How Elton John’S Love Of Shakespeare Influenced His Lyric Writing

April 2, 2025

Elton John sat in his home studio, surrounded by a whirlwind of keyboards and music sheets. The sun was setting, and the golden light streamed through the window, illuminating the notes that lay scattered across the desk. He was deep in thought, trying to capture the perfect lyrics for a new song. As he gazed out at the horizon, his mind wandered back to a time when he first discovered the magic of Shakespeare. It was a love that would influence his lyrical style more than he ever realized.

As a young boy in Pinner, England, Elton had always been captivated by stories. He found himself drawn to the tales of star-crossed lovers and enduring friendships in Shakespeare’s plays. The power of words moved him profoundly, and he often spent his evenings devouring the Bard’s works, losing himself in the emotions and vivid imagery they evoked. He was particularly enamored with the way Shakespeare expressed love, heartbreak, and the complexities of life. This passion sparked a fire within him, and he began to see music as another form of storytelling, a way to paint emotions with melodies.

As Elton launched into his music career, he faced numerous challenges. The pressures of fame and expectations weighed heavily upon him, but every time he felt lost, he turned to Shakespeare’s plays for solace. The profound lines and powerful verses inspired him to dig deeper into his own feelings and experiences. He found that weaving poetic phrases into his lyrics helped him to connect with his audience on a more intimate level. Songs like “Your Song” echoed the sincerity and vulnerability present in Shakespearean sonnets, allowing listeners to feel the raw emotion behind every note.

One day, while penning lyrics for what would become a monumental album, Elton recalled a famous line from “Romeo and Juliet.” The words echoed in his mind, prompting him to write a song about the struggles of love in the face of adversity. The result was not only a chart-topping hit but a timeless anthem that resonated with people around the world. It felt as if the spirit of Shakespeare himself was guiding his hand, connecting generations of music lovers with the universal themes of love and longing.

Despite the fame and success that followed, Elton never lost sight of his inspiration. He often spoke about how Shakespeare taught him the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in art. In interviews, he would share how he aimed to weave the same depth and richness into his songs, creating a tapestry of emotions that would speak to the heart. He believed that music, much like Shakespeare’s plays, has the power to uplift, heal, and unite people from all walks of life.

In the end, Elton John became a legend, not just for his incredible music but for the way he transformed his love for literature into a unique lyrical style that touched millions. He proved that art knows no boundaries and that inspiration can spring from the most unexpected places. With each lyric he penned, he honored Shakespeare’s legacy, reminding the world that love and expression are timeless—an enduring sentiment that will forever echo in the hearts of those who dare to dream.