Elton John — Come Down in Time
Album: Tumbleweed ConnectionAvg rating:
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Length: 3:22
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In the quiet silent seconds I turned off the light switch
And I came down to meet you in the half light the moon left
While a cluster of night jars sang some songs out of tune
A mantle of bright light shone down from a room
Come down in time I still hear her say
So clear in my ear like it was today
Come down in time was the message she gave
Come down in time and I'll meet you half way
Well I don't know if I should have heard her as yet
But a true love like hers is a hard love to get
And I've walked most all the way and I ain't heard her call
And I'm getting to thinking if she's coming at all
Come down in time I still hear her say
So clear in my ear like it was today
Come down in time was the message she gave
Come down in time and I'll meet you half way
There are women and women and some hold you tight
While some leave you counting the stars in the night
And I came down to meet you in the half light the moon left
While a cluster of night jars sang some songs out of tune
A mantle of bright light shone down from a room
Come down in time I still hear her say
So clear in my ear like it was today
Come down in time was the message she gave
Come down in time and I'll meet you half way
Well I don't know if I should have heard her as yet
But a true love like hers is a hard love to get
And I've walked most all the way and I ain't heard her call
And I'm getting to thinking if she's coming at all
Come down in time I still hear her say
So clear in my ear like it was today
Come down in time was the message she gave
Come down in time and I'll meet you half way
There are women and women and some hold you tight
While some leave you counting the stars in the night
Comments (104)add comment
Absolutely his best song ever before he went crazy and decided to turn himself into a mad flamboyant showman as a career move.
Shame he doesn’t write the lyrics and advocates paedophilia
This period of Elton John has always been my favourite - I must be getting old!!
love this album!
John . I miss you more now than when you first passed. I need to stockpile a bunch of vinyl you would have loved, get the headphones, sit on the deck with a glass of and a bone - and think of brighter days. Miss you. Next time, I promise.
Styopa wrote:
Don't you masturbate then love? DONT KNOW WHAT YR MISSING.....
Shame he's a complete wanker now
Don't you masturbate then love? DONT KNOW WHAT YR MISSING.....
Legend
Can't wait till you play tracks from 'What's it gonna take' which decries lockdowns and forced jabs!
Can't wait till you play tracks from 'What's it gonna take' which decries lockdowns and forced jabs!
Shame he's a complete wanker now
molson wrote:
Thank their long-time producer Gus Dudgeon. He was the force behind EJs best recordings.
Apparently he's also in the Guinness Book as the first to use sampling. Who knew?
c.
What an incredible song, the strings are sooooo lush!!
Apparently he's also in the Guinness Book as the first to use sampling. Who knew?
c.
Tumbleweed Connecting is a cut above the rest of his stuff
Wonderloaf wrote:
Instead, try this cover by Sting:
Come Down In Time - Sting - YouTube
in my head, i hear Chris Cornell singing this.......
Sadly, not gonna happen
Instead, try this cover by Sting:
Come Down In Time - Sting - YouTube
meatmike wrote:
That was a bonus track on a later CD release of Tumbleweed Connection, not on the original vinyl.
It's an interesting version of the song, to be sure.
I prefer the version of Madman Across the Water on this album vs the one on Madman Across the Water.
That was a bonus track on a later CD release of Tumbleweed Connection, not on the original vinyl.
It's an interesting version of the song, to be sure.
This was when he (and Bernie) were young guys, right in the groove. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and everything after it were ....
Back when Elton was good...
This album was all over the radio the year my wife and I wed. It still has a great deal of meaning to me. We're coming up on 51 years.
kaybee wrote:
His first album was pretty nice too...
This is a lovely piece - one of Elton John's best. I didn't realize til now that it has an oboe in it. This album and his Madman Across the Water were his zenith.
His first album was pretty nice too...
How have we gotten to a point where people prefer Drake and Cardi B over this?
ckcotton wrote:
Welcome!
Country Comfort is a nice introduction to this album.
Welcome!
What an incredible song, the strings are sooooo lush!!
While some leave you counting the stars in the night
Yeah -been there.
kaybee wrote:
Bernie Taupin's lyrics are simply poetic artistry.
This is a lovely piece - one of Elton John's best. I didn't realize til now that it has an oboe in it. This album and his Madman Across the Water were his zenith.
Bernie Taupin's lyrics are simply poetic artistry.
This could be the most overlook, underrated Elton John song of all time!
Outstanding Man. <3
The Bernie Taupin-Elton John duo were as good as lennon and McCartney.
dflee wrote:
Agreed! And the only thing wrong with this song is that it's just way too short.
