Empty Garden
Elton John · Jump Up
What happened here,
As the New York sunset disappeared?
I found an empty garden among the flagstones there.
Who lived here?
He must have been a gardener that cared a lot,
Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop.
And now it all looks strange.
It's funny how one insect can damage so much grain.
And what's it for,
This little empty garden by the brownstone door?
And in the cracks along the sidewalk nothing grows no more.
Who lived here?
He must have been a gardener that cared a lot,
Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop.
And we are so amazed! We're crippled and we're dazed....
A gardener like that one, no one can replace.
And I've been knocking, but no one answers.
And I've been knocking, most all the day.
Oh and I've been calling ,oh hey, hey, Johnny!
Can't you come out to play?
And through their tears,
Some say he farmed his best in younger years.
But he'd have said that roots grow stronger, if only he could hear.
Who lived there?
He must have been a gardener that cared a lot,
Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop.
Now we pray for rain, and with every drop that falls.....
We hear, we hear your name.....
And I've been knocking, but no one answers.
And I've been knocking, most all the day.
Oh and I've been calling ,oh hey, hey, Johnny!
Can't you come out to play,
In your empty garden?
Johnny?
Can't you come out to play, in your empty garden?
As the New York sunset disappeared?
I found an empty garden among the flagstones there.
Who lived here?
He must have been a gardener that cared a lot,
Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop.
And now it all looks strange.
It's funny how one insect can damage so much grain.
And what's it for,
This little empty garden by the brownstone door?
And in the cracks along the sidewalk nothing grows no more.
Who lived here?
He must have been a gardener that cared a lot,
Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop.
And we are so amazed! We're crippled and we're dazed....
A gardener like that one, no one can replace.
And I've been knocking, but no one answers.
And I've been knocking, most all the day.
Oh and I've been calling ,oh hey, hey, Johnny!
Can't you come out to play?
And through their tears,
Some say he farmed his best in younger years.
But he'd have said that roots grow stronger, if only he could hear.
Who lived there?
He must have been a gardener that cared a lot,
Who weeded out the tears and grew a good crop.
Now we pray for rain, and with every drop that falls.....
We hear, we hear your name.....
And I've been knocking, but no one answers.
And I've been knocking, most all the day.
Oh and I've been calling ,oh hey, hey, Johnny!
Can't you come out to play,
In your empty garden?
Johnny?
Can't you come out to play, in your empty garden?
Elton John - Empty Garden
Released on the 1992 album Jump Up, "Empty Garden" stands as a poignant song in Elton John's later catalog, reflecting the artist's continued ability to blend pop sensibilities with deeper emotional resonance. The track exemplifies the polished production and melodic craftsmanship that characterized his work during the early 1990s, maintaining his signature style while addressing themes of loss and solitude. As part of a collection of songs exploring personal reflection, the recording showcases John's enduring vocal control and songwriting depth, contributing to a body of work that remains relevant for fans of his classic era and beyond.