Cage the Songbird

Elton John

About Cage the Songbird

"Cage the Songbird" is a song written by Elton John, Bernie Taupin, and Davey Johnstone and performed by Elton John, first appearing on the album Blue Moves in 1976. It tells the fictional story of torch singer Edith Piaf's last hours before a tragic suicide (Piaf actually died of liver cancer). The theme of a celebrity's tragic life and death recalled John-Taupin's earlier song, "Candle in the Wind", from 1973's Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Cage the Songbird was also a projected 1976 album by Kiki Dee, that was eventually released in 2008 (EMI 363 1252). It was produced by Robert Appere. The song was covered by Crystal Gayle and made the title track to her 1983 album. 


Year:
1976
3:25
254 
#5

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Sober in the morning light
Things look so much different
To how they looked last night
A pale face pressed to an unmade bed
Like flags of many nations flying high above her head

The cellophane still on the flowers
The telegram still in her hand
As whispers circulate all day
Their back-stage baby princess passed away

And you can cage the songbird
But you can't make her sing
And you can trap the free bird
But you'll have to clip her wings
Cause she'll soar like a hawk when she flies
But she'll dive like an eagle when she dies

Promises of no more lies
Fell flat upon an empty stage
Before the audience arrived
A return in time to the cheaper seats
She never knew what lay beneath
Just a dated handbill they found between the sheets

Let down before the final curtain
A shallow heart that left her cold
She left in rouge upon the mirror
A circled kiss to the faithful who'd miss her

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Elton John

Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947) is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor. He has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin as his songwriter partner since 1967; they have collaborated on more than 30 albums to date. more »

44 fans

Written by: BERNIE TAUPIN, ELTON JOHN

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Classification
"Cage the Songbird" is a track from the 1973 album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" by Elton John.
Collaboration Fact
The album was produced by Gus Dudgeon and all the songs, including "Cage the Songbird," were written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
Song Inspiration
The song is rumored to be inspired by French singer Edith Piaf, drawing similarities between her life and the life of the "caged songbird."
Recording Facts
Like the rest of the songs on the album, "Cage the Songbird" was recorded at the Château d'Hérouville in France.
Chart Performance
Although "Cage the Songbird" was not released as a single, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road", the album which features it, topped the charts in the UK and US.
Critical Reception
This track received positive reviews from critics for its lyrical depth and moving melody.
Album Context
The song is the 15th track on the two-disc album, following a diverse array of songs from pop, rock, and country influences to ballads.
Musicianship
Elton John's piano playing and vocals are paired with dynamic orchestral arrangements in this song.
Song Theme
The melancholy tone of "Cage the Songbird" speaks to themes of loss and the pressures of fame.
Concert Performance
Despite not being a hit single, "Cage the Songbird" has been performed live by Elton John on numerous occasions and is beloved by fans.

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