Good song, great album.
Agreed! And the only thing wrong with this song is that it's just way too short.
Dahlia_Gumbo wrote:
Welcome!
Didn't think I liked EJ, but I do like this. Life is full of surprises -- where've I been?
Welcome!
If you like this song, check out Sting's cover. It has a slower tempo that goes better with the lyrics IMO.
This guy has so many forgotten gems, thanks RP....
The first time I heard this song I was 12 years old, sitting in a restaurant in Walt Disney World with my family and there was a piano player in this little place playing this tune. I loved it so much that I remembered it and when I got home to NJ, and figured out how to play it on my piano. It's been decades since the last time I heard it and it's a special memory. 
Grayson wrote:
No, it's not blasphemous, IMO. I just found out/realized that Carole King wrote (the music for) "Wasn't Born to Follow." So I listened to her + writing partner Gerry Goffin's version of "Wasn't Born to Follow" and found it stunningly awful. And will only ever like The Byrds' much more melodic version. I don't think I'll be damned to Hell for doing so. I mean it could happen, but doubtful.
She was a staff writer at the Brill Building, not a 'musician' per se. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of artists have performed her work, often far better than Carole could do herself. Doesn't diminish her talent one bit.
c.
No, it's not blasphemous, IMO. I just found out/realized that Carole King wrote (the music for) "Wasn't Born to Follow." So I listened to her + writing partner Gerry Goffin's version of "Wasn't Born to Follow" and found it stunningly awful. And will only ever like The Byrds' much more melodic version. I don't think I'll be damned to Hell for doing so. I mean it could happen, but doubtful.
She was a staff writer at the Brill Building, not a 'musician' per se. Hundreds, maybe thousands, of artists have performed her work, often far better than Carole could do herself. Doesn't diminish her talent one bit.
c.
Dahlia_Gumbo wrote:
This whole album is a delight. if you came to this from later Ej it would be a surprise. I started with this and still think its his best. but that's just me.
Didn't think I liked EJ, but I do like this. Life is full of surprises -- where've I been?
This whole album is a delight. if you came to this from later Ej it would be a surprise. I started with this and still think its his best. but that's just me.
Dahlia_Gumbo wrote:
He was good back then. College days.
Didn't think I liked EJ, but I do like this. Life is full of surprises -- where've I been?
He was good back then. College days.
Nice segue from Billy Elish "Lovely". Only on RP do you get a clean thoughtful transition between songs written and performed more than 4 decades apart. Long live RP!
I prefer the version of Madman Across the Water on this album vs the one on Madman Across the Water.
Dahlia_Gumbo wrote:
Didn't think I liked EJ, but I do like this. Life is full of surprises -- where've I been? His early days with Bernie Taupin songwriting -- are amazing for the most part. 
sonicxtc wrote:
Criminally underrated album.
If anyone has ever wondered, 'Nightjar' is the British name for a class of birds closely related to whippoorwills. Nocturnal insectivores with a distinctive call.
c.
An outstanding song--one of my all time favorite songs!
His earliest albums contain some real gems.
I'd encourage anyone to listen to his albums through Blue Moves. After that, there are still some great songs, but they are surrounded by tracks which are often merely okay or good. By the 90s he did make a sincere effort to record better songs with a renewed interest in his craft.
His earliest albums contain some real gems.
I'd encourage anyone to listen to his albums through Blue Moves. After that, there are still some great songs, but they are surrounded by tracks which are often merely okay or good. By the 90s he did make a sincere effort to record better songs with a renewed interest in his craft.
Criminally underrated album.
If anyone has ever wondered, 'Nightjar' is the British name for a class of birds closely related to whippoorwills. Nocturnal insectivores with a distinctive call.
c.
MediaGrrl wrote:
No, it's not blasphemous, IMO. I just found out/realized that Carole King wrote (the music for) "Wasn't Born to Follow." So I listened to her + writing partner Gerry Goffin's version of "Wasn't Born to Follow" and found it stunningly awful. And will only ever like The Byrds' much more melodic version. I don't think I'll be damned to Hell for doing so. I mean it could happen, but doubtful.
The Sting cover of this from "Two Rooms" is lovely - I think I prefer it.
Blasphemy, I know.
Blasphemy, I know.
No, it's not blasphemous, IMO. I just found out/realized that Carole King wrote (the music for) "Wasn't Born to Follow." So I listened to her + writing partner Gerry Goffin's version of "Wasn't Born to Follow" and found it stunningly awful. And will only ever like The Byrds' much more melodic version. I don't think I'll be damned to Hell for doing so. I mean it could happen, but doubtful.
