Simple Life

Album: The One (1992)
Charted: 44 30
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Elton John lived anything but the simple life, but he did downsize considerably after getting treatment for drug addiction and bulimia in 1990. To get out of his bubble, he started doing things by himself: making his own phone calls, booking his own hotel rooms, even taking care of a dog. This song is an affirmation of this new lifestyle, as he's now "locomotive strong" and determined not to backslide into a life of dependency and addiction.
  • Elton's songwriting partner Bernie Taupin wrote the lyric. Most of his lyrics are only tangentially about Elton, if at all, but a few, like this one, are more specifically about his life.
  • Russell Mulcahy directed the video, which is heavy on special effects, showing images of Elton on the faces of a virtual cube. Mulcahy directed many of Elton's videos, including "I'm Still Standing" and "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.