The Ballad Of Danny Bailey (1909-34)
Elton John · Goodbye Yellow Brick Road [1973]
In cold blood, in the lobby of a downtown motel
Killed him in anger, a force he couldn't handle
Helped pull the trigger that cut short his life
And there's not many knew him the way that we did
Sure enough he was a wild one
But then aren't most hungry kids?
Now it's all over Danny Bailey, and the harvest is in
Dillinger's dead, oh, I guess the cops won again
Now it's all over Danny Bailey, and the harvest is in
We're running short of heroes back up here in the hills
Without Danny Bailey
We're gonna have to break up our stills
So mark his grave well cause Kentucky loved him
Born and raised proper, I guess life just bugged him
And he found faith in danger, a life style he lived by
A runnin' gun youngster in a sad restless age
Now it's all over Danny Bailey, and the harvest is in
Dillinger's dead, oh, I guess the cops won again
Now it's all over Danny Bailey, and the harvest is in
The Ballad Of Danny Bailey
Elton John's "The Ballad Of Danny Bailey" stands as a poignant narrative within the "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album, showcasing his mastery of storytelling and orchestral pop. Released in 1973, the track features a sweeping arrangement that blends romantic balladry with dramatic flair, characteristic of John's work during this prolific period. The song explores themes of unrequited love and the complexities of human relationships, delivered with a vocal performance that balances vulnerability with theatrical intensity. As a key component of the album's legacy, it exemplifies the era's shift toward more complex emotional landscapes in rock and pop music, cementing John's status as a master of the genre.