Synced by LobsterCheese www.addic7ed.com
How long is this gonna take?
That's really up to you.
Right then.
I know how this bit goes.
My name is Elton Hercules John,
and I'm an alcoholic
and a cocaine addict
and a sex addict
and a bulimic.
Mostly a shopaholic who has problems with weed,
prescription drugs
and anger management.
Why are you here now?
Well, my dealer was out of town. I thought this seemed like a good alternative.
I'm here because I want to get better.
What were you like as a child, Elton?
As a child?
♪ I was justified ♪
♪ When I was 5 ♪
♪ Raising Cain, I spit in your eye ♪
♪ Times are changing, now the poor get fat ♪
♪ But the fever's gonna catch you when the bitch gets back ♪
♪ Eat meat on a Friday, that's all right ♪
♪ Even like steak on a Saturday night ♪
♪ I can bitch the best at your social do's ♪
♪ I get high in the evening sniffing pots of glue ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ I'm a bitch, I'm a bitch, oh, the bitch is back ♪
♪ Stone-cold sober, as a matter of fact ♪
♪ I can bitch, I can bitch 'cause I'm better than you ♪
♪ It's the way that I move ♪
♪ The things that I do ♪
♪ Oh, bitch, bitch ♪
♪ The bitch is back ♪
♪ Oh! ♪
♪ Bitch, bitch ♪
♪ The bitch is back ♪
♪ Bitch, bitch ♪
♪ The bitch is back ♪
♪ Bitch, bitch ♪
♪ The bitch is back ♪
Reggie!
You're late!
I've had to throw your dinner in the bin! Get inside!
Is he back?
What am I? Thin air?
Don't get your hopes up.
He's very unreliable and very selfish.
But will you send him up if I'm already in bed?
Reggie, move!
I wanna get this done before I go out.
All right, I'm done.
Put it away before you go out.
Mum, I've got to go.
Where's my cardigan?
What?
Did I do something wrong?
Bloody hell, Sheila. Maybe we should get him some lessons.
Love to.
Get him out from under my feet.
Go on, play it again.
I wanna play it for Dad.
Managed to drag yourself home then?
Hello, Stanley.
- How are you, Ivy? - Like you care.
Come on. Letting in a draft.
How long you back?
I got a couple of weeks leave.
Reggie's not long gone to bed.
Go on.
Pop up. Say hello.
I'll see him tomorrow.
Any dinner left?
Or have you fed it all to that boy?
My dad was passionate about
family and music.
He'd talk for hours about jazz.
Was always hugging me.
I was very lucky.
I was actually a very happy child.
Dad? Is it true you play piano?
I'm saving to get lessons.
If you want to sit in here you'll have to be quiet.
I'm listening to my music.
I like this one, Dad.
Never, ever touch my collection without asking.
When are you going to hug me?
Don't be soft.
What are you still doing up?
Learning.
Turn off the light. Go to sleep.
Crumbs! That was energetic.
Play another one.
The Moonlight Sonata, Reggie.
Mum?
My piano teacher thinks I'm good enough
for a scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music.
The Royal Academy of Music?
It has a nice ring to it.
"Royal."
Scissors.
- What do you think? - Um, the red one's good.
It's only on Saturdays.
Things to do on weekends. Can't just drop everything.
I'll take you.
Where are you off to?
Dunno. Haven't decided yet.
But, whatever it is, you're not invited.
Reggie's piano teacher thinks he's good enough for a scholarship.
Really?
You think he's got that kind of talent?
Of course he has,
but you'd know that
if you took the slightest bit of interest in me or this family.
Stop looking at that. You're not a girl.
Can we go home?
Home? No going home.
This is your life.
You have to get over that silly shyness.
- But Mum says I'll never... - Everybody's frightened at the beginning.
Play at being confident.
Life gives you very few chances, Reggie, and this is one of yours.
You show 'em you can be as good as they are. Better. Number one.
You can do that, can't you?
- Yeah, I suppose. - Good, go on then. Here.
This is for a bag of chips and your bus fare home.
Reginald Dwight?
- Yes. - How do you do?
Good, thank you.
Take your coat off.
Did you not bring something to play?
Didn't know I had to.
I see, well...
So, can you show me anything
so we can get a sense of where you're up to.
Why have you stopped?
That's as far as you got.
You might have a good memory and a good ear,
but you have an awful amount of work to do.
So, wrists and back straight.
Let's start with a C major scale.
Both hands, two octaves.
Hands off the table, Reginald. Stop making that noise.
What are you looking at me for?
♪ I want love ♪
♪ But it's impossible ♪
♪ A man like him ♪
♪ So irresponsible ♪
♪ A man like him ♪
♪ Is dead in places ♪
♪ Other men ♪
♪ Feel liberated ♪
♪ I can't love ♪
♪ Shot full of holes ♪
♪ Don't feel nothing ♪
♪ I just feel cold ♪
♪ Don't feel nothing ♪
♪ Just old scars ♪
♪ Toughening up ♪
♪ Around my heart ♪
♪ I want love ♪
♪ On my own terms ♪
♪ After everything ♪
♪ I have learned ♪
♪ Me, I carry ♪
♪ Too much baggage ♪
♪ Oh, God, I've seen ♪
♪ So much traffic ♪
♪ But I want love ♪
♪ Just a different kind ♪
♪ I want love ♪
♪ Won't break me down ♪
♪ Won't brick me up ♪
♪ Won't fence me in ♪
♪ I want a love ♪
♪ That'll mean something ♪
♪ That's the love I want ♪
♪ I want love ♪
Boy, there's a boy there.
Reggie, what you doing?
Hello, son, I'm Fred. I'm a friend of your mum's.
You tied me down with that kid years ago,
and now I've finally got a reason to leave
and be rid of you and this bloody house!
He didn't even give me a hug goodbye.
He's not good at showing affection.
Never has been.
- I wish I was someone else. - Oh, don't be silly.
Well, how do you think I felt?
I was a kid.
Heartbroken.
People don't care, though, do they?
Anyway,
I'd discovered records
and rock and roll.
I know you like him.
He's quite a dish.
- Oh, I would. - Oh, Mum!
Thanks, Mum.
It's fantastic.
You serious about wanting to be a rock and roller?
Yeah, of course.
Got to get you the proper haircut, eh?
- Can I get it cut like Elvis? - Enjoy it while it lasts.
He's like my side of the family.
He'll be bald as an egg by the time he's 20.
Congratulations to Dave.
He's won four pork chops, half a pound of prime mince
and a string of sausages.
Thank you. Thank you.
Now, Sheila and Fred's boy's gonna sing us a couple of songs on the piano.
Reggie Dwight!
- Go on, boy. - He'll be fine, he'll be fine.
