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Elton John — I've Seen That Movie Too
Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1909









Released: 1973
Length: 5:55
Plays (last 30 days): 1
I can see by your eyes you must be lying
When you think I don't have a clue.
Baby you're crazy
If you think that you can fool me,
Because I've seen that movie too.

The one where the players are acting surprised
Saying love's just a four letter word.
Between forcing smiles, with the knives i their eyes,
Well their actions become so absurd.

So keep you auditions for somebody
Who hasn't got so much to lose.
'Cause you can tell by the lines I'm reciting,
That I've seen that movie too.

So keep you auditions for somebody
Who hasn't got so much to lose.
'Cause you can tell by the lines I'm reciting,
That I've seen that movie too.

It's a habit I have, I don't get pushed around
Stop twinkling you star like you do.
I'm not the blue-print
For all of your B films,
Because I've seen that movie too.

The one where the players are acting surprised
Saying love's just a four letter word.
Between forcing smiles, with the knives i their eyes,
Well their actions become so absurd.

So keep you auditions for somebody
Who hasn't got so much to lose.
'Cause you can tell by the lines I'm reciting,
That I've seen that movie too.

So keep you auditions for somebody
Who hasn't got so much to lose.
'Cause you can tell by the lines I'm reciting,
That I've seen that movie too.
Comments (216)add comment
Please, less Elton John.  Especially this pop rubbish.
Still great.

What else is there to say?
I consider this the peak for EJ.  Everything leading up to this is were gems everything after, not so much.  If he never put out another LP after this one, he would still be held in high esteem.  IHMO
another  song that's lyrics floor me everytime.
The whole album is an absolute masterpiece
Really good cut from this album. There is some good material on it and there is some filler ("Jamaica Jerk-Off" and "Dirty Little Girl" among them),  but this is an underappreciated gem, a beautiful break-up ballad that evokes a lot of cinematic imagery. 
"So keep you auditions for somebody
Who hasn't got so much to lose.
'Cause you can tell by the lines I'm reciting,
That I've seen that movie too."

WOW! 
My son (22 yrs old as I write) only knew recent EJ work which, let's face it, is poor.  Then I played this to him and he was blown away.  It's a 10 from me and my son. 
 whatsupdude wrote:

Saw him in LA in the seventies at Dodger Stadium, Elton's songs have  passed the test of time. Enjoyed the movie too.



He's playing this November at Dodger Stadium. Am hoping to go. I was a 12-year-old growing up in Los Angeles when he played Dodger Stadium in 1975,  so I didn't go (my parents were listening to Herb Albert at the time). 
What an album... full of gems!
The "smash hits" as well as the songwriter masterpieces (and fun songs like "Social Disease" or "Your sister can't twist")....
EJ’s seventies deep cuts are the best.
 mirland wrote:

You are joking right? 


crap?  this? I'm going to have to have a serious talk to myself? 
The backwards guitar solo though…wow.
OMG I LOVE THIS SONG!!!
IMHO this was the last of his great albums - I'm a fan of the early work from when it came out. I didn't know Leon Russell's work then but it certainly strikes a chord now, and immediately came to mind when I heard this starting up.  The EJ/BT combination was exceptional. There has been good stuff since but it is the early tunes that are engrained in my psyche, tailing off with this album. 
One of my all time favs of Elton, so good on a killer system with vinyl and the volume up...way up! I love the sound of the kit on this song!!
 stretcher wrote:
Just can't get into the Elton John.  Never could.  I can't handle his lame music.  Bugs the s**t out of me, or in a best-case scenario, puts me to sleep.  I don't really know why.

Okay EJ-lovers, all 500 ga-jillion of you - bring on the hate, I can take it.
 

But why bother to post anything? What for? It's not interesting reading.
Saw him in LA in the seventies at Dodger Stadium, Elton's songs have  passed the test of time. Enjoyed the movie too.
 maboleth wrote:
Elton John is one of those artists that I feel has always been around but if you asked me to name one of his songs, I'd have a hard time... and probably say "Sacrifice".
His music just doesn't work for me at all.
 At least you're honest about it! And, said in good taste.

 nannimae wrote:

Sir Elton has some mileage on his golden vocal cords is to be utterly honest.  But by gosh, before the throat issues, brought on by the smoking and drinking, he was a total god. It's sad that you can't look past him aging, like the rest of us, and just relish the icon for what he is.  
 Very eloquently stated. TY 😁

 crockydile wrote:
Okay, that seals it! I'm going out to get this. My kids need to hear this. Amazing. {#Meditate}
I agree... wholeheartedly! But, what is even MORE amazing, is his list of achievements, etc....this man is  a living, breathing, walking phenom!!! Actually drew the Y.B.R. album cover when I was in high school!! Long live RP and, the art of this man! 

