As we dive into the second month of the year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on how far we’ve come and set our sights on what’s ahead. The start of any journey can come with challenges or uncertainties, but what matters most is how we choose to move forward. Whatever frustrations, setbacks, or worries may have come our way, we now have the opportunity to leave them in the past and embrace a fresh mindset. The second semester is right in front of our faces, and it is time to say “goodbye” to the past and “hello” to the future.
That is precisely what Elton John’s song, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” is about. The song uses the imagery of the yellow brick road as a metaphor for an idealized, glamorous life that John ultimately rejects. The phrase draws inspiration from “The Wizard of Oz,” where the yellow brick road symbolizes the false promise of fulfillment.
The song focuses on breaking free from the dream-like restraints of longing for the past and to look to the future. It follows a narrative that many celebrities have when trying to navigate their confusing life in the spotlight. John focuses on the struggle of navigating between ambition and comfort.
First Verse
“When are you gonna come down?
When are you going to land?
I should have stayed on the farm
I should have listened to my old man”
The opening of the song is reflective and introspective, as John questions when they will finally “land” and ground themselves in reality. The lyrics show how John questioned whether he should have followed his dreams, or stuck with a simple life. This beginning verse similarly starts from the perspective of John at the beginning of his career, when he still has doubts if this is what he wishes to pursue.
Chorus
“So goodbye yellow brick road
Where the dogs of society howl
You can’t plant me in your penthouse
I’m going back to my plough”
Now the song explores John’s thoughts after his career has kicked off. It diminishes the celebrities in Hollywood as “dogs” revealing the dark side of fame. Now that John is famous he understands the secrets that celebrities glamour tries to hide. He describes struggling with this new reality, and ultimately deciding that he is tired of this high life and wishes to go back to his roots.
The chorus is when the song first starts coming to life. The slow piano song escalates to a symphony, with enchanting back vocals and notable drums. John’s melancholy tone throughout the song sets the tone as much as his emotional lyrics.
Last Verse
“Oh, I’ve finally decided my future lies
Beyond the yellow brick road”
The song was a journey through John’s career navigating the ups and downs of being a celebrity. He talks about the almost dehumanizing feeling he goes through as he is objectified instead of feeling like an actual person. In the end, John declares that he is leaving the yellow brick road, symbolizing him finally leaving his idealized dream behind.
With the second semester kicking off it is a great time to start fresh. Remember that if anything is weighing you down or harming you there is no shame with starting over just as Elton John did.
