“It's a little bit funny, this feeling inside. I'm not one of those who can easily hide.” After Elton John was given the lyrics, he took only 10 minutes to come up with the haunting melody that accompanies Taupin's paean to the inarticulateness of young love. The original lyrics written by Bernie Taupin for Elton John’s iconic song “Your Song” will be up for auction in New York. They are expected to fetch up to a six-figure sum.

The original handwritten lyrics to Elton John's Your Song

Elton John only took 10 minutes to come up with the melody after he was given the lyrics

The lyrics, written and notated in blue ink and signed B. Taupin, are the original, first and only draft of the lyrics to “Your Song”. The song was the British singer’s first big hit in 1970s and remains today one of his most identifiable and best-loved songs.

Part of the handwritten lyrics

Part of the handwritten lyrics

The world-famous song was created one morning on the roof of 20 Denmark Street, in Tin Pan Alley, the epicenter of London's music industry in the seventies, and where Elton was working as an office boy for a music publishing firm. After being handed the lyrics, Elton took all of 10 minutes to come up with the tune for the 1970s big hit.

The Songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin book

In an interview with Penny Valentine Sounds, Elton John talked about the creation of this timeless piece, “When Bernie brings me the lyrics, I read them and then I get the first line of the song and deal with that first. I never work to the chorus or the hook. I start at the top and gradually work down, I can't do it any other way. 'Your Song' went straight off in ten minutes. I go round to Bernie and say 'listen, I've done it' and he can't believe it.”

"Your Song" was first released in America in October 1970 as the B-side of "Take Me to the Pilot", before its popularity provoked the record company to switch it to the A-side. Critics fell at the feet of Elton and Taupin's hit record.

The original lyrics are sold by Taupin’s wife and the sale will take place at Bonhams New York on 19 November 2018.

Auction details
Auction house: Bonhams New York
Sale: Rock & Roll Memorabilia, Featuring the Original Handwritten Lyrics to "Your Song"
Lots offered: 55
Date: 19 November 2018｜10:00am