Elton John: Levon

Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, performed by Elton John
Album: Madman Across the Water, 1971

Listen:

According to several sources (Wikipedia++), Elton John's lyricist, Bernie Taupin, named the 1971 song "Levon" after Levon Helm, although the song is not actually about him. The Band were apparently John and Taupin's favourite group at the time, and both John and Taupin cited that they were inspired by Helm. According to fellow Band member Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm did not like the song, quoting him as saying "Englishmen shouldn't f**k with Americanisms".

Lyrics

Levon wears his war wound like a crown
He calls his child Jesus
'Cause he likes the name
And he sends him to the finest school in town

Levon, Levon likes his money
He makes a lot, they say
Spends his days counting
In a garage by the motorway

He was born a pauper to a pawn on a Christmas day
When the New York Times said, "God is dead
And the war's begun"
Oh, Alvin Tostig has a son today

And he shall be Levon
And he shall be a good man
And he shall be Levon
In tradition with the family plan
And he shall be Levon
And he shall be a good man
He shall be Levon

Levon sells cartoon balloons in town
His family business thrives
Jesus blows up balloons all day
Sits on the porch swing watching them fly

And Jesus, he wants to go to Venus
Leave Levon far behind
Take a balloon and go sailing
While Levon, Levon slowly dies

He was born a pauper to a pawn on a Christmas day
When the New York Times said, "God is dead
And the war's begun"
And Alvin Tostig has a son today

And he shall be Levon
And he shall be a good man
And he shall be Levon
In tradition with the family plan (whoo!)
And he shall be Levon
And he shall be a good man
He shall be Levon
And he shall be Levon
And he shall be a good man
And he shall be Levon
In tradition with the family plan (whoo!)
And he shall be Levon
And he shall be a good man
He shall be Levon