Ego (Elton John song)
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| "Ego" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Elton John | ||||
| B-side | Flinstone Boy | |||
| Released | 31 March 1978[1] | |||
| Recorded | January–March 1978 | |||
| Genre | Glam rock[2] | |||
| Length | 4:00 | |||
| Label | MCA (US) Rocket (UK) | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Elton John, Bernie Taupin | |||
| Elton John singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"Ego" is a 1978 song by British musician Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin. It was released in early 1978 as a standalone single, and did not appear on John's album released in the same year, A Single Man. John played this song live from 1978 up until 1980.[3] The single reached #34 in both the UK and the US.[4]
The song was not available on CD until the 1990 release of To Be Continued box set. Later, in remastered form, it was added to the reissue of A Single Man along with four B-sides from the era.
The song was written during the sessions for his 1976 album Blue Moves but was not included on that release.
It starts with a rollicking piano accompanied by a train whistle, making it sound like there's a train rolling down a track. The song then goes into a steady 4/4 beat, then breaks down and goes to the chorus. Later in the song it transforms into an uptempo waltz and then reverts to 4/4. It features synthesizers, and carnival-esque organs.[citation needed]
Reception
Cash Box said that the "piano licks resemble Keystone Cop silent film score" and praised the vocals and guitar playing.[5] Record World called it "one of [John's] most complex songs," with "ironic lyrics and unusual chord progressions to make a powerful point."[6]
Music video
A music video was made, directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg, features John Emberton who played Elton John as a small boy in the video acting out a scene from Romeo & Juliet. John Emberton's sister Penny played a member of the audience.