Hello?
Bloody hell. You got a fag?
Rubbish!
Reg! Reg! Play the one I like.
Excuse me.
- You can't put that there. - Why not?
It'll get knocked off.
♪ It's getting late, have you seen my mates? ♪
♪ Ma, tell me when the boys get there ♪
♪ It's seven o'clock and I want to rock ♪
♪ Want to get a belly full of beer ♪
♪ My old man's drunker than a barrel of monkeys ♪
♪ And my old lady, she don't care ♪
♪ My sister looks cute in her braces and boots ♪
♪ A handful of grease in her hair ♪
♪ Oh, don't give us none of your aggravation ♪
♪ We had it with your discipline ♪
♪ 'Cause Saturday night's alright for fighting ♪
♪ Get a little action in ♪
♪ Get about as oiled as a diesel train ♪
♪ Gonna set this dance alight ♪
♪ Saturday night's the night I like ♪
♪ Saturday night's alright, alright, alright ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪
Hey!
♪ Well, they're packed pretty tight in here tonight ♪
♪ I'm looking for a dolly who'll see me right ♪
♪ I may use a little muscle to get what I need ♪
♪ I may sink a little drink and shout out "She's with me!" ♪
♪ A couple of the sounds that I really like ♪
♪ Are the sounds of a switchblade and a motorbike ♪
♪ I'm a juvenile product of the working class ♪
♪ Whose best friend floats in the bottom of a glass ♪
♪ Saturday, Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday night's alright ♪
♪ Saturday, Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday night's alright ♪
Fight!
♪ Oh, don't give us none of that aggravation ♪
♪ We had it with your discipline ♪
♪ 'Cause Saturday night's alright for fighting ♪
♪ Get a little action in ♪
♪ Get about as oiled as a diesel train ♪
♪ Gonna set this dance alight ♪
♪ Saturday night's the night I like ♪
♪ Saturday night's alright, alright, alright ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh, ooh ♪
♪ Saturday, Saturday, Saturday ♪
♪ Saturday, Saturday night's alright ♪
Here you go, Dave.
They won't bite. Have a word.
Good show tonight, boys.
You look like you know how to enjoy yourselves.
How do you like to make 2 quid a week
each?
Go on.
I'm a soul promoter.
And I've got two new American acts doing a tour of England,
sans they all need backup.
I'll need to know by tomorrow lunch time.
♪ Like a madman walking the morning ♪
♪ Heading for the walls of heartache ♪
♪ Working every day ♪
♪ I'm bringing home the pay of heartbreak ♪
♪ You are down, but the walls are higher ♪
♪ And you feel the tears you're crying ♪
♪ Oh, I got to bring it back ♪
♪ Working 'til the day I'm dying, oh, yeah ♪
♪ Take it down, take it down, take it down ♪
♪ Brick by brick, I'm tearing down ♪
So how does a fat boy from Pinner
with glasses, called Reggie Dwight
get to be a soul man, then, eh?
Write some songs.
♪ And the faces there before me ♪
♪ Spread the word like no tomorrow ♪
♪ Your letter of goodbye ♪
♪ Is written on the walls of sorrow ♪
I'm a skinny Black kid
from Detroit
whose real name is Rodney Jones,
and I played roadside joints for 10 years
before I realised what I had to do.
What, change your name?
It's not just your name.
You gotta kill the person you were born to be
in order to become the person you wanna be.
♪ Got to tear down all the loneliness and tears ♪
♪ And build you up a house of love ♪
♪ Breaking down the walls of heartache ♪
♪ Listen up, baby ♪
♪ Breaking down the walls of heartache ♪
♪ Brick by brick ♪
♪ Breaking down the walls of heartache ♪
Have a good show.
♪ Breaking down the walls of heartache ♪
It's on your hands.
Fuck off, mate.
- Elton? - Yeah?
I'm thinking of changing my name.
Yeah, great.
I'm thinking of changing it to Elton Dean.
That's my name.
Yeah, I know. What do you think?
I think, fuck off.
Right.
_
♪ Thank you for all of your loving ♪
♪ Thank you for all of your tears ♪
♪ Thank you for all of your kindness ♪
♪ Thank you for... ♪
Piano players, I've got ten a penny, mate.
I sing too.
What sort of stuff?
Uh, anything, um...
Rock, soul, country and western.
Bloody hell.
I'm gonna shoot the next piano player who sings Streets of Laredo.
Uh... Well, I write stuff too.
That was good. I mean, it could do with some words.
Yeah, that's the part I struggle with.
What's it called?
Oh, no, I just made that up.
Just now?
What did you say your name was again?
Elton.
Elton?
Mmm.
Elton what?
John.
Elton John.
What are you doing in my office?
Just taking a meeting.
Well, I'll make you a cup of tea then, shall I?
Boss.
All right, Elton John, the piano player. Thank you so much for coming in.
- Leave your details on your way... - Please, Mr. Williams.
Give me a chance.
Uh, um, all right, uh...
See if there's anything interesting in this one, and set it to music.
- Okay, well, I'll see you soon. - Thank you for coming in.
- Will I hear from you? - We'll be in touch.
We'll be in touch. Thank you.
Okay, uh, thanks so much for your time.
No worries.
One frothy coffee.
- No froth. - Thanks.
We close in an hour.
- Bernie Taupin? - Yeah.
You must be Elton.
- Yeah. - Hi.
Well, it's my stage name.
Oh. Well, you can tell me your real name when we get to know each other better.
Right.
Uh...
Um...
- Have you ever... Sorry. - I was thinking... Sorry.
No, no, please, after you.
I like your lyrics.
Thank you.
Yeah, yeah, I got the tape that you sent. It's great.
Really good.
Thanks.
Oh, hang on, uh...
Yeah, don't... don't bother with that one. That wasn't supposed to be in there.
No, no, that one's really good.
I wrote a tune to it.
Mmm?
- Yeah. - Border Song?
Yeah.
I read it, and I could hear the whole tune in my head
It was all there. I could see all the notes, and I just had to get it out.
It was like my fingers couldn't work fast enough to keep up with my brain.
Do you ever get anything like that?
Uh... Not really, no.
Uh, but I could write more for you, though, Elton.
I'll just send them down to you.
Great. That'd be good.
Great.
My real name's Reg Dwight.
Oh, cool.
Yeah, that sounds like a cowboy name.
Yeah, all I ever, uh...
All I ever wanted to be was a cowboy, you see.
Do you like country and western music?
- Yeah. - Yeah, it's good, innit?
Have you heard Streets of Laredo by Marty Robbins?
- Mmm. - Phew.
That's good.
