Tell Me When The Whistle Blows

Album: Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy (1975)
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Songfacts®:

  • In Barry Toberman's biography of Sir Elton, this John/Taupin composition is said to have been inspired by Bernie Taupin's failure to come to grips with city life when he first joined Elton in London. The whistle referred to belongs to the train back to rural Lincolnshire.
  • Bernie Taupin was born on a farm near the town of Sleaford, the second of 3 brothers and the son a farm worker. When he was young he moved to a village with the charming name of Owmby by Spital, and also worked on a farm. If he hadn't teamed up with Elton he'd probably have ended up managing a chicken farm! >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 4

  • Jacoby244 from Galt, Ca, United StatesOne of my favorites of all time. This gem is on all my playlists!!! Its such a cool groove
  • John from DelawareI got Captain Fantastic for Christmas back in 1975-I was 11 a the time. I used to listen to it nightly along with the rest of my EJ albums. I have since lost much of record collection along with this one and am hearing many of these songs from this album again for the first time in 40 some years. I completely forgot about 'Whistle'. In fact I didn't even recognize the title but it all came back to me upon hearing. It again took me back to those days when I was a shy awkward adolescent.
    -Thanks!
  • Joe from Grants Pass, OrCool funk groove!
  • Jim from Long Beach, CaThis is in my opinion one of Elton John's best songs. I loved this era of Elton John songs...
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