Elton John shares an emotional moment about his new song while promoting it on The Graham Norton Show
Credit : Shutterstock, Tony Norkus
Sir Elton John, a music legend known for his resilience and creativity, recently shared an emotional moment on BBC’s The Graham Norton Show.
Joined by collaborator Brandi Carlile, Elton opened up about confronting his own mortality while working on a new track titled “When This Whole World Is Done With Me”, written with his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin.
Elton John new song about his own death
Elton revealed how the song’s lyrics unexpectedly struck a deeply personal chord. “I was writing the verse quite quickly,” he recounted, “but when I reached the chorus, I realised it was about my own death. As a 76-year-old man with children and a husband, it forced me to ask, ‘How long have I got?’”
The realisation left him overwhelmed. “I lost it for 45 minutes,” Elton admitted, describing how he needed comforting before continuing. Despite the emotional weight, Elton recorded the song the next day in a single take.
The new track, which is set to release on April 4, features a poignant brass band arrangement, a touch inspired by Elton’s lifelong love for their melancholic sound. Reflecting on his decision, Elton said, “Their music has always moved me. I remember crying at Abide With Me during the Cup Final as a child—it’s so powerful.”
Elton described the song as a deeply personal reflection on the end of life. “When you’re singing about being washed out to sea and your time running out, it’s heavy. But it’s a beautiful song,” he added, calling it one of his most moving works in recent years.
Video for Elton John song uses never-before-seen footage
The track’s accompanying video uses rare archival footage, offering a glimpse into Elton’s personal and professional life. Despite being hesitant to revisit his past, Elton admitted that watching the video for the second time left him moved.
“It’s the story of my life,” he said. “From unhappiness and fame to finding happiness with family and children. There are ups and downs, but it’s a journey I’m proud of. Some of the footage, I’d never seen before—it was like seeing my life unfold before me.”
As Elton continues to inspire audiences around the world, his reflections remind us all to cherish every moment and the connections that make life meaningful.
Find more celebrity news
