Durban Deep
Elton John · Sleeping With the Past
I breathe coal dust, I get blisters
But the foreman he don't worry
He say work boy there's no hurry
Don't that big red sun
Look a lot like fire
When you come out of the ground
After forty eight hours
Going down down down down down
Going down in Durban deep
Going down down down down down
There's no mercy in my sleep
I just hear that drill and hammer
I feel the killing heat
Going two miles down to the heart
Of Durban deep
I was born on amen corner
I pound rock face, I get lonely
But my family they go hungry
Sill the boss man he call us lazy
Don't the old blue heaven
Look a lot like your eyes
When you're blinded by the brightness
Of the Transvaal sky
Durban Deep
Durban Deep stands as a poignant song in Elton John's extensive discography, appearing on the 1989 album Sleeping With the Past. The track reflects the introspective mood that characterized this era of his career, blending his signature piano-driven pop with a melancholic atmosphere. As part of a body of work that explored personal reflection and emotional depth, the song showcases John's ability to craft memorable melodies that resonate with listeners. The recording captures the artist at a mature stage, delivering a performance that balances vulnerability with his established musical prowess. While not always cited among his most ubiquitous hits, Durban Deep remains a significant piece within the album's narrative, contributing to the cohesive sound that defined this period in his catalogue.