An outstanding song--one of my all time favorite songs!
His earliest albums contain some real gems.
I'd encourage anyone to listen to his albums through Blue Moves. After that, there are still some great songs, but they are surrounded by tracks which are often merely okay or good. By the 90s he did make a sincere effort to record better songs with a renewed interest in his craft.
His earliest albums contain some real gems.
I'd encourage anyone to listen to his albums through Blue Moves. After that, there are still some great songs, but they are surrounded by tracks which are often merely okay or good. By the 90s he did make a sincere effort to record better songs with a renewed interest in his craft.
I like John's version however the cover that Sting did in Two Rooms takes it to another level
SanFranGayMan wrote:
Well written!
This album and his Elton John album represent what an inflective time that was, with the Viet Nam war swirling around, the inflection psychedelics and weed provided-the conflict of so much family who thought of themselves as patriots and us as less thans. These albums for me were shelters from the storm, a chance to get grounded and reassured when we were facing headwinds much larger than we were. And all the more remarkable that he and Bernie wrote about an environment-the South-without being there. Simply, quite stunning. Our poets...
Well written!
Hands down, Tumbleweed Connection was his BEST work!
At his best!
in my head, i hear Chris Cornell singing this.......
Sadly, not gonna happen
Sadly, not gonna happen
Andy_B wrote:
THREE BUCKS?!?! Man, oh man, did you score big!
This was a genre-breaking "rock and roll" album that contains some of Sir Elton's best work.
Maybe the Gods were reading this post above as shortly after I posted this I found the original album complete with the paper insert (pictures/comments) at a small botique in Flagler Beach, Fl It is in very good condition and I paid only $3.00. Finding it made my day.
THREE BUCKS?!?! Man, oh man, did you score big!
This was a genre-breaking "rock and roll" album that contains some of Sir Elton's best work.
Nice bit of melancholy before I dash off to this world today......
Andy_B wrote:
Maybe the Gods were reading this post above as shortly after I posted this I found the original album complete with the paper insert (pictures/comments) at a small botique in Flagler Beach, Fl It is in very good condition and I paid only $3.00. Finding it made my day.
This original release, brown-cover album was stolen from me at a party about a year after I got it,...one of the more major losses from my album collection. I still miss it and consider it to be one of his best.
Maybe the Gods were reading this post above as shortly after I posted this I found the original album complete with the paper insert (pictures/comments) at a small botique in Flagler Beach, Fl It is in very good condition and I paid only $3.00. Finding it made my day.
George_Tirebiter wrote:
I got married to my high school sweetheart in April 1971. Our honeymoon consisted of driving From Buffalo, NY to San Diego where I was stationed (US Navy) at the time. We had a small tape player and listened to this album a lot during the drive. We're still going strong after 44 years, and the album means more now than it did then. This is one of the great songs from that album, and a great example of EJ's superb early work with Bernie Taupin. Play on....
Thanks for sharing that! Music frozen in a great memory.
I got married to my high school sweetheart in April 1971. Our honeymoon consisted of driving From Buffalo, NY to San Diego where I was stationed (US Navy) at the time. We had a small tape player and listened to this album a lot during the drive. We're still going strong after 44 years, and the album means more now than it did then. This is one of the great songs from that album, and a great example of EJ's superb early work with Bernie Taupin. Play on....Thanks for sharing that! Music frozen in a great memory.
Strange what age does to a person: I listened and hated this album in the '70's, when I was 18. Now I'm quite fond of it, and probably wouldn't care to listen to the EJ tunes that I liked then!
I think this album is his finest work by far and one of those rare albums that flows so smoothly start to finish. A masterpiece!
ThePoose wrote:
How so?
This LP is a masterpiece...and we have that great Canadian band, The Band, to thank for the motivation behind it.
How so?
This LP is a masterpiece...and we have that great Canadian band, The Band, to thank for the motivation behind it.
My favorite track off my favorite Elton John album. Love that pensive oboe and the yearning in his voice.
folkrocker wrote:
I'll second that!
Thanks for the reminder! Just pulled out the vinyl and looked at the booklet!
Great album for sure.
I'll second that!
Thanks for the reminder! Just pulled out the vinyl and looked at the booklet!
Great album for sure.
So beautiful. Makes you just stop and listen...
WonderLizard wrote:
The British railway station on the cover of this album was opened in 1862.
It is not masquerading as anything other than... an old railway station!
What I love is the British railway station masquerading as something vaguely western American, possibly a train station. Regardless of whatever drove John and Taupin, the album is a masterpiece, perhaps an apotheosis of their work.
