Subject: minimal gushing

From: Rodney R.

Dear Mister Taupin,

I’ve never written fan mail before, but the older I get the more I desire to offer thanks to people who’ve helped me.

I really don’t know what to say but “thanks.”

I don’t have a dramatic story of being saved by a song.  But, having listened to Taupin/John songs since 1970, I’ve come to realize how much your words have meant to me.

I used to think my admiration was solely directed to your co-writer (with some sincere appreciation for the lyricist).  To be sure, your co-writer knows how to write beautiful music.  But, it’s your words that kept me coming back to your music—especially lyrics with a spiritual bent, from “Salvation” to “If there’s a God in heaven” to “Jubilee.”  Of course, other themes in your work have inspired me to see things from a different angle . . . always artistic, often suggestive, incredibly inviting, rarely heavy-handed.  It’s your word-craft that I appreciate most.

Indeed, you love words.  And, in a time when words are thrown around so carelessly, I look for sanctuary, some sacred space in hospitable words.

So, thank you for your words, your custody of them, your care for them, your gift to hear them.

Blessings to you and yours,

Rodney R.

Subject: "Ballad of Blind Tom" and autism

From: Seth W.

Hello Bernie,

I won’t gush (which I’ve read isn’t your cup of tea) but wanted to reach out to tell you when I first heard the lines, “I didn’t choose this life for me, But it’s something that I want”, it brought tears to my eyes.

My son, David, has severe autism—while he’s not a savant, those lyrics had a real resonance.

And while I always thought artists talking up the power of music was, at least in part, self-important puffery, more often than not, when David and I are on a drive and I’ve cranked up a John/Taupin album, it elicits big smiles. One of David’s few spontaneous words is “music”, so it does have an elemental effect even on those otherwise profoundly impaired. Something to be thankful for.

Anyway, thanks for your gift of words all these years.

Seth W.

Subject: Mindless Musing At Midnight....Or, Shortly Thereafter

From: Gary L.

Dear Bernie,

      Just wanted to drop a line, say "Hi" from the Rez here in Cherokee, NC.  Retired USAF guy...big fan. (I bet you've never heard that.  Ha!)  Don't expect a reply, but just know that I've truly appreciated everything you've done across the years.  I was just listening to some of the lyric commentary, and that's the kind of stuff I find truly interesting.  Didn't know if you had planned on adding to that page, but would definitely love to hear some words about your solo songs, and the thoughts behind them.  I still remember walking into this old brick building, Main Street, downtown Sylva, NC...dusty wooden floors...peculiar musty, but bearable smell...and picking up a copy of He Who Rides The Tiger.  Loved it from first spin.  And, to tell the absolute truth...The Whores Of Paris and Love (The Barren Desert) still receive heavy rotation on the IPod.  Tough disc to find, a few years back.  Thank God for Japanese pressings.  :)

     Anyway, sir.  I hope all is well in your life, and I do hope The Spirit Father continues to bless you and yours.  One quick question before signing off....will we ever see some Bernie solo work, again?  I refuse to believe the fire to accomplish another solo record no longer burns.  Take care, sir, and thank you for everything.  Respectfully. –Gary

Subject: Winter of Discontent

From: Bob M.

Hi Bernie….I sorta met you by listening to ARR…I love ur show !! I listen on internet..you are funny as hell, and even funnier because you, as expected have a way with words…  ARR is even better now that it available on demand….Before that i had to walk out for business about half way thru….As I write this I’m listening to "Funeral for a Friend"….I can never thank you and Elton enuff for all that delicious music you have given me (us millions) over the years…its as good now as it was 45 years ago….But I digress!! (Gary Wright’s "Love is Alive" just came on….great song)

I just read your blog, Winter of discontent. I could not agree more…I was especially touched by the Kennedy family comments…I’ve thought the same for years…Now I’m a bigger fan of yours than ever.

Sincerely,

Bob M.

