Member-only story

His Life, His Letters, His Literary Remains: Knowing the Man Behind the Lyrics

Marvin Hayes

·5.5k Followers· Follow

Published in John Keats: His Life His Letters His Literary Remains (Knowing The Man Behind The Lyrics): Complete Letters And Two Extensive Biographies

5 min read

534 View Claps

91 Respond

Save

Listen

:

Bernie Taupin, the man who has crafted the words that have been sung by millions worldwide, is a lyricist of unparalleled talent. His collaboration with Elton John has produced some of the most iconic songs in pop music history. In this article, we will delve into the life, letters, literary remains, and creative process of Bernie Taupin, exploring the man behind the lyrics.

Early Life and Influences:

Born in Lincolnshire, England in 1950, Taupin's passion for words emerged at a young age. He was deeply influenced by the works of Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, and other poets and songwriters of the time. Through his voracious reading and keen observation of the world around him, Taupin developed a unique lyrical style that combined poetic imagery with conversational authenticity.

John Keats: His Life, His Letters & His Literary Remains (Knowing the Man Behind the Lyrics): Complete Letters and Two Extensive Biographies

by Alfred Doblin

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1974 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	706 pages

Collaboration with Elton John:

In 1967, a chance encounter at Liberty Records in London brought Taupin and Elton John together. The two quickly discovered a shared artistic vision and forged a songwriting partnership that would produce some of the most enduring songs in pop music. Taupin's lyrics provided the emotional depth and evocative imagery that perfectly complemented John's musical brilliance.

The Creative Process:

Taupin's songwriting process is characterized by a blend of intuition and craftsmanship. He often begins with a line or an image that strikes him, and then lets the words flow from there. He works closely with John, exchanging ideas and refining the lyrics until they reach their final form. Taupin's ability to capture the complexities of human emotion and experience is evident in his lyrics, which often explore themes of love, loss, redemption, and the search for meaning.

Personal Letters and Literary Remains:

Beyond his songwriting, Taupin is also an accomplished author and poet. His personal letters, published in the book "The Devil at High Noon," provide a glimpse into his inner life and the creative process behind his lyrics. They reveal a thoughtful, introspective, and often humorous man with a keen eye for human nature.

Taupin's literary remains, which include unpublished poems, short stories, and essays, further showcase his diverse talents and literary prowess. These works offer insights into his creative process and demonstrate his mastery of language and form.

Artistic Inspiration:

Throughout his career, Taupin has drawn inspiration from a wide range of sources, including literature, film, and the world around him. He is particularly fascinated by the American West and its rugged landscapes and characters. This fascination is evident in many of his lyrics, which evoke the open spaces and solitary figures of the frontier.

In addition to his musical collaborations with John, Taupin has also written lyrics for other artists, such as Alice Cooper, Tina Turner, and Rod Stewart. He has also published several books of poetry, including "The Early Years" and "A Child's Garden of Verses."

Legacy and Impact:

Bernie Taupin's contributions to popular music are immense. His lyrics have touched the lives of millions and continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. He is recognized as one of the greatest lyricists of all time, and his work has been praised for its emotional depth, poetic beauty, and enduring appeal.

Taupin's legacy extends beyond his songwriting. His personal letters, literary remains, and interviews provide a valuable resource for aspiring artists and anyone interested in the creative process. They offer insights into the mind of a master lyricist and demonstrate the power of words to move, inspire, and connect.

:

Bernie Taupin is a true wordsmith, a poet who has found his voice through song. Through his collaborations with Elton John and his own literary endeavors, he has created a body of work that has left an indelible mark on popular culture. By exploring his life, his letters, his literary remains, and his creative process, we gain a deeper appreciation for the man behind the lyrics.

John Keats: His Life, His Letters & His Literary Remains (Knowing the Man Behind the Lyrics): Complete Letters and Two Extensive Biographies

by Alfred Doblin

4.5 out of 5