The British railway station on the cover of this album was opened in 1862.
It is not masquerading as anything other than... an old railway station!
WonderLizard wrote:
Bernie was (is?) fascinated with the American West, particularly the Civil War (My Father's Gun, et al). One of several recurring themes in his work. Many of his lyrics are more like collages of images, rather than a single narrative. This song holds together better than some, yet is still open to interpretation. But yes, this album is indeed a masterpiece.
There's a two-disc set of this album that includes alternate tracks. For die hard fans it's worth a listen or three.
Funny thing, whenever I see a still shot from 'Once Upon A Time In The West', I think of this album. Utterly unrelated, I know. But the imagery is similar. Doesn't hurt to see Claudia Cardinale again either...
c.
What I love is the British railway station masquerading as something vaguely western American, possibly a train station. Regardless of whatever drove John and Taupin, the album is a masterpiece, perhaps an apotheosis of their work.
Bernie was (is?) fascinated with the American West, particularly the Civil War (My Father's Gun, et al). One of several recurring themes in his work. Many of his lyrics are more like collages of images, rather than a single narrative. This song holds together better than some, yet is still open to interpretation. But yes, this album is indeed a masterpiece.
There's a two-disc set of this album that includes alternate tracks. For die hard fans it's worth a listen or three.
Funny thing, whenever I see a still shot from 'Once Upon A Time In The West', I think of this album. Utterly unrelated, I know. But the imagery is similar. Doesn't hurt to see Claudia Cardinale again either...
c.
zesty ! great song great album ! Funkybro wrote:
Then you are on crack
GeorgeMWoods wrote:
Then you are on crack
Time has not been kind to this song.
Then you are on crack
Good song, great album.
What I love is the British railway station masquerading as something vaguely western American, possibly a train station. Regardless of whatever drove John and Taupin, the album is a masterpiece, perhaps an apotheosis of their work.
MediaGrrl wrote:
Sure, the original has some dated orchestration and the Sting version is a lot cleaner but come on, we just don't hear enough bassoon in rock music anymore!
The Sting cover of this from "Two Rooms" is lovely - I think I prefer it.
Blasphemy, I know.
Blasphemy, I know.
Sure, the original has some dated orchestration and the Sting version is a lot cleaner but come on, we just don't hear enough bassoon in rock music anymore!
Masterpiece is a word I don't like to throw around very often so I won't use it to describe this song.
...but it is a fantastic creation nonetheless.
The Sting cover of this from "Two Rooms" is lovely - I think I prefer it.
Blasphemy, I know.
Blasphemy, I know.
SanFranGayMan wrote:
Bernie Taupin was obsessed with the American South, particularly the Civil War. 'My Father's Gun' is a great example. Not to mention obsessions with death and dying, as in 'Where To Now St. Peter?'
The other recurring theme from their collaboration seems to be autobiographical: the City Boy and the Country Boy. Captain Fantastic, GYBR, Honky Cat, etc.
TC holds up as an incredible piece of work. I put it on about once a month.
Another very underrated album was 'Blue Moves'. Not in the same league as this, but surprisingly good.
c.
This album and his Elton John album represent what an inflective time that was, with the Viet Nam war swirling around, the inflection psychedelics and weed provided-the conflict of so much family who thought of themselves as patriots and us as less thans. These albums for me were shelters from the storm, a chance to get grounded and reassured when we were facing headwinds much larger than we were. And all the more remarkable that he and Bernie wrote about an environment-the South-without being there. Simply, quite stunning. Our poets...
Bernie Taupin was obsessed with the American South, particularly the Civil War. 'My Father's Gun' is a great example. Not to mention obsessions with death and dying, as in 'Where To Now St. Peter?'
The other recurring theme from their collaboration seems to be autobiographical: the City Boy and the Country Boy. Captain Fantastic, GYBR, Honky Cat, etc.
TC holds up as an incredible piece of work. I put it on about once a month.
Another very underrated album was 'Blue Moves'. Not in the same league as this, but surprisingly good.
c.
In the early seventies at my house we used to call this 'The Brown Album' as opposed to 'Madman Across the Water' which was 'The Blue Album'. "Which one you wanna' hear, the brown or the blue album?"
NorthernLad wrote:
I'll second that!
The art direction of the original vinyl is the best I have ever seen. The gate-fold sleeve, the photos, the big booklet of lyrics, soaked in the old west of America.
Elton and Bernie's best album, full stop.
Elton and Bernie's best album, full stop.
I'll second that!
jbarryc wrote:
Ditto.
