Recently my wife and I were driving up Highway 101 through California’s Central Coast when she made a common mistake. She asked me a question about music. Other than politics, nothing fascinates me more than music, particularly classic rock. Elton John had just come on my Spotify playlist, and she asked what my favorite Elton John song is. And since we had another 18 minutes until we arrived at our destination, I had the perfect window of opportunity to tell her. I used the entire 18 minutes.

Elton John… So many amazing songs, where would I begin? I decided to go to where I could most relate to the music: the lyrics. After all, I can’t play the piano. In the vast expanse of Elton John's illustrious discography, "Levon" stands out as a poignant testament to the art of songwriting, and a shining example of Bernie Taupin's lyrical genius. Released in 1971 on the album "Madman Across the Water," this song weaves a narrative that is as enigmatic as it is evocative, capturing the essence of storytelling in music like few others.

At the heart of "Levon" is its richly drawn protagonist, Levon. He is a complex character, described as a man who "wears his war wound like a crown." From the outset, Taupin's lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man burdened by the weight of his past, yet resilient in his demeanor. Levon's name, inspired by Levon Helm of The Band, adds a layer of homage and intertextuality that deepens the song's narrative.

The song introduces Levon's son, Jesus, whose desire to "leave Levon far behind" and "go to Venus" adds an element of generational conflict and aspiration. This dynamic between father and son is a universal theme, rendered with specificity and sensitivity. And yes, I can relate. Jesus' dreams of escape and exploration contrast sharply with Levon's grounded, albeit burdened, existence, creating a poignant tension.

And though Elton seems to enjoy all or most of the attention and accolades for his music, Bernie Taupin's lyrics are a testament to his unparalleled ability to craft stories within the confines of the songs. And "Levon" is certainly no exception. Each line is imbued with imagery and symbolism, inviting listeners to delve deeper into the narrative. Phrases like "He was born a pauper to a pawn on a Christmas Day" not only establish Levon's humble beginnings, but also evoke a sense of destiny and inevitability. Taupin goes on to write, “when the New York Times said God is dead, and the war's begun/Alvin Tostig has a son today…” How good is that? It doesn’t get better.

Taupin's choice of words is meticulous and evocative. The juxtaposition of the mundane and the extraordinary—Levon's "cartoon balloons" business, for instance—creates a surreal, almost dreamlike quality to the story. This blending of the ordinary with the fantastical is a hallmark of Taupin's lyricism, allowing the song to transcend mere narrative and enter the realm of poetic allegory.

While Taupin's lyrics provide the narrative foundation, Elton John's music elevates "Levon" to a transcendent experience. The song's structure, with its soaring melodies and intricate piano arrangements, mirrors the emotional highs and lows of the story. John's vocal performance is equally masterful, capturing the nuanced emotions of the characters with a blend of power and sensitivity. The singer's vocals circa 1970-75 were at their finest. Unlike other instruments, voices don’t age well, alas.

"Levon" endures not just as a song, but as a piece of storytelling that resonates across generations. Its themes of aspiration, conflict, and the passage of time are universal, and its characters are rendered with such depth and humanity that they continue to captivate listeners decades after its release.

In the annals of rock and pop music, few songs achieve the level of narrative and emotional complexity found in "Levon." It stands as a masterclass in the art of songwriting, a testament to the power of lyrics to tell compelling stories, and an enduring proof of Bernie Taupin's genius. In "Levon," we see the perfect fusion of word and melody, a timeless piece that continues to inspire and move listeners with its profound beauty and emotional depth.

Take a listen, like I did, courtesy of Elton John's Spotify channel: