Gone To Shiloh
Elton John · Other Songs - Elton John
Little Dan and Becky wave good-bye
They're gonna have to share the wait together
Idle hands will see a good fire slowly die.
Gone to Shiloh for the Union
Shoulder to shoulder, side by side
Gone to Shiloh, hope springs eternal
When flags and bullets start to fly
April's come and the air smells fresh with rain
They watched his shadow fade around the bend
He's headed for a different kind of thunder
And the stunned surprise in the eyes of dying men
Gone to Shiloh for the Union
Shoulder to shoulder, side by side
Gone to Shiloh, time passes slowly
When flags and bullets start to fly
The old black rooster sang in death down that dirt road
His steps in bold, his man of fancy free
I pray we see him alive and well in the forehead
In that Godforsaken place in Tennessee
Gone to Shiloh for the Union
Shoulder to shoulder, side by side
Gone to Shiloh, men stand united
When flags and bullets start to fly
After all this, if we should prevail
Heaven help the South
When Sherman comes their way
Gone To Shiloh
Released in 1970, "Gone To Shiloh" stands as a pivotal early work by Elton John, showcasing his signature blend of piano-driven balladry and theatrical flair. The track was recorded during the height of his partnership with Bernie Taupin, establishing the songwriting dynamic that would define his career. As one of his first major singles, it helped propel John to international fame and set the tone for his subsequent exploration of complex emotional narratives. The song's enduring appeal lies in its melodic structure and John's emotive delivery, which anticipated the grander productions of his later years. It remains a staple of his early discography, often cited as a foundational piece in understanding the evolution of his musical style from the early 1970s through the decades.