Elton John and Bernie Taupin: Who Comes First in the Songwriting Process?

The legendary songwriting partnership between Elton John and Bernie Taupin is widely recognized for their iconic hits. While the general consensus suggests that Taupin typically crafts the lyrics first and John then composes the music, there is often a misconception about the strictness of this process. Let's dive deeper into this intriguing collaboration.

The Taupin-First Approach

Taupin often writes the lyrics independently, crafting emotional and poetic verses that can serve as a spark for John's musical genius. Once Taupin finishes a set of lyrics, he shares them with John, who then sets out to create melodies that complement the words. This collaborative approach has resulted in numerous chart-topping hits, with both artists listed as the creators of the songs.

Bernie Taupin's Lyrics

Taupin, known for his insightful and often humorous lyrical content, is a testament to his solo writing process. Just as Taupin writes in different rooms, the creation of lyrics and melodies rarely proceed simultaneously. Taupin would set down the lyrics, and John would quickly fill in the musical gaps. As a guitarist, his contributions to the band are not to be undermined, but his primary role in this partnership is clearly as the lyricist.

Elton John's Role

Elton John, renowned for his command of the language and his musical intelligence, also plays a crucial role. His contributions to the songs are often overlooked because of the co-credit listings. John's ability to craft melodies that match the emotional tone and rhythm of Taupin's lyrics is unparalleled. However, given his incredible language skills, it might seem unusual that he doesn't have more input on the lyrics themselves.

Doubts and Observations

As a guitarist, one might wonder if the lyrics always come first. Bernie Taupin is a skilled guitarist, and his guitar playing on tracks like "Madman Across the Water" suggests a natural connection to the instrument. This led to questions about whether Taupin's lyrics always inspire John to compose music. The answer might not be as straightforward as it first appears.

Starting with a Groove

In a songwriting class, the instructor stressed the importance of starting with the groove. This approach, while useful for many songwriters, is not the only way. Taupin's lyrics often serve as a foundation, and the music naturally follows. However, the process can vary depending on the individual and the song.

The Autonomy of Lyrics

For many singer-songwriters, the lyrics often come first. These artists craft their words independently, giving them a strong foundation before the music is added. In contrast, composers like Elton John might rely more on a groove or a specific musical structure to begin the process.

The Nature of Collaboration

Collaboration in the music industry is essential. The interplay between lyrics and music can create magic, but it's not always a simple one-way street. The most effective collaborations thrive on both artists' strengths, rather than having a clear hierarchy. Taupin's lyrics and John's music have created a symbiotic relationship that has endured for decades.

Conclusion

While Taupin is credited as the lyricist, and John the musician, their partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration. The process of creating a song can vary widely depending on the artists involved and the nature of their creativity. The key takeaway is that the best results often arise from a deep mutual understanding and the ability to inspire one another. For fans of Elton John and Bernie Taupin's work, the question of who comes first is a fascinating one, but ultimately, it’s the magic of their partnership that creates the unforgettable songs.