Look Who it Was Random video

Elton John - The Wide Eyed and Laughing (1976) With Lyrics!

3,405 views · Published 26 September 2014 · 3:30 · Indexed 10 November 2026

Channel: Ronnie Friend · 2014 · Music

Watch on YouTube

Side 3 track 4 on the 1976 double album "Blue Moves." Songwriting credit was shared with Davey Johnstone, Caleb Quaye and James Newton Howard on this song, which is one of the most mysterious and intriguing sounding Elton John songs ever. There is no piano, bass or drums on this track, and Davey Johnstone played sitar. David Crosby and Graham Nash added backing vocals at a studio in Santa Monica, California.

Many of the Bernie Taupin lyrics on this album from came out of his personal experience of the end of his first marriage with his "Tiny Dancer" Maxine. Thus many of the topics are sad and despairing, hence the title "Blue Moves."

"Blue Moves" is personally my favorite Elton John album. When I bought it new in 1976 it instantly became my favorite and has been ever since. In my opinion the originality and musicianship of this album has never been matched. Elton and the band performed in styles ranging from rock, classical, jazz, fusion, disco, folk, funk, French ballad and gospel. The instrumentation of the various tracks feature very unique and interesting combinations: full band, orchestral, minimalist trios, piano solos, and songs with no piano at all. And finally the number and variety of guest artists is quite impressive: The London Symphony Orchestra, Beach Boy Bruce Johnston, The Captain and Tennille, David Crosby & Graham Nash, The Brecker Brothers, David Sanborn, Carl Fortina, and the Rev. James Cleveland with the Cornerstone Institutional Baptist Choir. 

"The Wide Eyed and Laughing"
Elton John, vocal
Caleb Quaye, guitars
Davey Johnstone, sitars  
Ray Cooper, rototoms
James Newton Howard, synthesizer
David Crosby & Graham Nash, backing vocals
Gus Dudgeon, producer
Words & Music by Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Davey Johnstone, Caleb Quaye & James Newton Howard
©1976 Big Pig Music Ltd

More from this channel