Little Jeannie by Elton John

Album: 21 At 33 (1980)

Charted: 33 3

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Songfacts®:

This was one of the few Elton John hits that he didn't write with his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin. The lyrics came from his friend, the songwriter Gary Osborne. In 1978, Elton wrote the songs for his album A Single Man with Osborne, while Bernie Taupin worked on the Alice Cooper album From The Inside. Elton's 21 At 33 album contained tracks from both Osborne and Taupin, and most of Elton's subsequent output would have words by Bernie. Looking back at his time away from Taupin, Elton said that while there was some friction between them, it was not a breakup, but more of a sabbatical, as Elton was in London and Bernie was in Los Angeles. He says their time apart was needed, and points out the while Elton did score a hit with "Little Jeannie," he never wrote a hit song for another artist. Taupin, on the other hand, wrote huge hits for Starship ("We Built This City") and Heart ("These Dreams).
In this song, Elton has it bad for Little Jeannie and can't stand seeing her being mistreated by other guys. The song's lyricist Gary Osborne says that he did have someone in mind when he wrote the words, but he won't reveal her identity. Jeannie is not her real name.
Running 5:15, this is fairly long for a pop hit. It's also unusual in that the title only shows up in the verses, not the chorus. The hook is, "And I want you to be my acrobat," a very memorable line.
Bill Champlin, who joined the group Chicago the following year, sang backing vocals on this track along with Dee Murray. The instrumentation is:

Richie Zito - guitar
Reggie McBride - bass
Nigel Olsson - drums
Jerry Hey - flugelhorn
Jim Horn - saxophone, piccolo flute
Chuck Findley - trumpet, trombone
This was Elton's fifth #1 single on the Adult Contemporary chart.

Comments: 11

Keneisha Johnson from FloridaMy absolute favorite song of Eltons
Gina from BirminghamI’ve always loved this song even as a little girl. It always made me feel like it was about me because my name is Gina. I love John since I was five years old. That’s how far back I can remember. This song is one of my favorites.
MikeGiving the time period I would almost think that the song is about Genie Wiley, a child that was abused and neglected from birth. Her story came to light in the early 70s. You can watch her story Mockingbird Don't Sing on Tubi.
John Roberts"(Elton) never wrote a hit song for another artist." Not true. He wrote and played the piano section around which 'I Don't Feel Like Dancin' ' for Scissor Sisters is based - a number 1 hit in many countries and Top 10 / Top 40 in even more.
Ben G from Swedesboro NjI remember when this great song was brand new. I just bought a new copy on a 45. Just love it. The voice overs at the end with Elton and the chorus really top it! I thought maybe little Jeannie could be a reference to Billy "Jean" King.
Bryan from Las VegasAcrobat:a person who readily changes viewpoints or opinions.

I think this is more likely the definition for acrobat in this song.
Sam from PennsylvaniaThis song never gets old
Tony from Vero Beach, FlSteve, I always thought - for god knows whatever reason - that Elton was making a reference to the archetypal "acrobat" character (played by the young Genevieve Bujold) in the classic French film "King of Hearts" (1966). One art inspiring another. Could easily be wrong, though - but that's what it always makes me think of.
Anton from EarthHave grown to love this song more than ever did when it was new. After Sacrifice, Guess That's Why Call It The Blues, and Someone Saved My Life Tonight, this is probably favorite Elton song, but almost entirely due to the ending, where backup singers are counterpointing Elton's singing with:

You stepped into my life from a bad dream
Making the life that I had seem
Suddenly shiny and new

For some unknown reason, this lyric always forcefully impacts this one now. Was not the case 30 year ago.
Steve from WellingtonThe Lyrics read "I want you to be my acrobat, I want you to be my lover" but not sure what "acrobat" means as a sentiment of love for a girlfriend, does it possibly have a different meaning other than a Circus performer?
Robin from Milford, NjThough I love Elton with all my heart and always will, I never cared for this song, it was missing Bernie.

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