Skyline Pigeon

Album: Empty Sky (1969)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In Philip Norman's book Sir Elton: The Definitive Biography, this early Elton John/Bernie Taupin composition is described as "the wistful song of a captive bird turned loose by a prisoner." Taupin himself describes it as a good song with a "fairly naïve lyric."
  • "Skyline Pigeon" sounds as though it may have been inspired by the 1962 film Birdman Of Alcatraz, which is a sanitized biopic of double killer Robert Stroud. Elton recorded the song for his debut album Empty Sky, through which the theme of imprisonment - unjust or otherwise - runs. It was first released in August 1968 though, by Roger Cook, and later that same month by Guy Darrell. Darrell had a minor hit in 1973 with "I've Been Hurt," but never lived up to the hype. When Elton first recorded it, he used a harpsichord, and in the style of the album the song was light on production, but in 1973 it was re-released as the B-Side of "Daniel" with a full arrangement. It was also recorded by Geoff Long, a blind musician and occasional songwriter from Sydenham, London for his 2004 CD After The Party. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2
  • On April 11, 1990, Elton played this at the funeral for the 18-year-old AIDS victim Ryan White, whom he had befriended. Elton was one of the pallbearers.

Comments: 7

  • Don from Shenandoah Valley, VaOne of my funeral songs as well, the other being "Into the Mystic" by Van Morrison.
  • Robin from Milford, NjApparently I'm not the only one who wants this song played in memory of me when I die!
  • Sean from Altoona, WiLike Donna, I also want this song to played at my funeral.
  • Adam from West Palm Beach, FlThis is definitely the best version.
  • Andy from Mammoth Lakes, CaAnother version not previously mentioned is a live solo piano rendition recorded in 1974 and issued on both CD and vinyl versions of "Here and There." He also revisited the same solo version in 2000 during his solo stint of shows at that time, a recording of which was issued on Vol. 1 of a CD for eltonjohn.com members.
  • Andy from Mammoth Lakes, CaElton played the song at the funeral of young AIDS victim Ryan White.
  • Donna from Rutherford, NjWhen I die I plan to have this song played at my wake. It's beautiful.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Tanita Tikaram

Tanita TikaramSongwriter Interviews

When she released her first album in 1988, Tanita became a UK singing sensation at age 19. She talks about her darkly sensual voice and quirky songwriting style.

Don Dokken

Don DokkenSongwriter Interviews

Dokken frontman Don Dokken explains what broke up the band at the height of their success in the late '80s, and talks about the botched surgery that paralyzed his right arm.

Metallica

MetallicaFact or Fiction

Beef with Bon Jovi? An unfortunate Spandex period? See if you can spot the true stories in this Metallica version of Fact or Fiction.

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in Songs

Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear: Teddy Bears and Teddy Boys in SongsSong Writing

Elvis, Little Richard and Cheryl Cole have all sung about Teddy Bears, but there is also a terrifying Teddy song from 1932 and a touching trucker Teddy tune from 1976.