“Daniel” is a song by Elton John with lyrics by his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin. Released in 1973 as a single from the album Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player, the song became one of John’s biggest hits, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States (No. 1 on the adult contemporary charts for two weeks), and No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart.
It remains one of Elton John’s most enduring ballads, celebrated for its emotive melody and poignant lyrics. The lyrics tell the story of a man reflecting on his brother, Daniel, who has left for Spain after returning from the Vietnam War. Taupin has explained that the song is about the sense of admiration and loss experienced by the narrator, who sees Daniel as a hero.
Daniel, however, wishes to escape the attention and find peace, seeking solace in a quieter life away from the past. While the Vietnam War connection is not explicitly mentioned in the song, Taupin has confirmed in interviews that the narrative stems from this context. An often-discussed aspect of “Daniel” is the missing verse.
Bernie Taupin originally wrote a third verse that made the song’s storyline clearer, emphasizing Daniel’s background as a Vietnam War veteran and his need to retreat from public life. However, during the production process, Elton John and producer Gus Dudgeon decided to cut the verse, feeling it made the song too long.
Taupin later expressed regret about the removal, as it left some of the song’s meaning ambiguous to listeners. Musically, “Daniel” features a soft rock arrangement with John’s tender piano playing at the forefront, accompanied by subtle guitar and harmonies.
Personnel
- Elton John – vocals, backing vocals, Fender Rhodes electric piano, Mellotron (flute parts)
- Davey Johnstone – acoustic guitar, banjo
- Dee Murray – bass
- Nigel Olsson – drums, maracas
- Ken Scott – ARP synthesizer
The song’s melancholy mood and heartfelt delivery resonated deeply with audiences. Critics praised the song for its emotional depth, and it has since become a staple of Elton John’s live performances. Its understated yet powerful arrangement showcases John and Taupin’s ability to blend evocative storytelling with memorable melodies. “Daniel” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including
Wilson Phillips, Fuel, and Sam Smith, further cementing its place in pop music history. The song has also been used in films, television, and cultural references, symbolizing themes of loss, love, and longing. Its universal appeal lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions while leaving room for personal interpretation.
Daniel - Writers: Bernie Taupin, Elton John
Daniel is travelin' tonight on a plane
I can see the red taillights headin' for Spain
Oh, and I can see Daniel wavin' goodbye
God, it looks like Daniel
Must be the clouds in my eyes
They say Spain is pretty, though I've never been
Well, Daniel says it's the best place he's ever seen
Oh, and he should know, he's been there enough
Lord, I miss Daniel
Oh, I miss him so much
Oh, Daniel, my brother, you are older than me
Do you still feel the pain of the scars that won't heal?
Your eyes have died, but you see more than I
Daniel, you're a star in the face of the sky
Oh, Daniel, my brother, you are older than me
Do you still feel the pain of the scars that won't heal?
Your eyes have died, but you see more than I
Daniel, you're a star in the face of the sky
Daniel is travelin' tonight on a plane
I can see the red taillights headin' for Spain
Oh, and I can see Daniel wavin' goodbye
God, it looks like Daniel
Must be the clouds in my eyes
Oh God, it looks like Daniel
Must be the clouds in my eyes
Possible missing verse and coda (from a post on Steve Hoffman Music Forums):
Don’t forget Daniel when the plane touches land
There’s someone in England who still gives a damn
And I did my best to help you forget
War sure is hell when heroes can’t rest
You’re a book I have read dear Daniel
You’re a test I have yet to take Daniel
And try if you can to sleep tonight
If Spain really helps you then you’ll be alright
Further Reading
Sources
- Wikipedia “Daniel (Elton John song)” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_(Elton_John_song)
- Wikipedia “Elton John” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elton_John
- Wikipedia “Bernie Taupin” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernie_Taupin
- Wikipedia “Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don%27t_Shoot_Me_I%27m_Only_the_Piano_Player
- Steve Hoffman Music Forums “Elton John’s Daniel – The Missing Final Verse Recovered?” https://forums.stevehoffman.tv/threads/elton-johns-daniel-the-missing-final-verse-recovered.1176223/
- Songfacts “Daniel by Elton John” https://www.songfacts.com/facts/elton-john/daniel
- 45 Cat https://www.45cat.com/