♪ As I walked out on the streets of Laredo ♪
♪ As I walked out on Laredo one day ♪
♪ I spied a good cowboy wrapped in white linen ♪
♪ Wrapped in white linen as cold as the clay ♪
- It's a good song. - It is.
♪ I can see by your outfit that you are a cowboy ♪
♪ These words he did say as I boldly walked by ♪
♪ Come sit down beside me and hear my sad story ♪
♪ Got shot in the breast and I know I must die ♪
- Good. - Yeah.
- Good song. - Yeah, good song.
Well, anyway, all of these are great.
♪ Holy Moses ♪
♪ I have been removed ♪
♪ I have seen the spectre ♪
♪ He has been here too ♪
♪ Distant cousin from down the line ♪
♪ Brand of people who ain't my kind ♪
♪ Holy Moses ♪
♪ I have been removed ♪
What are you gonna do?
♪ Holy Moses ♪
♪ Let us live in peace ♪
♪ Let us strive to find a way ♪
♪ To make all hatred cease ♪
♪ There's a man over there ♪
♪ What's his colour? I don't care ♪
♪ He's my brother ♪
♪ Let us live in peace, oh ♪
♪ He's my brother ♪
♪ Let us live in peace, oh ♪
♪ He's my brother ♪
♪ Let us live ♪
♪ Let us live in peace ♪
Am I supposed to be impressed?
It's catchy, Dick.
These guys are special. I've got an instinct for these things.
All right, don't break your neck sucking your own cock.
Maybe we can put these two into a little B combo.
He's the good-looking one.
- We'll make him the singer. - Oh, no, hold on, I'm tone deaf.
Elton is... He sings the songs.
Yeah, we could just take the songs and leave if you like.
Oh, oh, oh, all right, all right, no offence. Don't get your knickers in a twist.
They are writing a lot of great tunes, Dick.
- There is one that's perfect for Lulu. - Easy, tiger.
You, uh, you flatmates?
No, we live with our mums,
so I do the writing,
send it down to him, and then he adds the music.
Whoever heard of songwriters not living together?
Yes, Lennon and McCartney are inseparable.
- How many songs you got? - Uh, hundreds.
Play another one.
All right.
♪ Daniel is traveling tonight on a plane ♪
Depressing. Another one.
♪ And I guess that's what they call it in the blues ♪
What the fuck's that about?
♪ Time on my... ♪
♪ I guess there are times like these ♪
♪ When we all need to share a little... ♪
Were you taking a piss?
Sounds like 99% of them are shit,
but it's the 1% I'm interested in.
Ray says you're an investment,
but Ray knows fuck all.
You're a couple of pricks as far as I'm concerned.
So quit that backing band nonsense,
find a place to work together,
and write me tunes
that grey-haired old tramps will whistle in the street.
You never know,
one day, might have enough for an album.
Do that,
and I'll put you on 10 quid a week.
♪ If anyone should see me making it down the highway ♪
♪ Breaking all the laws of the land ♪
♪ Don't you try to stop me, I'm going her way ♪
Oh, my beautiful new lodgers!
- Oh, they're struggling rock stars. - Hello.
I'm Bernie.
Never heard of a rock star with the name Bernie.
So what are your plans now, Elton?
Not too sure.
Written a lot of songs, haven't we? Enough for an album.
Mm-hmm.
And Elton's got himself a girlfriend now.
Arabella, our new landlady.
Yep.
So what about rock and roll?
What about hot chicks and cocaine orgies?
What about fame and fortune?
What about the fact that you're a fag?
A what?
Your little friend is a homosexual.
No, I've got a girlfriend.
When's that ever stopped anybody?
Are you?
I dunno.
Would it matter if I was, Bernie?
No, not to me.
Might matter to Arabella though.
I'd agree on that.
Oh, fuck.
♪ That's my rock and roll Madonna ♪
♪ She's always been a lady of the road ♪
♪ Well, everybody wants her ♪
♪ But no one ever gets her ♪
Shh, shh, shh...
Bins everywhere.
- Oh, no, no, Bernie. - What?
What is it now?
Wham am I gonna do?
You're going to tell her.
It'll break her heart.
Not sure she has one.
Will you please keep the volume down?
Gonna wake up the whole bloody street!
- Come on. - Yeah.
There's so much that we gotta do.
There's, like, there's worlds to conquer. I mean, America.
Wide open spaces.
Tower Records.
Listen, the songs are great.
People keep asking, they're like, "Who's that singing on the demos?"
And that you are a shit-hot piano player.
You have an amazing voice.
And I'm telling you. There is something special that happens
when you sing our songs.
You heard what Dick said. He said my hands are like midget boxers.
Who cares what Dick says?
I just don't know if I'm
what they're looking for.
It's time for you to be out front.
I love you, man,
I do, but
not in that way.
Yeah.
Elton?
Time for bed!
We became inseparable after that.
The brother I never had.
Do you know in 20 years
we have never had
a single argument, not once.
Anyway, I took his advice.
Told Arabella.
She took it very well actually.
You bastard!
She's got my piano!
You shameless beast!
Your music's as shitty as you are!
All right, Mum?
I knew you'd be back.
You'll have to pay a rent. I'm not made of money.
- Morning. - Good morning.
- Ugh, get dressed, Reggie. - Elton.
I'm not having you moping around all day.
- We're song writing. - Oh yeah?
Looks like it's going well.
Right. I won't have mess in this house.
It's nice and tidy, and that's how I want it to stay.
I'll not have a dosshouse around here. I can't do everything.
- I can't cook and clean and wash. - Mmm.
Rely upon me to do everything. It's not fair.
There's egg on this.
I'd better go, uh,
take a shave, I think.
Thanks for breakfast.
♪ Feeling in G ♪
♪ Na-na-da da da ♪
♪ Da da da da ♪
♪ It's a little bit funny ♪
♪ This feeling inside ♪
♪ I'm not one of those who can ♪
♪ Easily hide ♪
♪ I don't have much money but ♪
♪ Boy if I did ♪
♪ I'd buy a big house where ♪
♪ We both could live ♪
♪ If I was a sculptor ♪
♪ But, then again, no ♪
♪ Or a man ♪
♪ Who makes potions ♪
♪ In the traveling show ♪
♪ I know it's not much ♪
♪ But it's the best I can do ♪
♪ My gift is my song and ♪
♪ This one's for you ♪
♪ So excuse me forgetting ♪
♪ But these things I do ♪
♪ You see I've forgotten if they're green ♪
♪ Or they're blue ♪
♪ Anyway, the thing is ♪
♪ What I really mean ♪
♪ Yours are the sweetest eyes ♪
♪ I've ever seen ♪
♪ And you can tell everybody ♪
♪ This is your song ♪
♪ It may be quite simple but ♪
♪ Now that it's done ♪
♪ I hope you don't mind ♪
♪ That I put down in words ♪
♪ How wonderful life is ♪
♪ While you're in the world ♪
♪ I hope you don't mind ♪
♪ I hope you don' tmind ♪
♪ That I put down in words ♪
♪ How wonderful life is ♪
♪ While you're in the world ♪
How was that?
