotive vulnerability, John earnest performance beautifully pairs with lyrics expressing struggle in communicating feelings after a relationship ends. Its simplicity resulted in an intimate pop classic. John's subtle piano work establishes a melancholy tone suited to the lovelorn lyrics.
His vocal delivery progresses from soft regret to powerful crescendos channeling the song heartbreak. When backup vocals join during the bridge, it provides moving sonic textures. Rather than overpowering orchestration, John relies on piano and voice to connect the sentiment. For its gentle eloquence, Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word endures as one of John's most beloved ballads.
Final Verdict
Elton John's enduring catalog attests to his brilliance as a hitmaker blending artful lyricism with bounce, pizzazz and heartfelt emotion. The above compilation of his top 20 songs highlights John versatility across pop, rock and balladry while maintaining his signature passion and showmanship. From tender piano ballads to flamboyant glam-infected rockers, John genre-spanning creativity produced timeless classics that will continue inspiring generations. Beyond commercial success, his music combination of creative fearlessness and universal appeal cements his legacy as one of pop's greatest treasures.
FAQs
Q: What is Elton John's most successful song?
Elton John's most successful song is Candle in the Wind 1997/Something About the Way You Look Tonight released as a double A-side single which is the best-selling single of all time.
Q: What is Elton John's favorite song?
Elton John has cited Take Me To The Pilot as one of his personal favorite songs that he has written highlighting its free-spirited lyrics.
Q: Has Elton John had a number 1 hit?
Yes, Elton John has had 9 number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, including Crocodile Rock, Bennie and the Jets, Island Girl and his major comeback single Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me.
Q: Has Elton John won any Grammy Awards?
Elton John has won 5 Grammy Awards, including Grammys for Best Pop Male Performance for Candle In The Wind (1997) and Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me (1991).
Q: Did Elton John write his own songs?
While Elton John composes the music, his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin writes the lyrics to Elton John songs. This highly successful musical partnership has created John's entire song catalog.
Q: How many albums has Elton John released?
Elton John has released over 30 studio albums starting with his 1969 self-titled debut to his latest 2016 album Wonderful Crazy Night. His album discography spans his career from 1969 until today.