Subject: Thank You

From: Rev. Dr. Jim B

Dear Bernie,

I began listening to your lyrics in the very early 1970's. It was a few years later (in my late teens) when your lyrics became deeply transformational for me. I will always believe that you were the "someone" God used in 1977 to literally save my life that night.

Rev. Jim

The goal of God's command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (1 Timothy 1:5).

Rev. Dr. Jim B., Pastor

Trinity United Methodist Church

Denton, TX

Subject: Doug Sahm, Elton and you in NYC 1972

From: Joe Nick P.

Bernie,

This is a long shot. I'm directing a film on the Texas musician Doug Sahm and we've got a story that when Doug was recording in New York for Jerry Wexler, a session that included Dr. John, Fathead Newman, and Bob Dylan, Doug's accordionist Flaco Jimenez, on his first trip to New York, ran into Elton at the Record Plant and Elton was wearing stacked see-through heels with goldfish in the heels.

Any recall of y'all running into Flaco? If there is, I want to track you down and get it first hand from the horse's mouth.

You've got a great radio show, my friend.

I do one myself from Marfa every Saturday night called the Texas Music Hour of Power, a state whose music is so big, it takes two hours and two time zones to cram in all that good ol Texas music.

If you're curious, here's a link to my website where I post up each week's show.

http://joenickp.com/uncategorized/joe-nicks-texas-music-hour-of-power-saturday-nite-6-8-central/

Cheers,

Joe Nick P

Taupin responded to this email. You may read what he wrote on the next page

Subject: RE: Doug Sahm, Elton and you in NYC 1972

From: Taupin

Hi Joe

Thanks for the compliment on our show, yup labor of love.

Love Doug Sahm especially Texas Tornados, greatest party band in the land, play them a bunch as well as a lot of Flaco.

As I'm not Elton can't answer your question but we never recorded at the Record Plant so if he was there it was as a hang or recording with someone else. He did work there with John Lennon but that would have been much later on and to the best of my knowledge I've never seen him wear anything resembling that rig.

He's worn some weird duds but goldfish in his boots! I'm leaning toward urban legend, but then again when you can't print the truth go with the legend.

Stay true to the music

Adios,

BT

gyu

Subject: 50 Years

From: Dave W.

Hi Bernie,

I find it hard to believe that in 2017 you will have been writing with Elton for 50 years.  I can remember, as if it was yesterday, my fresh-faced friend leaving Owmby, excited but with some trepidation, for the smoke and a new career as a lyricist.  No-one is more pleased than I of the continuing success you have had over those 50 years.

Also in 2017 it will be 45 years since you were best man at mine and Rosalie’s wedding.  Up until that point I thought my life may have taken a different path and, in some small way, be intertwined with yours.  This never happened and, despite a few fleeting moments in the early years, I have no regrets.  I have had a very happy life and raised three wonderful children and now that I have retired I seem to be raising (part-time at least) four more, in the shape of grandchildren.

Over those years I have still followed your career closely not only your collaboration with Elton but also with artists such as Alice Cooper and of course Farm Dogs with whom I think you wrote  some of your best work and also your solo career..

I have been following your blog for a while now but chose this moment to try and get in touch as, in June, I am going to see Elton at Lincoln and had this really stupid notion that, being Lincoln, you might be attending.  I know this is highly unlikely but if it did happen it would be great to see you again if only briefly.

 Whatever happens, on our 45th wedding anniversary on March 11th 2017 Rosalie and I will be raising a glass to your remarkable 50 year achievement and hoping for many more.

Yours as an old friend and fan

 Dave W.

Subject: FAO Mr Taupin

From: Henry C.

Dear Mr Taupin,

 After having read an interview you did with The Telegraph newspaper some years ago, I am met with some indignation that you don't consider your work "poetry". I, and maybe you as the lyricist, don't appreciate the mass categorisation of virtually everything. Who says that Carla Étude shouldn't be "classical" or Border Song gospel?