I love it. Best thing I've heard since Let It Be.
Trans-fucking-Atlantic.
I always knew you boys could do it.
First thing I'm gonna do is put you on a three-album deal.
Three?
A year?
And I got you a couple of nights at The Troubadour.
- Doug Weston's an old friend. - Hang on.
- The Troubadour? - Mm.
- It's this really cool folk club in L.A. - Yeah, we know what it is, Ray.
Hang on, no, let's not be hasty because the thing is,
- I haven't even got a backing band yet. - No, I've sorted the backup band, don't worry.
Dick, I don't wanna appear ungrateful, but you can't just spring the Troubadour on me.
It's time to do something bold, Elton.
Granted, America's a bit of a gamble.
You fuck up and I'll kill you.
But Ray will go too. He'll keep an eye on you.
Buy yourself some new clothes.
Something flashy.
Let 'em know who you are.
Put on a great fucking show,
and just don't kill yourself with drugs.
Yeah?
Yeah, right.
I'm gonna have a massage.
Mary!
♪ Lately I've been thinking ♪
I know.
Tower Records. Tower Records. Tower Records. Tower Records.
♪ Amoreena's in the cornfield ♪
♪ Brightening the daybreak ♪
♪ Living like a lusty flower ♪
♪ Running through the grass for hours ♪
♪ Rolling through the hay ♪
♪ Like a puppy child ♪
♪ When it rains the rain falls down ♪
♪ Washing out the cattle town ♪
Friends of Dick!
- Good to see you, Doug. - Ray!
How are you? So good to see you, man.
- What did you bring me? - Doug, Bernie.
- Nice to meet you. - Hi, Bernie.
Uh, hi, I'm Elton.
Oh, sweet. How are you?
Monday night at The Troubadour, man.
It's gonna blow your mind.
Be totally packed. You're gonna love it.
- It's a bit different from what I expected. - Yeah?
- Yeah, it's just a bit smaller. - Well, size is everything, my friend.
Neil Young played here last week,
and there were people lined around the block.
Yeah, it was just... It was just the best night ever.
- That's a cool hat. - Yeah?
- You like it? - I do like it, yeah.
- I won that hat on a bet. - Ah!
- With Bob Dylan. - Really?
- Yeah. - That's cool.
Elton!
This is the band. I'm just gonna check they know what they're doing.
So, you want something to drink? Get these guys whatever they want.
They just flew in from England.
And boy, their arms are tired.
Oh, dude! What the hell are you wearing?
My stage gear.
Where's Reggie? Where's Reggie? Reggie, Reggie, Reggie!
Neil Diamond is at the bar.
He's talking to Leon Russell and half the fucking Beach Boys, eh!
Jesus shit, Bernie!
Reggie?
Elton! I think you're overreacting.
No, Bernie, you are underreacting.
They are the geniuses of American music.
I can't go out there in front of that lot.
Okay, okay.
Then we'll tell Doug to refund everyone's ticket,
and we'll send everybody home.
- Where is he? - Oh, hey, Ray.
You've signed a contract. Dick's paid your fucking airfare.
Now get out there and play, you little twat.
Well, come on, then.
Now, ladies and gentlemen,
a rising star in rock and roll.
Please welcome all the way from London, England,
Elton John!
♪ I ♪
♪ Remember ♪
♪ When rock was young ♪
♪ Me and Suzie had ♪
♪ So much fun ♪
♪ Holding hands ♪
♪ And skimming stones ♪
♪ Had an old gold Chevy and a place of my own ♪
♪ But the biggest kick I ever got ♪
♪ Was doing a thing called the Crocodile Rock ♪
♪ While the other kids were Rocking Round the Clock ♪
♪ We were hopping and bopping to the Crocodile Rock, well ♪
♪ Crocodile Rocking is something shocking ♪
♪ When your feet just can't keep still ♪
♪ Never knew me a better time ♪
♪ And I guess I never will ♪
♪ Oh, Lawdy mama ♪
♪ Those Friday nights ♪
♪ When Suzie wore her dresses tight ♪
♪ And the Crocodile Rocking was out of sight ♪
♪ La ♪
♪ La la la la la ♪
♪ La ♪
♪ La la la la la ♪
♪ La ♪
♪ La la la la la ♪
♪ La ♪
♪ La la la la la ♪
One, two, three, four!
♪ La La la la la la ♪
♪ La la la la la ♪
♪ La ♪
♪ La la la la la ♪
It was so good!
- You're brilliant. - Thanks.
- This is, uh, this is Heather. - Hi.
- Hello. - You were amazing.
Thank you.
All right!
Enough with this bullshit! Who wants to go to a party at Mama Cass'?
I'm so drunk!
And Doug just lent me his car!
How cool is this, man?
Yeah, great.
Probably Dylan's here somewhere.
Uh...
I'm gonna go in the teepee with Heather.
- Really? - Yeah.
Right.
Okay.
You'll be all right, won't you?
- Yeah, 'course. - Yeah, yeah.
So, we're still gonna get to Tower Records tomorrow, then?
Uh, well, she's talking about going to some place called Paradise Cove tomorrow.
We'll go another time, though.
- Yeah, 'course. - Yeah, yeah.
Come on.
America, man.
Wide open spaces.
Beautiful girls.
It's a dream come true.
Cheers.
Let's stay here forever.
Thanks.
♪ Blue jean baby ♪
♪ L.A. Woman ♪
♪ Seamstress for the band ♪
♪ Pretty eyed ♪
♪ Pirate smile ♪
♪ You'll marry a music man ♪
♪ Ballerina ♪
♪ You must have seen her ♪
♪ Dancing in the sand ♪
♪ And now she's in me ♪
♪ Always with me ♪
♪ Tiny dancer in my hand ♪
♪ But, oh, how it feels so real ♪
♪ Lying here with no one near ♪
♪ Only you ♪
♪ And you can hear me ♪
♪ When I say softly ♪
♪ Slowly ♪
♪ Hold me closer, tiny dancer ♪
♪ Count the headlights on the highway ♪
♪ Lay me down in sheets of linen ♪
♪ You had a busy day today ♪
♪ Hold me closer, tiny dancer ♪
♪ Count the headlights on the highway ♪
♪ Lay me down in sheets of linen ♪
♪ You had a busy day today ♪
Dom Perignon.
'63, it's a good vintage.
Oh no, thanks.
It's, uh, always important to rely on the kindness of strangers.
John Reid.