I'd challenge anyone to write, sing and play any of these songs in his portfolio...and we would all fail.  As with any artist, dig into their B sides and the gold will always shine through.  Love and aloha.
 siriuss wrote:
I've listened to him so many times that now I can't stand it anymore. I saw him a few years ago in concert and he can't sing anymore. He should retire. It was good in his time.
 
Sir Elton has some mileage on his golden vocal cords is to be utterly honest.  But by gosh, before the throat issues, brought on by the smoking and drinking, he was a total god. It's sad that you can't look past him aging, like the rest of us, and just relish the icon for what he is.  
Just can't get into the Elton John.  Never could.  I can't handle his lame music.  Bugs the s**t out of me, or in a best-case scenario, puts me to sleep.  I don't really know why.

Okay EJ-lovers, all 500 ga-jillion of you - bring on the hate, I can take it.
His best album....shaped the direction of my musical adolescence
 Alastair wrote:
When this album came out, the pomp and drama of the title track and Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding distracted me from some of the other true gems on the album, especially this one. One of his greatest songs by a long way.    
I class this as the end of my favourite phase of EJ/BT, and find this track overly ploddy, lacking the swing of the earlier albums. I agree that the first 2 tracks are stunning.

A terrific songwriter, to be sure.
thanks for the perfect playlist... loves from Turkey
visceral.raw.affecting. makes you sit down on your lush shag rotting carpet and weep for the one you lost. this album is for weekends at the lake, alone, staring out into the glistening sunset of middle age. f**king gorgeous. 
 eveliko wrote:
The closest genious to John Lennon in my humble opinion. This song, which I didn't know, is particularly beautiful.
 

agreeeeeeed
 memoryboxer wrote:
Always surprised when folk say Yellowbrick Road was Eltons last good album. Captain Fantastic is one of the greatest love stories ever told with Bernie at his peak lyrically and Elton nailing it musically. The "30 years later" follow up, 'The Captain and The Kid' is almost as good - with remarkably candid lyrics (the drugs, the boys) and stellar musicinship. Highly recommended if you don't know it and like early Elton.
 Thank you-great suggestions! I was JUST wondering how to knit the raw, visceral talent in this album with something newer. 

This double album is a masterpiece. 
I simply love this tune!
Elton John is one of those artists that I feel has always been around but if you asked me to name one of his songs, I'd have a hard time... and probably say "Sacrifice".
His music just doesn't work for me at all.
 siriuss wrote:
I've listened to him so many times that now I can't stand it anymore. I saw him a few years ago in concert and he can't sing anymore. He should retire. It was good in his time.
 
Uh...ya. Thanks for your opinion. I'll file it under "Crap".
Like most who were in their teens when this came out, I quite like this album. But this track is a 46-year old sleeper hit for me.
Wow! I forgot that Elton John used to not suck.
I've listened to him so many times that now I can't stand it anymore. I saw him a few years ago in concert and he can't sing anymore. He should retire. It was good in his time.
Always surprised when folk say Yellowbrick Road was Eltons last good album. Captain Fantastic is one of the greatest love stories ever told with Bernie at his peak lyrically and Elton nailing it musically. The "30 years later" follow up, 'The Captain and The Kid' is almost as good - with remarkably candid lyrics (the drugs, the boys) and stellar musicinship. Highly recommended if you don't know it and like early Elton.
His best from his best
Still sounds so effin' good!
Elton and Bernie were truly amazing during this period.
 RabbitEars wrote:

I'm glad I'm not the only one who likes CF. I still listen to it regularly. 
 
My most listened to EJ album. Saw him do many of those live during his Rock of the Westies Tour in 75. I was only around 12 but I have vivid memories of that concert.
Majestic
 nutrod42 wrote:
 GawgaBoy wrote:
Elton's last good album.


