Ego (Elton John song)
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| "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 | ||||
| ||||
"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]
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
[edit]The song was originally written during the sessions for his 1976 album Blue Moves, but was left out.
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 carnival-esque organs.[citation needed]
Reception
[edit]Cash 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
[edit]A 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.