Elton.
I know it seems a bit overwhelming at first,
but, uh, something makes me think you'll get used to it.
In fact, I predict you could be the best-selling artist in America if you desire it.
So, you liked the song, then?
Not quite as much as the singer.
You don't realise what happened at The Troubadour tonight, do you?
Look, I'm in music management, and let me tell you,
there are moments in a rock star's life that define who he is
and how people perceive him as he
ascends into the heavens.
You lit the blue touch paper.
Now we can all see you shooting
light and colour and magic
into the night sky.
Where there was darkness there's now you,
Elton John.
You can do anything you want.
You can be anyone you want.
And it's gonna be a wild ride.
♪ If you feel that it's real ♪
♪ I'm on trial ♪
♪ And I'm here in your prison ♪
♪ Like a coin in your mint ♪
♪ I am dented ♪
♪ And I'm spent with high treason ♪
♪ Through a glass eye your throne ♪
♪ Is the one danger zone ♪
♪ Take me to the pilot for control ♪
♪ Take me to the pilot of your soul ♪
♪ Take me to the pilot Lead me through the chamber ♪
♪ Take me to the pilot I am but a stranger ♪
♪ Take me to the pilot Lead me through the chamber ♪
♪ Take me to the pilot I am but a stranger ♪
♪ Na na na na na na ♪
♪ Na na na na na na na na ♪
♪ Na na na na na na ♪
♪ Na na na na na na na na ♪
The review from the L.A. Times has been syndicated.
- Okay. - Things are going crazy.
I've extended our stay.
We're in San Francisco tomorrow for three nights.
- Ray, slow down. - After that, we fly to NYC.
Then we're back here for two more shows, and then,
Dick wants us back in London to start the new album.
- Doug. - "Rejoice.
"Rock music has a new star.
"He's Englishman
"Elton John, a 23-year-old,
"whose debut at The Troubadour
was in every way magnificent."
Whoo!
It's happening, guys.
Just remember when you get back,
four shows you owe me.
- You said... - Four!
- Did... You said four shows? - Yes.
So.
Will I see you when I get back?
Don't worry about me. Go and enjoy your moment.
- That's what's important. - Come to London with me.
I can't, but, uh, next time I'm there I'll look you up.
- Promise. - Hey.
I've opened the fucking house. Don't be a bummer.
I'm gonna watch you in front.
Oh! I love 'em.
These are extremely stylish boots of my own design.
Can you even play the piano on that?
- This is never gonna last. - Well...
Let's just enjoy it while we can, huh?
♪ That old tough man routine ♪
♪ Up her sleeve ♪
♪ Living and loving ♪
♪ Kissing and hugging ♪
♪ Living and loving with a cat named Hercules ♪
♪ A cat named Hercules ♪
♪ Don't go breaking my heart ♪
♪ You take the weight off me ♪
♪ Oh, honey, when you knock on my door ♪
♪ I gave you my key ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh ♪
♪ Nobody knows it ♪
Nobody knows...
♪ When I was down ♪
♪ I was your clown ♪
♪ Ooh, ooh ♪
Okay, um...
- Guys, we're gonna stop there. - You all right, darling?
Yeah, I'm fine. Kiki, would you mind giving me five minutes?
Hm-mmm.
- I'm gonna go in. - He's actually quite busy.
Thanks.
- Nice job. - Nice suit.
Hello.
What are you doing?
Business.
And I promised if I was ever in town I'd look you up.
How long you staying?
Well, I'm not sure. That depends.
Don't make me beg.
I've been hearing your songs everywhere.
Makes it very hard to stop thinking about you.
Really?
Elton, what's going on?
Are we going again or shall we go for a pint?
Yeah, no, yeah, you should go for a pint.
What do you want, Elton?
Uh... Dinner with you.
So humble, it's embarrassing.
You're a millionaire rock star who lives at home with his mum.
Things are serious now.
Be brave,
and think big.
What do you really want?
♪ When I look back ♪
♪ Boy, I must have been green ♪
♪ Bopping in the country ♪
♪ Fishing in a stream ♪
♪ Looking for an answer ♪
♪ Trying to find a sign ♪
♪ Until I saw your city lights ♪
♪ Honey, I was blind ♪
♪ They said, get back, Honky Cat ♪
♪ Better get back to the woods ♪
♪ Well, I quit those days ♪
♪ And my redneck ways ♪
♪ And I, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ Oh, the change is gonna do me good ♪
♪ You better get back, Honky Cat ♪
♪ Living in a city ain't where it's at ♪
♪ It's like trying to find gold in a silver mine ♪
♪ It's like trying to drink whiskey ♪
♪ Oh, from a bottle of wine ♪
_
♪ Well, I read some books ♪
♪ And I read some magazines ♪
♪ About those high class ladies ♪
♪ Down in New Orleans ♪
♪ And all the fools back home, well ♪
♪ They said I was a fool ♪
♪ Oh, believe in the Lord ♪
♪ Is the golden rule ♪
♪ They said, get back, Honky Cat ♪
♪ Better get back to the woods ♪
♪ Well, I quit those days ♪
♪ And my redneck days ♪
♪ And I ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ Oh, the change is gonna do me good ♪
No one's getting phased out, Dick.
Elton feels things will run more smoothly if he has personal management.
- There's never been a problem before. - And there isn't one now.
Look, there's loads of work, commitments, tours, et cetera.
That's what I'll be doing. Personal management.
Taking care of things.
Well, is that right?
You realise I've got a contract with Elton?
I've had that looked into,
and my client is quite entitled to take on outside representation.
That's what you think?
You fucking poofter.
And you. You're happy with this arrangement, aren't you?
Right?
- After all these years? - It's nothing personal, Dick.
Come on, Ray.
Best of luck to you, Elton.
Your very expensive painting is upside down.
- After you, Mr. James. - Thank you, Raymond.
Well,
that was absolutely horrible.
Don't worry. It's business. Dick's a big boy. He'll be fine.
Mr. Reid, Lord Grade's office called about the Royal Variety Performance.
Apparently, the Queen Mother is a big fan.
Couldn't we have kept on Ray? He's such a lovely guy.
Lovely guy is not a job.
This is a crucial time, Elton.
You and I are gonna have to be more careful
because the papers have been sniffing around.
We can't give them anything to speculate on.
I'm thinking of getting someone in as your girlfriend.
- Doesn't that seem a bit excessive? - No, no, no, no, no.
This is your career and our business at stake.
If our sleeping arrangements get out, all of this is gone.
Right.
And you're gonna have to talk to your parents.
Make sure they know what to say.
Those are the first doors reporters knock on.
Hello, Reg.
Hi, Dad.
Well, uh... Come... Come on in.
Well, those are very fancy shoes.