Captain Fantastic is pretty good.

 
I'm glad I'm not the only one who likes CF. I still listen to it regularly. 
I always say .  "What if you can have 10, and ONLY 10 albums, which would they be?"

This is one of my 10. So many good gems, this one, Harmony, Grey Seal, etc . . .
If he was only a bit so brilliant today...
When this album came out, the pomp and drama of the title track and Funeral For a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding distracted me from some of the other true gems on the album, especially this one. One of his greatest songs by a long way.    
The closest genious to John Lennon in my humble opinion. This song, which I didn't know, is particularly beautiful.
One of my faves by EJ! I especially love the orchestral arrangement.
Not an Elton's fan, but this song is really good. 7 or 8...I'm doubt
 CyrusPaul wrote:
The album for me was life-changing, a true album that needed to be played in order.  And the way the drums were captured and the overall Gus Dudgeon production set a high bar.  This album came out the same time as Aladdin Sane, Houses of the Holy, Quadrophenia and Dark Side of the Moon.  What a year to be a 12 year old kid in Kansas....mind-expanding. 

 

Have to say that 1973 was a year for some of the very best records ever, from a broad spectrum of artists.
https://www.superseventies.com/albumsbymonth73.html

The album for me was life-changing, a true album that needed to be played in order.  And the way the drums were captured and the overall Gus Dudgeon production set a high bar.  This album came out the same time as Aladdin Sane, Houses of the Holy, Quadrophenia and Dark Side of the Moon.  What a year to be a 12 year old kid in Kansas....mind-expanding. 
"'Cause you can tell by the lines I'm reciting,
That I've seen that movie too."

... says every Monty Python fan. {#Cheesygrin}
 GawgaBoy wrote:
Elton's last good album.


Captain Fantastic is pretty good.
He was first artist to play in a new arena here 2 years ago{#Cheers}, 3 hours non stop - awesome show, glad I finally got a chance to see 
Duc1098 wrote:
As double albums go, it's hard to find anything better. More quality here than most artists deliver in their entire careers.

 
agreed{#Bounce}
As double albums go, it's hard to find anything better. More quality here than most artists deliver in their entire careers.
Elton John performed a concert here, which was one of the best I ever attended. He played and sang for a couple hours non-stop, the sound was just right and overall great. He really gave ones money's worth! This was among my favorites.

Amazing that Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics for this - and the other songs on the album - when he was only 22.  And in only three weeks! And Elton John took only three days to write the music. Over 40 years later, this song is still a classic. 
{#Notworthy}
One of my favorite albums of all time.
...... has to be 9.  Outstanding.
Epic.  If there's anyone writing music like this today, send them my way.    (Come to think of it, that's pretty much what I rely on RP for.)
Looking forward to seeing Elton live for the first time when he plays in Tel Aviv this week. I know he may be past his best, but it's a bucket list kinda gig for me.
 NorthernLad wrote:
This song is the best one on the album—-an unrecognized CLASSIC; a standard.  It has aged like a fine oak cask of red wine, far better than a lot of the other tracks from Elton's trilogy of LP's he recorded in France.

 
Well said.
This song is the best one on the album—-an unrecognized CLASSIC; a standard.  It has aged like a fine oak cask of red wine, far better than a lot of the other tracks from Elton's trilogy of LP's he recorded in France.
 RabbitEars wrote:
I recommend revisiting Capn Fantastic. It's always been my favorite album of his - I think it's stronger than this one. On Elvis Costello's Spectacle show, EJ talked about it being his most cohesive piece of work. 
https://www.tv.com/shows/spectacle-elvis-costello-with/elton-john-1242655/
 
Thanks RabbitEars.
I'll give it another spin, with fresh ears.

          One way or another, extremities concur
             Next  showing : I too can stumble.
Truly a transitional period for most of us, and The World... I remember songs from this album coming over the radio while I lay sick in bed with a fever reading Ray Bradbury's mind-blowing fiction. My favorite album of his was Captain Fantastic, but this was a landmark.
a lot of good memories from a lot of the comments of the posters
for me bad memories, I worked the midnight shift at a convienance store in 1973/74 and they played this album a lot on the radio
I like the album but not the memories it brings back
 
Timeless and just beautiful...
 On_The_Beach wrote:

I'd say last great album.
Caribou, Captain Fantastic & Rock of the Westies were all good, but not great.
Since then, would you believe he's put out an additional 37 albums?

