The Real Story Of Elton John’S First Kiss — And How It Inspired A Hidden Verse

April 2, 2025

Elton John has always been a master of storytelling, weaving tales of love, heartbreak, and triumph into his songs. But what many people don’t know is that his first kiss was as dramatic as any of the lyrics he penned. It happened in a small English town when he was just a teenager, a moment charged with excitement and uncertainty that would stay with him for years to come.

It was the summer of 1963, and 16-year-old Reginald Dwight, who would later become Elton John, was spending his days dreaming of rock and roll stardom. One warm evening, Reginald found himself at a party thrown by his friends. The air was filled with the buzz of laughter, music, and the scent of blooming flowers. As he mingled in a garden full of teenagers, he noticed a girl named Linda. She had long, flowing hair and a smile that lit up her face, instantly captivating him. Nervous yet hopeful, Reginald could feel his heart racing as he worked up the confidence to approach her.

After a few awkward conversations, they found themselves sitting on a bench under the stars, the moonlight casting a silver glow around them. Reginald’s palms were sweaty, and his throat felt dry with anticipation. He could hardly believe that he was sitting next to someone as enchanting as Linda. Suddenly, as if pulled by an invisible string, she leaned in closer. In that breathtaking moment, they shared their first kiss, a soft brush of lips that felt both exhilarating and terrifying. It was over in mere seconds, leaving Reginald both elated and confused. How could something so small feel so monumental?

That kiss ignited a spark within him, a realization of the power of connection and vulnerability. It made him reflect on his own feelings and identity, especially as he navigated the complexities of growing up in a world that often felt unwelcoming to someone like him. That single moment inspired a hidden verse in one of his songs, “Your Song,” which reflects the honest emotions he felt that night—a blend of joy and anxiety, longing and hope. “It’s a little bit funny, this feeling inside,” he would later write, capturing the essence of what it meant to feel different yet alive.

As the years passed, Reginald metamorphosed into Elton John, embracing his true self and pouring his heart into his music. That first kiss, while seemingly small, became a turning point in his life, propelling him toward a career filled with dazzling highs and deep lows. It taught him the value of love and authenticity, themes that would resonate in his songs for decades. Through all the challenges he faced, including struggles with fame and personal identity, that early moment remained a gentle reminder of the beauty in opening up to others.

Today, Elton John stands as a music legend, inspiring millions around the world with his songs that celebrate love in all its forms. Reflecting on that summer night, he acknowledges that it was about more than just a kiss; it was a step toward finding himself and expressing his truth through music. With each performance, he carries the spirit of that young boy who dared to connect with someone else, showing us all that vulnerability can lead to profound joy and transformation.