Oh... Oh, yeah.
I brought you something.
Why are you here, Reg?
Ah, the boys.
Dad, there's a Rolls Royce outside.
Steven, Geoff.
This is your brother, Reggie.
Half-brother.
I'm not actually called Reggie anymore.
I thought maybe once I'm back from tour, you and I could get together if you like.
I could get you some tickets to my next concert.
No, not really my thing.
Is it true you're worth 25 million pound?
D'you know what? I don't actually know.
They're really proud of you.
Mmm.
Yeah, we've even got some of your records.
- Hm-mmm. - Why don't you go and get the album?
- Grab us a pen. - Mmm.
You probably get asked this all the time,
but would you, uh...
Would you mind signing this?
Uh, no, of course.
_
Oh, no, would you make it out to Arthur?
He's, uh, one of the blokes from work.
He... He's a big fan.
- Is he? - Hm-mmm.
Perfect.
Right.
Well, it looks like things worked out really well second time around, Dad.
- I suppose they have. - Mmm.
'Cause, you know, not everybody gets a second chance.
The boys loved meeting a real-life pop star.
Sure.
- Thanks, Dad. - Bye.
- When I grow up, Dad... - Get inside.
What are you doing without your shoes on?
Back inside.
What have you got to do to get a fucking drink around here, eh?
Will you stop sulking?
It has to be done, whether you like it or not.
Are you gonna be scared of her your whole life?
- Right, stop the car! - Elton.
I said, stop the car!
You're on stage in fifteen minutes.
You're the big-shot manager. You make my excuses.
Tell 'em I'm indisposed
breaking my mother's heart!
Elton!
Elton! Drive around, Denis.
Liberace!
- Pinner, 9755. - Mum, it's me.
I know who you are.
Well, I've got something to tell you.
Reggie, we're gonna miss the bit of the show with you on.
Look, shut... Shut up, Mum!
I'm not on telly yet, am I? I'm talking to you.
I...
Me and John, we...
Look, the thing is...
I'm a homosexual.
A poofter.
A fairy.
A queen.
Say something!
Oh, for God's sake, I know that.
I've known for years.
- You don't mind? - Frankly, I don't care.
But I'd rather you keep that sort of thing to yourself.
I just hope you realise you're choosing a life of being alone forever.
You'll never be loved properly.
Right. Got to go.
She said I would never be loved.
Don't ever put me in this position again.
You're on stage in ten minutes, so get over yourself and do the show.
We're running a business here, you fucking idiot.
Don't ever put your hands on me.
Real love's hard to come by.
So you find a way to cope without it.
- You okay? - Yeah.
Got a number one album in America again.
I'm about to embark on the highest-grossing tour in rock history.
I'm personally responsible for 5% of all record sales
on the entire planet,
and I have the biggest headdress known to man,
so yeah, I think I'm okay, Bernie.
Well, it used to just be the two of us,
now there's busloads of people just to do the music...
Hang on, hang on, don't you wanna just
go there and sing without all of this ridiculous paraphernalia?
You know, just
be yourself, Reg.
Why the fuck would I want that, Bernie?
You wouldn't say this shit to me if you were a real friend.
People don't pay to see Reginald Dwight.
They pay to see Elton John.
Don't ever tell me how to do my fucking job.
Break a leg.
- You don't have to put up with this, Reg. - Write the fucking lyrics, Bernie!
Let me deal with the rest.
- Sorry. - I know.
Ladies and gentlemen,
please welcome Elton John!
♪ Ever since I was a young boy I've played the silver ball ♪
♪ From Soho down to Brighton ♪
♪ I must have played them all ♪
♪ But I ain't seen nothing like him ♪
♪ In any amusement hall ♪
♪ That deaf dumb and blind kid ♪
♪ Sure plays a mean pinball ♪
♪ He stands like a statue ♪
♪ Becomes part of the machine ♪
♪ Feeling all the bumpers ♪
♪ Always playing clean ♪
♪ He plays by intuition ♪
♪ The digit counters fall ♪
♪ That deaf dumb and blind kid ♪
♪ Sure plays a mean pinball ♪
♪ He's a pinball wizard ♪
♪ He scores a trillion more ♪
♪ A pinball wizard The world's new pinball lord ♪
♪ He's scoring more ♪
- Where am I? - At your house in L.A., Mr. John.
Right.
I'll put some coffee on.
Darling, I've been thinking. Maybe we should
quit the booze for a couple of days, take some quality time together.
Afternoon.
Mr. Reid.
- What d'you think you're doing, John? - Just a bit of rock and roll.
Rock and roll is not shagging your secretary in front of the pool boys!
Rock and roll's getting you out of your bed in the morning.
Arranging 250 gigs in 26 different countries.
Rock and roll's actually 112 employment contracts,
insurance, copyright indemnity,
renegotiating your previously insane contracts and wiping your ass.
You know, all you do, Elton, is play the piano,
but, for me, rock and roll is an 87 million dollar a year industry.
So maybe all I do is play the piano, but you know what else I do?
Hmm?
I pay, John,
for everything,
including this house, which I'd like you to leave now.
You may still be my manager, but you and me are finished.
- You're so predictable. - No, not predictable.
I want to be by myself, not with some arsehole
who doesn't give a shit about me
and takes the piss day after day!
- Get out! - Yoo-hoo!
- Elton! - Come here, look at that.
What are they doing here?
You told me to hire a jet and fly them over for the gig.
- No, no, next week, John. - It is next week.
I'm gonna go and fix them a drink.
Darling, why don't you clean yourself up because you fucking stink.
Sheila! It's been too long!
- Beautiful woman. - Hello, look at this, you lovely lot.
- Here we are. - Hi, Nan.
- Oh, I can't believe I'm actually in America. - I know.
- Hi, Dad. - How you doing? Good to see you.
- Elton. - Hello, Mum.
Elton, darling, you remember the Andersons?
Ah, yes, the Andersons!
How could we forget the Andersons?
- Hello. - Hello.
And what a shy little boy you were!
Look at you now!
Elton, you must give them a tour.
- Yes, right now, come on. - Yeah, okay.
Everyone, Elton is giving a tour.
- Mum, you're on my gown. - Don't be rude.
Excited?
Car.
- Bernie, how's it going, man? - Oh, hey, man, how's it going?
No idea who he is.
Here he is!
Ladies, Elton!
- Hey! - Hey!
What are you doing on your own up here, huh?
Miserable bastard. You're missing all the fun downstairs.
Well, as long as all the fun ain't missing me, then who gives a shit, Bernie?
We should get a drink.
No, we should, we should. Let's go, let's go get a drink.
No, we absolutely should.
- No, I'm telling you, I'm telling you... - Yeah.
Go and get a drink.