 
I recommend revisiting Capn Fantastic. It's always been my favorite album of his - I think it's stronger than this one. On Elvis Costello's Spectacle show, EJ talked about it being his most cohesive piece of work. 
https://www.tv.com/shows/spectacle-elvis-costello-with/elton-john-1242655/
 
Yellow Brick Road: A classic and seminal work. This tune isn't the best on that album IMHO, but still representative of the great song-writing on it.

I don't think Elton John was ever the same after Dee Murray. His later music never had the same depth of sound without a strong bassist. RIP Dee. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dee_Murray 


 dave_porter wrote:

And there's the key - Elton John / Bernie Taupin. When he split from Bernie, he lost something special IMO.

 
No argument here. They were a great team.
What a treat, ain't heard this in years. Brings back waves of memories.
 ploba wrote:
Nothing gives me teenage-hood flashbacks like listening to the good old elton john/bernie taupin songs.  Captain Fantastic - I swear I wore that one out on the record player.  I remember mom yelling to turn it down and I would walk over to the stereo and turn it up - way up!  Elton - you "saved my life" and got me through those awkward years. 

 
And there's the key - Elton John / Bernie Taupin. When he split from Bernie, he lost something special IMO.
 On_The_Beach wrote:

I'd say last great album.
Caribou, Captain Fantastic & Rock of the Westies were all good, but not great.
Since then, would you believe he's put out an additional 37 albums?

 
wow 37 albums.....most of them shite IMHO except for that one with Leon Russell.

His early 70's stuff was quite excellent.

DM
 

 GawgaBoy wrote:
Elton's last good album.
 
I'd say last great album.
Caribou, Captain Fantastic & Rock of the Westies were all good, but not great.
Since then, would you believe he's put out an additional 37 albums?
 GawgaBoy wrote:
Elton's last good album.

 
Roger that. But a great run to that point.
Elton's last good album.
 Keef wrote:
I was 10 when the album came out. Wore out the vinyl. Still love it. 
 
Me too. I'd forgotten this morsel tho. Tip of the top hat to the Oscars?
I was 10 when the album came out. Wore out the vinyl. Still love it. 
As a kid in the 70s, I listened to all my parents' albums, this one included, on their head phones lol! Now, my Dad doesn't care for any of them, and I still love them.
Love the piano and that backwards guitar! A great album track from one of the truly GREAT pop albums.
It's interesting reading some of these comments; I own all Elton's albums through Captain fantastic, but I found that album to be a considerably inferior to his earlier albums. I have liked many individual songs off subsequent albums, but not the albums as a whole. Yellow Brick Road was his last great album IMO. His first album, which I bought in the PX at Ft Dix, NJ in early 1971, remains my favorite.
 perfect after dinner dirty martini chill down — {#Cheers}
Wow.  Never get tired of this one...
Everyone in my gardens {#Group-hug}love this song..................

I was given Captain Fantastic - my first album - as a bar mitzvah gift! I loved it, and professed his talents way past the point when it was considered cool.

 Seems like RP appeals to listeners of a certain age...

ploba wrote:

It was the first album we had as well - o i remember the hours and hours I spent looking at that album cover while it played on the stereo! 

shellbella wrote:

Captain Fantastic was the first album I ever bought. I think I was maybe 12?  Anyway I loved Elton then and I still do.  I saw him in '76 In Chicago.  My mom somehow managed to get my sisters and me tickets.  He is such an incredible musician and puts on a fantastic show.  A few years ago I saw him in San Diego.  He brought the house down - the man still has it goin on!!



 



 


Nothing gives me teenage-hood flashbacks like listening to the good old elton john/bernie taupin songs.  Captain Fantastic - I swear I wore that one out on the record player.  I remember mom yelling to turn it down and I would walk over to the stereo and turn it up - way up!  Elton - you "saved my life" and got me through those awkward years. 
 shellbella wrote:
TY Radio Paradise!!

Would never have survived my childhood without Sir Elton!!

 

Me too!


