Rocket Man (song)
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"Rocket Man" (full title "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time)") is a song composed by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and popularized by John. It is loosely based on the short story of the same name in Ray Bradbury's book, The Illustrated Man. It first appeared on John's 1972 album Honky Chateau and became a hit single and popular album track.
Due to the song's connection with science fiction, it is considered by some to be an example of filk music, though it did not emerge from SF fandom.
The lyrics in the song, written by John's long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin, describe a Mars-bound astronaut's mixed feelings at leaving his family in order to do his job. Musically, the song is a highly-arranged pop ballad anchored by John's piano, with atmospheric texture added by synthesizer and processed slide guitar.
Performed by other artists
The song has been performed by others, for example Kate Bush. One unique adaptation was done by an amateur band that was put together for just one day by the producers of an American radio show, This American Life.[1] (http://www.thislife.org/ftp-root/mp3/rocketman.mp3)
In 1978, at a science fiction film awards ceremony, Bernie Taupin personally introduced William Shatner's unique interpretation of Rocket Man. Shatner's version utilized then-modern chromakey video techniques to portray simultaneously three different facets of the Rocket Man's character. A poor quality rip from an old video tape circulates on the Internet [2] (http://www.metafilter.com/mefi/36988). This performance has built up a cult following, and was parodied on the U.S. animated series Family Guy.
The cover band Me First and the Gimme Gimmes covered Elton John's song for their first album release, Have A Ball.
Another "Rocket Man" song, (also based on Bradbury's short story, but unrelated to Elton John's song), was released by the musical group Pearls Before Swine on their 1970 album The Use of Ashes.
Other media
The 1997 comedy movie titled Rocket Man starring Harland Williams was about a goofy guy who goes to explore Mars with some other scientists and a chimpanzee. Elton John's song was played during the credits.