 Though I appreciate you must receive a myriad of emails and be perennially inundated, I would like to take this opportunity to tell you that any writer who can explore the esoteric, the mystical, the "soul" in such a nuanced way must be credited as poetry.

 I can understand why you disinterest yourself from "poetry", because a good poem is intrinsically so much more than words... Meter, nuance, etc. Nonetheless, every time I hear Indian Sunset, I am moved in a transcendently humane way. Something about your lyrics is quite simply irreproachable, quite simply à la Bernie Taupin.

 As an amateur writer myself, I wish to create something as 'cold and passionate as the dawn', to quote WB Yeats. Whether you've done this, I don't know - success is solely based on self-perception.

Thank you for the countless hours you've provided to generations; you will continue to inspire ad infinitum. My original intent for this email was to ask what 'First Episode at Hienton' is about - but I've realised with an almost Aristotelian anagnorisis...I don't need to know.

Fondest regards,

Henry C.

Aged 17

Yorkshire, United Kingdom

​Subject: INSPIRED BY YOUR WORKFrom: John O. Bernie,I'm 55 yrs old and have truly enjoyed your lyrics since I was 17....I was fortunate to be able to attend the Dodger Stadium concerts in '75 and attended both days. Even as young as I was at that time, I knew, while watching the concert from the field that EJ was the platform to showcase your lyrics. He is indeed awesome at putting melodies to your lyrics, but its the lyrics that ultimately move me. My life has been  inspired by your work. My wife and I chose  "Your Song" to be sung at our wedding in '82. Sometimes I sit in my living room and read lyrics written by you and think to myself what you felt or experienced that may have inspired you to produce the words. I have always gotten the warm feeling reading your work. I live 20 miles south of Los Angeles and even to this day as a 55 yr old, married, father of 2, and recently grandfather of now 2 beautiful 6 mo old kids, that the lyric writer for EJ, and other musicians, lives here in Cali....  So in closing, really all I am saying is thank you....... Thank you for giving my wife and I the opportunity to read your lyrics, feel your lyrics, and hear them through EJ. I have been inspired by your work, enjoy your website, and wish you happiness in all you do.... Thanks John O. 

Subject: Big Thanks

From: Ray W.

Good Morning,

Not one to write fan letters, and I'm not so sure this could be considered one. However, I want to say that your lyrics have always resonated tremendously (. I'm usually not a guy that gets all weepy at lyrics - I'm more a music with interesting changes kind of guy - minor, diminished chords - that sort of thing, you know… BUT, if someone couldn't get all lumpy & well-up at tunes like "The Greatest Discovery" or "I Need You To Turn To," they need to head out on a quest to find their heart.

Just wanted to thank you for adding so much to the musical/lyrical landscape.

Warm Regards,

Ray W.

Martha's Vineyard, MA

Subject: Thank you from the East Coast

From: David C.

Hello Bernie,

I just wanted to say thank you for all the music you and Elton have put to plastic over the years. I am 34 years old, and I have grown up with yours and EJ's music and without getting too maudlin or melodramatic, it has gotten me through some really low points in my life. I'm sure you and Elton have heard the phrase "You wrote the soundtrack of my life" from fans more times than you can adequately comprehend, but add me to that list.

I fell upon your website tonight whilst on Elton's site, saw and clicked on the link, and I spent the next while reading your blog posts, saw the email link and thought, "why the hell not?". Since It is highly unlikely I will ever meet you or Elton in person, this is my shot at thanking you guys for giving me so much enjoyment. My best to you and yours here in 2014 and beyond, and give my best to Elton the next time you see him.

Sincerely,

David C.

Stanley,Virginia

P.S. My favorite track off of TDB? "Voyeur".

Subject: Young Fan

From: Jacob W.