Fucking prick.
For my next trick,
I'm gonna fucking kill myself.
♪ She packed my bags last night pre-flight ♪
♪ Zero hour, 9 a.m. ♪
♪ And I'm gonna be high ♪
♪ As a kite by then ♪
♪ I miss the earth so much I miss my life ♪
♪ It's lonely out in space ♪
♪ On such a timeless flight ♪
You self-indulgent prick.
♪ And all this science ♪
♪ I don't understand ♪
♪ It's just my job five days a week ♪
♪ A rocket man ♪
♪ I think it's gonna be a long, long time ♪
♪ 'Til touchdown brings me 'round again to find ♪
♪ I'm not the man they think I am at home ♪
♪ Oh, no, no, no ♪
♪ I'm a rocket man ♪
♪ Rocket man ♪
♪ Burning up his fuse up here alone ♪
♪ And I think it's gonna be a long, long time ♪
♪ 'Til touchdown brings me 'round again to find ♪
♪ I'm not the man they think I am at home ♪
♪ Oh, no, no, no ♪
♪ I'm a rocket man ♪
♪ Rocket man ♪
♪ Burning up his fuse up here alone ♪
♪ And I think it's gonna be a long, long time ♪
Elton.
- Elton. - Yes, yes, sorry, you were saying?
I was saying that I think I need to take a break.
You need to take a break.
I think that I just need to go and sort myself out a bit.
What?
I'm going home for a while.
That's nice for you.
Why can't we just, you know, both of us just disappear together?
My ranch.
We'll go to my ranch. We'll hide away.
We can write like we did.
Like we used to.
We should go home, Elton.
Reconnect.
No, you should go.
There are other writers I'd like to work with anyway.
Do me good.
Collaborate with other people.
I think it's a really good idea.
My loyal subjects.
Hello, Australia.
G'day.
Oh, shit. Or New York?
Swindon.
Or wherever the hell we are.
Well, if you don't like it, go home.
It's what everyone else seems to be doing at the moment.
Anyway,
here's one for all the sober people!
♪ Hey, kids, shake it loose together ♪
♪ The spotlight's hitting something that's been known to change the weather ♪
♪ We'll kill the fatted calf tonight, so stick around ♪
♪ You're gonna hear electric music Solid walls of sound ♪
♪ Say, Candy and Ronnie, have you seen them yet? ♪
♪ Oh, but they're so spaced out ♪
♪ She's got electric boots ♪
♪ A mohair suit ♪
♪ You know I read it in a magazine ♪
♪ Oh, oh ♪
♪ B-B-B-Bennie and the Jets ♪
♪ Bennie ♪
I just hope you realise you're choosing a life of being alone forever.
You'll never be loved properly.
When are you going to hug me?
Don't be soft.
Life gives you very few chances, Reggie, and this is one of yours.
- Who are you? - You can do anything you want.
You can be anyone you want.
And what a shy little boy you were!
Look at you now.
What do you want?
I'm going home for a while.
What do you want? I'm busy.
Why don't you get back in the studio you're paying for?
Why don't you sell my fucking records? What's this?
Hmm?
Number 11 in Italy?
The song doesn't work. That's the problem.
The record's coked-out MOR shit.
The problem
is you
have never understood me
and what I have to go through.
You know what? I should've sacked you when you left me.
I am glad I left you.
It means I can maintain some objectivity
in your self-indulgent, myopic little world.
Get in the studio and make some music, or don't.
I don't care.
Well, you will when your money runs out.
Do your worst.
In fact, take me to court.
You signed contracts with me years ago,
so I'll still be collecting my 20% long after you've killed yourself.
Get out of my fucking house!
Fuck off!
♪ Did you take me for a ride? ♪
♪ A victim of love ♪
♪ Well, I hope you're... ♪
It's fantastic.
♪ Victim of love ♪
- Would you like to hear it again? - Not really, no.
Would you like a cup of tea?
Not got anything stronger?
You should be very proud.
I've watched you play many times,
and your music is always so
personal and honest
and open.
It must be lonely sometimes.
♪ I can't light ♪
♪ No more of your darkness ♪
♪ All my pictures ♪
♪ Seem to fade to black and white ♪
♪ I'm growing tired ♪
♪ And time stands still before me ♪
♪ Frozen here ♪
♪ On the ladder of my life ♪
♪ Too late ♪
♪ To save yourself from falling ♪
♪ Take a chance ♪
♪ Change your way of life ♪
♪ But you misread ♪
♪ My meaning when I met you ♪
♪ Closed the door ♪
♪ And left me blinded by the light ♪
♪ Don't let the sun go down on me ♪
♪ Although I search myself ♪
♪ It's always someone else I see ♪
♪ I'd just allow a fragment of your life ♪
♪ To wander free ♪
♪ But losing everything ♪
♪ Is like the sun going down on me ♪
- Morning. - Morning.
I'm sorry.
I know.
Renate didn't deserve that.
She's a good person.
I dragged her into all my madness.
Did being married make you happy?
Not really. I'm gay.
- I think... - Hello, Mum.
- Sir, would you like me to... - Maybe a bit later, thank you.
Hello, son.
- You all right? - Yeah, good.
Just talking about poor Renate.
Such a lovely woman.
Divorce can be so painful.
- Yeah. - Anyway, celebration is in order.
We found a lovely villa by the sea.
It'd be good if you would talk to John today,
get the money arranged. Can't risk losing this one.
Yeah, in Menorca. It is a lovely place. You should see it.
- Menorca, right? - Hmm.
What do you wanna go there for?
- Because you're driving me away. - Hmm.
Every time we open a paper,
there's something about you and the booze or the drugs, and...
You're breaking your poor mum's heart. - Tell you what. I'll write you a check, hmm?
So she can just buy a new one.
Typical that you'd say something like that about me
when I've given up so much for you.
What have you given up for me?
Your father, for a start.
You really are a heartless monster.
You know, I don't live my life in black and white.
I do not want your fucked up frigid ideas about anything.
You know, I'm so sick of running away from who I am.
There's nothing wrong with success or pleasure.
In fact, why am I apologising for it?
Mum, I have fucked everything that moves.
And I've taken every drug known to man.
All of 'em.
But you know what?
I enjoyed every last minute of it.
Ever since you first tangled your fat little legs in front of a piano,
you've been lucky.
You've never worked hard for a bloody thing in your life.
It all just comes to you. You don't do anything.
And I'm the one who suffers.
I should never have had children.
Do you know how disappointing it is to be your mother?
♪ It's sad, so sad ♪
♪ It's a sad, sad situation ♪
♪ And it's getting more and more absurd ♪
♪ It's sad, so sad ♪
♪ Why can't they talk it over? ♪
♪ But it seems to me ♪
♪ Sorry seems to be the hardest word ♪
Some dessert, sir?