I've had this in my home CD player for the past few months... give it a spin about once a week. I wore it out when I was a kid, didn't listen to it for decades but still love it. I think EJ said it was his favorite piece of work (on that Sundance/Elvis C series). How many times I stared at that cover.... 
It was the first album we had as well - o i remember the hours and hours I spent looking at that album cover while it played on the stereo! 

shellbella wrote:

Captain Fantastic was the first album I ever bought. I think I was maybe 12?  Anyway I loved Elton then and I still do.  I saw him in '76 In Chicago.  My mom somehow managed to get my sisters and me tickets.  He is such an incredible musician and puts on a fantastic show.  A few years ago I saw him in San Diego.  He brought the house down - the man still has it goin on!!



 


o yeah! 

shellbella wrote:
TY Radio Paradise!!

Would never have survived my childhood without Sir Elton!!

 


TY Radio Paradise!!

Would never have survived my childhood without Sir Elton!!
 junebaby65 wrote:


Amen.  For me it was my gradeschool years.

 
Me too.  Wore the album out.
 shellbella wrote:
Never would have survived my teens without Sir Elton.

 

Amen.  For me it was my gradeschool years.

More Elton!!!!!


Everyone in my movie theatre loves this song.
Wow... what memories!!!    The entire album was is amazing.   I remember rushing to the local music store to buy the songbook for piano.   I learned the whole book in under a week and still love playing these fantastic tunes..  Funeral for a Friend being my favorite to play!!!

Rock on Elton and Bernie!!!

{#Notworthy}  
Bill's been rifling through my record collection - love these old, rarely heard EJ tracks - how about Skyline Pigeon and Levon sometime?
Never would have survived my teens without Sir Elton.
The bridge in this song can be played REAL LOUD it's that friggin good.....
My entry into the top 5 EJ songs EVA!!!!!!

......Dudgeon...genius!
 randyblew wrote:
Very nice. He was the first artist I dug as a wee lad growing up in the south in the mid-70's; so the best stuff then was of course this album, and, even more and unquestionably to me, Captain Fantastic, my first music buy (on 8-track, baby!). As a (hopefully) wiser and more seasoned soul, his early, more folky and honky based stuff appeals the more (think Elton songs played during Almost Famous). Had a fit at 11 when Mom wouldn't let me go see him in Greensboro in 76. One of the greats! We need more piano music out there.
 
Captain Fantastic was the first album I ever bought. I think I was maybe 12?  Anyway I loved Elton then and I still do.  I saw him in '76 In Chicago.  My mom somehow managed to get my sisters and me tickets.  He is such an incredible musician and puts on a fantastic show.  A few years ago I saw him in San Diego.  He brought the house down - the man still has it goin on!!


 blotto wrote:
I remember giving this album to a girl on her 14th birthday and then necking with her at her birthday party. Good times.
 

Ah, youth.
Saw him on this tour:  if I remember right, he had Christmas lights or something like that around the piano:  that was it, AND A ROCKING GREAT BAND!!
 sbutler wrote:
No blow/ Johnny Walker!
 


 
Disney Lion King

BLADERUNNER wrote:
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus
and Elton John used to be this good
what happened?? 
 


Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus
and Elton John used to be this good
what happened?? 
Shout out to Gus Dudgeon for the orchestrations on this !!!!!
I remember giving this album to a girl on her 14th birthday and then necking with her at her birthday party. Good times.
 Tamster wrote:
watching that movie right now......amazing song !
 

Ya mean.... the one where the players are acting surprised?
I can't help but love this because I grew up loving it. 

I grew up with ELP and Yes as well but I never loved it, that's the difference.
And the excellent set continues!  Thanks Bill and Rebecca.
It's always good to hear our Reg Dwight from Pinner, ace singer/songwriter, and lifelong Watford fan. Come on you 'Orns! :o)
Your pulling out all the stops today Bill, though an oldie, I had never heard this....
Good. But somehow I think I must have outgrown Elton John without ever realizing I did... Until now.
Very nice. He was the first artist I dug as a wee lad growing up in the south in the mid-70's; so the best stuff then was of course this album, and, even more and unquestionably to me, Captain Fantastic, my first music buy (on 8-track, baby!). As a (hopefully) wiser and more seasoned soul, his early, more folky and honky based stuff appeals the more (think Elton songs played during Almost Famous). Had a fit at 11 when Mom wouldn't let me go see him in Greensboro in 76. One of the greats! We need more piano music out there.