Little Jeannie

Album: 21 At 33 (1980)
Charted: 33 3
Play Video
  • Oh, little Jeannie
    You got so much love, little Jeannie
    And you take it where it strikes
    And give it to the likes of me
    Oh, little Jeannie
    She got so much love, little Jeannie
    So I see you when I can
    You make me all a man can be

    And I want you to be my acrobat
    I want you to be my lover
    Oh, there were others who would treat you cruel
    And, oh Jeannie
    You were always someone's fool

    Little Jeannie
    You got so much time, little Jeannie
    Though you've grown beyond your years
    You still retain the fears of youth
    Oh, little Jeannie
    You got so much time, little Jeannie
    But you're burning it up so fast
    Searching for some lasting truth

    And I want you to be my acrobat
    I want you to be my lover
    Oh, there were others who would treat you cruel
    But, oh Jeannie
    I will always be your fool

    And I want you to be my acrobat
    I want you to be my lover
    Oh, there were others, and I've known quite a few
    But, oh Jeannie
    I'm still in love with you

    You stepped into my life from a bad dream
    Making the life that I had, seem
    Suddenly shiny and new
    Oh, Jeannie (oh, Jeannie)
    I'm so in love with you

    You stepped into my life from a bad dream
    Making the life that I had, seem
    Suddenly shiny and new
    Oh, Jeannie (oh, Jeannie)
    I'm so in love with you

    You stepped into my life from a bad dream
    Making the life that I had, seem
    Suddenly shiny and new
    Oh, Jeannie (oh, Jeannie)
    I'm so in love with you

    You stepped into my life from a bad dream (so in love)
    Making the life that I had, seem
    Suddenly shiny and new
    Oh, Jeannie (oh, Jeannie) Writer/s: Elton John, Gary Anthony Osborne
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

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.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Who Wrote That Song?

Who Wrote That Song?Music Quiz

Do you know who wrote Patti Smith's biggest hit? How about the Grease theme song? See if you can match the song to the writer.

Amanda Palmer

Amanda PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Call us crazy, but we like it when an artist comes around who doesn't mesh with the status quo.

Psychedelic Lyrics

Psychedelic LyricsMusic Quiz

Whoa man! Do you know which band came up with these cosmic lyrics?

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

John Parr

John ParrSongwriter Interviews

John tells the "St. Elmo's Fire (Man In Motion)" story and explains why he disappeared for so long.

Song Cities

Song CitiesMusic Quiz

Nirvana, Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen are among those who wrote songs with cities that show up in this quiz.