An extraordinary song from his greatest record-IMO
Ditto.
Stephen_Phillips wrote:
I'll second and third that. And this song ends way too soon.
I haven't liked Elton John or his music for a very long time but this song and the album reminds me why I once liked him in the early 70's. Tumbleweed Connection was and still is excellent.
I'll second and third that. And this song ends way too soon.
Time has not been kind to this song.
Elton and Bernie at their best
The art direction of the original vinyl is the best I have ever seen. The gate-fold sleeve, the photos, the big booklet of lyrics, soaked in the old west of America.
Elton and Bernie's best album, full stop.
Elton and Bernie's best album, full stop.
Elton spotted in Vancouver, BC, Canada yesterday updating his vinyl collection.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/elton-john-beat-street-records-1.4018502
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/elton-john-beat-street-records-1.4018502
This album and his Elton John album represent what an inflective time that was, with the Viet Nam war swirling around, the inflection psychedelics and weed provided-the conflict of so much family who thought of themselves as patriots and us as less thans. These albums for me were shelters from the storm, a chance to get grounded and reassured when we were facing headwinds much larger than we were. And all the more remarkable that he and Bernie wrote about an environment-the South-without being there. Simply, quite stunning. Our poets...
This is a lovely piece - one of Elton John's best. I didn't realize til now that it has an oboe in it. This album and his Madman Across the Water were his zenith.
Dahlia_Gumbo wrote:
Early Elton John is fabulous stuff.
Didn't think I liked EJ, but I do like this. Life is full of surprises — where've I been?
Early Elton John is fabulous stuff.
Didn't think I liked EJ, but I do like this. Life is full of surprises -- where've I been?
Had why ear and thumbs up
I think this is his best album, and my favourite. Not a bad track on it.
I believe I read somewhere that he considers it his favourite. (could be wrong, though)
I believe I read somewhere that he considers it his favourite. (could be wrong, though)
I haven't liked Elton John or his music for a very long time but this song and the album reminds me why I once liked him in the early 70's. Tumbleweed Connection was and still is excellent.
My parents had this album, among many, in the 70s. I loved it when I discovered it in my very early teens one summer, using my Dad's head phones.
probably one of my favorite John tunes...and a terrific album, too...
If you can find this album in the hi-rez/multi-channel version, and you have any vague liking for it.... buy the disc, an aural amazement
Shaken_Bake wrote:
The sentiments echoed, totally.
Goosebumps. Loved this song way back when and haven't heard it in forever. Beautiful.
The sentiments echoed, totally.
Early EJ was so good. After Yellow Brick Road I never spent any $$ or time listening but this era was really good.
Goosebumps. Loved this song way back when and haven't heard it in forever. Beautiful.
What a great album. Thanks for playing this one.
Thank you for bringing this lost treasure back into my life tonight!
Nono.. just NO. You ruin the song Elton, CUT!
This original release, brown-cover album was stolen from me at a party about a year after I got it,...one of the more major losses from my album collection. I still miss it and consider it to be one of his best.
one of my favorite songs from my fave EJ album. i don't know why i love it so much (the times?) but it stands the test of time for me. <3
Two excellent choices! Cool sister indeed!
Haven't listened to this in a long long time....
tkosh wrote:
Haven't listened to this in a long long time....
tkosh wrote:
I was a senior in high school, and my sister, who was a senior in college, gave me this album. She was so cool! Well, she still is at 66.. She also gave me "Then Play On," by Fleetwood Mac. She was so cool! Great song..
Wow, this is an EJ song that actually has no piano. Credit to Gus Dudgeon, who was responsible for so much of that early EJ sound.
Maybe there are others without piano. Maybe Sixty Years On ?
Maybe there are others without piano. Maybe Sixty Years On ?
An extraordinary song from his greatest record-IMO
I was a senior in high school, and my sister, who was a senior in college, gave me this album. She was so cool! Well, she still is at 66.. She also gave me "Then Play On," by Fleetwood Mac. She was so cool! Great song..
I got married to my high school sweetheart in April 1971. Our honeymoon consisted of driving From Buffalo, NY to San Diego where I was stationed (US Navy) at the time. We had a small tape player and listened to this album a lot during the drive. We're still going strong after 44 years, and the album means more now than it did then. This is one of the great songs from that album, and a great example of EJ's superb early work with Bernie Taupin. Play on....
Great album!
Nice. Good tune from a great album.
Always loved this. Just great.
Lovely song—John and Taupin at their best.
Can't believe this great song wasn't already in the library...
and advocates paedophilia
Please can you supply a citation for this?