Yeah, um...
Two chocolate puddings,
an apple pie and a raspberry fool, please.
Any ice cream?
- I... Yeah, all of them. - Excellent choice.
Where's Reid these days?
Uh... Uh... Does it matter?
Hates my fucking guts.
Nobody hates you, Elton.
Campaign to kill yourself is going well.
What are you doing here, Bernie?
Hmm?
You left when it suited you,
and now you come back to lecture me?
'Cause, the thing is, the first time we actually got anywhere,
you left, didn't you?
Some girl was more important to you than me
and all those legends who were welcoming us in.
You left me at the most important moment, Bernie.
When did you give up?
If you don't care about yourself, how do you expect anyone else to?
Whenever I needed you most, you weren't there.
It's not weak to ask for help.
I have worked my balls off to get us out of shit
day in, day out,
for years.
And now it's me that can't walk down the streets.
It's me who doesn't have a life.
'Cause I don't get to sit around with my feet on a desk
chewing on the end of a fucking pencil.
"Just write the lyrics, Bernie. I'll take care of everything else."
That was a test.
You should have known.
- Thank you. - Enjoy.
♪ 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 ♪
♪ Maybe you'll get a replacement ♪
I'm getting the bill, am I?
♪ There's plenty like me to be found ♪
Bernie!
- ♪ Mongrels who ain't got a penny ♪ - Wait.
- ♪ Sniffing for tidbits like you ♪ - Bernie!
♪ On the ground ♪
Yeah, yeah, later. Bernie!
Go on, Bernie!
♪ So goodbye yellow brick road ♪
Don't be so dramatic.
- ♪ Where the dogs of society howl ♪ - Coward!
Same as always! Leaving me when things get too real!
♪ I'm going back to my plough ♪
♪ Back to the howling old owl in the woods ♪
♪ Hunting the horny back toad ♪
♪ Oh, I've finally decided my future lies ♪
- You idiot. - ♪ Beyond the yellow brick ♪
♪ Road ♪
You fucking idiot!
Bernie betrayed me. The way everyone does.
♪ When are you going to land? ♪
- I heard it was a heart attack. - It's a chest infection, Mike.
He'll be fine. How about ticket sales?
What the hell's that got to do with it? Every night is sold out.
- Well, add five more nights, then. - Are you insane?
- He could have died. - Just let me take care of things, Mike.
I always get him back on his feet, don't I?
- Are you gonna be able to get him... - Brilliant, man.
He is gonna be there.
All right. You're good to go.
♪ So what do you think you'll do, then? ♪
♪ Bet they'll shoot down your plane ♪
♪ It'll take you a couple of vodka and tonics ♪
♪ To set you on your feet again ♪
♪ You know they can't hold you forever ♪
♪ I didn't sign up with you ♪
♪ I'm not a present for your friends to open ♪
♪ This boy's too young to be singing ♪
♪ The blues ♪
♪ Ah ah ah ah ah ♪
♪ Ah ah ah ♪
♪ 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 ♪
♪ Back to the howling old owl in the woods ♪
♪ Hunting the horny back toad ♪
♪ Oh, I've finally decided my future lies ♪
♪ Beyond the yellow brick road ♪
♪ Ah ah ah ah ah ♪
♪ Ah ah ah ah ♪
For as long as I can remember, I've hated myself.
Believed I'd never be loved.
Shows progress to take responsibility for your actions.
Yeah, but I started acting like a cunt in 1975.
Just forgot to stop.
I do feel ashamed.
Spent so long feeling resentful for things that just don't matter.
Maybe I should have tried to be more ordinary.
Hello, Nan.
You was never ordinary.
Look at you.
In here, talking about your feelings.
What a waste of time!
Mum, I know it was never easy,
and I hope you can forgive me
because I've realised that's what we need to do now.
Forgive each other.
- Your problem is you're selfish. - No.
My problem was I believed you loved me,
and you're incapable of it.
I gave everything to keep something that I never even had in the first place.
I always thought you was an introverted extrovert.
A what?
He's shy! He's always been shy!
It's all his father's fault.
Don't blame me.
He would have been strange regardless.
Actually, I think I'm okay with strange.
God.
- Not him. - Both of you.
Stop.
I'm not going to allow you to talk to me like this anymore.
It's about time you said that.
Bernie.
- I never told you how much I need you. - No, no, no, I love you, man.
Always have, always will.
You write songs that millions of people love,
and that's what's important.
You just need to remember who you are,
and be okay with it.
He doesn't know who he is.
Yes, I do.
I'm Elton Hercules John.
I thought you were Reggie Dwight.
Haven't been Reggie Dwight for years.
When are you going to hug me?
Impressed you know how to use one of those.
How you doing?
Good to see you.
Some days are tougher than others, but I feel good.
They got a piano here?
You've been playing?
- Hmm... No. - No?
I'm not in the right place for that just now.
I'm scared, Bernie.
What if I'm not as good?
Without the drinking and the drugs?
You know that's not true.
You're not scared you're not good without it. You're scared to feel again.
You might be able to lie to yourself, but you can't lie to me.
I should be going.
Don't go.
Not yet.
This is the part you gotta do on your own.
These need music.
Thank you, Bernie.
You're my brother.
♪ You could never know what it's like ♪
♪ Your blood like winter freezes just like ice ♪
♪ And there's a cold lonely light ♪
♪ That shines from you ♪
♪ You'll wind up like the wreck you hide ♪
♪ Behind that mask you use ♪
♪ And did you think this fool could never win? ♪
♪ Well, look at me, I'm going back again ♪
♪ I got a taste of love in a simple way ♪
♪ And if you need to know while I'm still standing ♪
♪ You just fade away ♪
♪ Don't you know I'm still standing ♪
♪ Better than I ever did ♪
♪ Looking like a true survivor ♪
♪ Feeling like a little kid ♪
♪ And I'm still standing ♪
♪ After all this time ♪
♪ Picking up the pieces of my life ♪
♪ Without you on my mind ♪
♪ Once I never could hope to win ♪
♪ You starting down the road leaving me again ♪
♪ The threats you made were meant to cut me down ♪
♪ And if our love was just a circus ♪
♪ You'd be a clown by now ♪
♪ You know I'm still standing ♪
♪ Better than I ever did ♪
♪ Looking like a true survivor ♪
♪ Feeling like a little kid ♪
♪ I'm still standing ♪
♪ After all this time ♪
♪ Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind ♪
♪ I'm still standing ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ I'm still standing ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ I'm still standing ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
♪ I'm still standing ♪
♪ Yeah, yeah, yeah ♪
_
Synced by LobsterCheese www.addic7ed.com