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"Ego" is a 1978 song performed by English musician Elton John, written by John and Bernie Taupin. It was released in early 1978 as a standalone single, and did not appear on the album released in the same year, A Single Man. John played this song live from 1978 up until 1980.[3] The single reached #34 in both the UK and the US.[4]
| "Ego" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Elton John | ||||
| B-side | "Flinstone Boy" | |||
| Released | 31 March 1978[1] | |||
| Recorded | January–March 1978 | |||
| Genre | Glam rock[2] | |||
| Length | 4:00 | |||
| Label | MCA (US) Rocket (UK) | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Elton John, Bernie Taupin | |||
| Elton John singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
The song was not available on CD until the 1990 release of To Be Continued box set. Later, in remastered form, it was added to the reissue of A Single Man along with four B-sides from the era.
Background
editThe song was originally written during the sessions for his 1976 album Blue Moves, but was left out. Elton said of the song by the time of its release:
"Ego was just something I had lying around, and I wanted to release it for a long time. Unfortunately, the time wasn't right. It's been disappointing. I really had hoped it would do well because I really liked it. I wrote the song jointly with Bernie Taupin, and we never thought of it as an autobiography until it came out. It's about the silliness of rock 'n' roll stars, and the video film was supposed to show just how stupid rock 'n' roll can be. It's the grotesque side of rock 'n' roll. And it's turned out to be one of the most sincere songs we've ever written."[citation needed]
It starts with a rollicking piano accompanied by a train whistle, making it sound like there's a train rolling down a track. The song then goes into a steady 4/4 beat, then breaks down and goes to the chorus. Later in the song it transforms into an uptempo waltz and then reverts to 4/4. It features synthesizers, and even carnival-esque organs, unusual for its time.[citation needed]
Reception
editCash Box said that the "piano licks resemble Keystone Cop silent film score" and praised the vocals and guitar playing.[5] Record World called it "one of [John's] most complex songs," with "ironic lyrics and unusual chord progressions to make a powerful point."[6]
Music video
editA music video was made, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, features John Emberton who played Elton John as a small boy in the video acting out a scene from Romeo & Juliet. John Emberton's sister Penny played a member of the audience.
Charts
edit| Chart (1978) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Kent Music Report)[7] | 40 |
| Canada Top Singles (RPM)[8] | 21 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[9] | 34 |
| US Billboard Hot 100[10] | 34 |
Personnel
edit- Elton John – piano, vocals, synthesizers, organ
- Tim Renwick – guitars
- Clive Franks – bass guitar
- Steve Holley – drums
- Ray Cooper – tambourine, vibraphone, train whistle
- Paul Buckmaster – orchestral arrangements
References
edit- ^ "Music Week" (PDF). p. 58.
- ^ Kirkl, Justin (29 May 2019). "Neither 'Rocket Man' Nor 'Tiny Dancer' Is Elton John's Best Song". Esquire. Retrieved 10 August 2019.
- ^ "Ego by Elton John (Song Statistics)". setlist.fm. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
- ^ "Elton John | full Official Chart History | Official Charts Company". Official Charts Company. 23 January 1971. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
- ^ "CashBox Singles Reviews" (PDF). Cash Box. 8 April 1978. p. 16. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
- ^ "Hits of the Week" (PDF). Record World. 8 April 1978. p. 1. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992. Australian Chart Book, St Ives, N.S.W. pp. 158–159. ISBN 0-646-11917-6.
- ^ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 4578a." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
- ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
- ^ "Elton John Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
