The early 1980s saw a decline in Elton John’s popularity. Contrary to his extremely popular 1970s releases, Elton’s early 1980s releases knew little commercial success. But the iconic 1983 release “I’m Still Standing” marked a turning point for the British singer, reclaiming his place in the spotlights. The song was released as a single on Elton John’s album Too Low for Zero and became a worldwide hit. In this article, we will explore the story, meaning, and legacy behind the song.
The Story Behind the Song
Most people believe the story behind “I’m Still Standing” revolves around Elton John’s resilience in the face of adversity. It’s not difficult to see why: Elton has faced numerous setbacks and challenges throughout his life, and has seemingly overcome them all. So it’s no wonder why fans perceive the song as a reflection of Elton’s personal experiences.
But true Elton John fans know that the stories behind his songs often lie with lyricist Bernie Taupin, the unsung hero – and other half – of Elton John’s success. Taupin penned down the lyrics to Elton John’s most famous songs, which were often inspired by his own life experiences. As is the case with “I’m Still Standing”.
“I think people see it as an anthem based on Elton’s strong sense of survival in the face of adversity”, Taupin said. “Which, believe me, is perfectly fine by me – and in fact it’s probably infinitely more interesting than what it was originally written about. Which, if my memory serves me correctly, was a sort of kiss-off to an old girlfriend. You know the sort of thing, ‘Don’t you worry about me, I’ll be perfectly fine.”
Elton John – as always – wrote music over the lyrics Bernie Taupin provided to him. As a result, Elton still had a massive influence on the mood of the song. “I’m Still Standing” could’ve easily worked as a slow mournful ballad, but Elton decided to transform the lyrics into the uplifting song we know today.
The Meaning of The Song
At its core, Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” is an anthem about resilience and perseverance. A song about recovering from setbacks and overcoming life’s challenges. The lyrics tell the uplifting story of someone who has overcome adversity and feels better than ever.
On personal terms, the lyrics reflect Bernie Taupin moving on after a breakup.
Iconic Music Video
“I’m Still Standing’s” music video is an essential part of the song’s legacy. The video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, features Elton John performing the song in Cannes and Nice, France. The video was set to be recorded in two days, but after Russell Mulcahy fell into the sea with the first day’s footage, the video was recorded entirely on the second day.
The video is known for its use of bold colors, eccentric dancers, and flamboyant costumes. The music video received heavy airplay on MTV, which helped the song to propel to popularity.
Read more: The 10 Best Elton John Songs of All Time
The Legacy of I’m Still Standing
The song was released on Elton John’s seventeenth studio album Too Low for Zero (1983). “I’m Still Standing” was released as the album’s second single and became a worldwide hit. It reached number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and number 4 on the UK Singles Chart.
Elton John’s biopic Rocketman (2019) iconically ends with “I’m Still Standing”. The song is performed after a period of setbacks and challenges, which strengthens the song’s message of resilience. In the movie, Taron Egerton (who plays Elton) recreates the original music video of the song.
Over the years, “I’m Still Standing” became a catchphrase for Elton’s enduring career. The themes of resilience and perseverance continue to resonate with listeners to this day, making the song one of Elton’s most beloved hits.
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