Border Song (1970)

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Border Song is a song that was released at 20 March 1970 and originally performed by British musician Elton John. Lyrics are credited to Bernie Taupin, although John himself wrote the words to the final verse. The music was composed by John.[1]

Key Lyrics

Holy Moses, I have been removed

I have seen the spectre, he has been here too

Distant cousin from down the line

Brand of people who ain't my kind

Holy Moses, I have been removed


I'm going back to the border where my affairs

My affairs ain't abused

I can't take any more bad water

Been poisoned from my head down to my shoes, oh

Holy Moses, I have been deceived


Holy Moses, let us live in peace

Let us strive to find a way to make all hatred cease

There's a man over there, what's his color? I don't care

He's my brother, let us live in peace, oh

Interpretation

John has said that the song is about the alienation Taupin felt in and about London at the time ("Brand of people who ain't my kind"), and his desire to visit home as often as he could. John himself wrote and added the last verse, which departs from the theme of alienation and speaks against racism and bigotry: "Holy Moses, let us live in peace/let us strive to find a way to make all hatred cease/there's a man over there. What's his colour I don't care/he's my brother let us live in peace."[2]

Released and Reception

References

  1. "Border Song 45cat". 45cat. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  2. Border Song. Wikipedia. Retrieved January 31, 2021.