The Last Song by Elton John

Album: The One (1992)

Charted: 21 23

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The song is about a boy who is dying of AIDS with his father by his side. Elton's lyricist, Bernie Taupin, explained: "We didn't go for the obvious. I tried to do something lyrically that would thaw the intolerance of not understanding. That's why I used the idea of a father coming to terms with his son's status in life and his sexuality, but unfortunately understanding too late. If you can melt a little intolerance along the way, I'm happy with that."

Both John and Taupin were staunch supporters of efforts to understand and eradicate AIDS. Around this time, Taupin produced a show called Commitment to Life, which raised money to fight the disease.
This was featured in the final scene of the movie chronicling the early days of the AIDS Epidemic, And The Band Played On (originally a book by Randy Shilts). The scene is a video collage of famous people and moments in AIDS History. >>
Suggestion credit:
Sofie - Gainesville, FL
When this hit the Top 40 in the beginning of 1993, it gave Elton John 23 consecutive years with a chart hit, breaking Elvis Presley's old record of 22. >>
Suggestion credit:
Bertrand - Paris, France
Elton John and Bernie Taupin originally titled this "Song For '92," but then decided it would be better if they didn't put a time frame on the song's topic.

Comments: 10

AnonymousThank you, for all of your songs, and especially for the last song.
Robert Lilley from SacramentoAs poignant today as when first heard.
Sarah Remmel from Twinsburg, OhioOne of my all-time, favorite songs, by Sir Elton John, is The Last Song, & ever, since the, very first-time, I heard it, I was totally, addicted to it, & i have the 1992 CD. Sir Elton John is the greatest. I am also a huge Queen fan, & I was ten, years old, when Freddie Mercury, died from AIDS, on my dad's birthday, November 24, of 1991. I love you, Sir Elton John.
Doug from Nova Scotia@Daniel from Sydney. It ends abruptly mirroring the abrupt ending of so many AIDS patients that died way before their time.
Daniel from Sydney, AustraliaThis song would be even better if it were longer. It ends quite abruptly. If he added a piano solo after singing the chorus for the second time and then sung the chorus again to end the song it would be incredible.
Linda from Midland, TxMy priest used this song to close a sermon about the prodigal son--it was the perfect way. I understand Elton John's feelings about organized religion--but he should realize that most of us don't feel qualified to judge our fellow man-that true religion is about acceptance and love of God (the Father) for each of his children--as Elton so powerfully expressed in his song.
Kent from Toronto, CanadaThis song might also be posted in the list of songs significant to the gay community, considering its subject matter.
Linda from Italy, CtElton is so full of emotions that it is almost impossible not to love him
Morgan from Urbana, OhThis is the most powerful song I've ever heard.
Adrian from London, EnglandThis song had the power to make me cry. Not many songs can do that to me.

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