Hello Bernie, I'm an American fan, aged 27.  I know you probably get a lot of letters and emails and I don't know if this is guaranteed to reach you but I hope it does.  I've been a fan of yours for a very long time.  I put your name in every time my friends are arguing about the greatest lyricists in rock n roll.  I often cite "This Song Has No Title" and "Tonight" as favorites but it's hard to pick just one or even a handful as I think the majority of them are great.  I don't know why I felt compelled to contact you as I'm sure you've heard that you're great more times than you care to think about but I felt like I only had the chance to say it once so whether you've heard it too many times or not you're great and a hero of mine and I would not be a songwriter today without your influence.  Thanks for being you.-Jacob.

Subject: A simple thank you email

From: Paul B.

Dear Bernie,

I hope this message finds you well and thank you for taking the time to read it. I’ve read your email ground rules so I’ll do my best not to infringe any of them.

To be honest, I have been mulling over whether to email you for over a year. What finally persuaded me to do so was when I was writing an article for a magazine about my favourite storytellers and the two names that sprung immediately to mind were ‘Bernie Taupin and Paul Simon.’ That was when I realised the profound effect your work has had on my life. So I just wanted to say thank you for all the joy, comfort and inspiration your words have given to me.

I first discovered you seriously in 2001 with ‘Songs From The West Coast’. I was 18 at the time and that album changed my life. I immediately worked my way through the back catalogue and have now seen Elton live 13 times. I have 2 further gigs booked for this year for his UK tours in June and December. I am listening to the Wonderful Crazy Night album as I write this. ‘I’ve Got 2 Wings’ is the one I described to a friend as ‘most Taupin-like’. Wonderful storytelling.

Your work has been instrumental in inspiring me to pursue my own writing career (not songs, alas. My songwriting is hobbyist at best) but scripts and books. I love the ambiguity in your lyrics. I agree whole heartedly that songs should mean whatever people take from them. I won’t bore you with my own interpretations of some of the more opaque ones (in any case I think I would struggle to describe it) but rest assured they have a meaning to me and they mean a lot.

I hope it is not falling foul of the rules to ask a question. And I do so in the knowledge that I may not get an answer, but anyway, this is purely from the point of view of an interested fan. I often wonder whether you have ever heard a song Elton has written to your lyrics and either hated it or thought it was totally wrong compared to what you had in mind when you wrote the words? (I’m not asking you to name them, just in general!) The idea of you having a platinum selling song whilst you were thinking ‘oh no, no, that’s not right at all’ kind of amuses me.

Anyway, I have already taken up too much of your time. Thanks for reading and I can never explain properly how much yours and Elton’s music has meant to me. Long may it continue.

All best wishes from England.

Paul

Subject: Thank You

From: Caroline C.

Your music has helped me thru probably the worst time of my life. 2008 I was diagnosed with mental

illness. With a so called marriage but

3 precious children there really wasn't much time to focus on me.

In 2015 I had no choice but to focus on the illness because it now affected my youngest beautiful daughter. I had to face the fact she had a bad childhood, why would she want live when her young life was so bad? I took action to make her life better which resulted in the breakup of a 24 year marriage. It was dead years ago but still when you marry you don't imagine it failing years later.

In efforts to provide for my family I took on part-time work in 2011. I became a caregiver for a young adult a blind TBI survivor. He asked me to praise and thank God with him. He helped me to renew my faith. Many hours together resulted in a strong friendship that was tested last year. I was told to stop contact with him. I raised him like a child of mine, I was heartbroken. It left me with time to realize my child was in trouble and the faithlessness of my husband. The divorce was final early this month but these weeks I've been on a musical high listening to past albums, Tumbleweed Connection and Captain Fantastic and Brown Dirt Cowboy. Your imagery in lyrics takes me to another place of beauty and love or the hope of love. Hopefully I am reunited with my friend. My daughter and I were able to visit him for his 29th birthday. He said he loves me but he loves God more. I replied that's the way it should be. Thankfully I have felt true love at the age of 53. I thank God for people in my life, children, family, my friend, you and Elton that provide hope for good and sing songs of life for so many decades. I pray God's goodness continues to bless you.

Take care and peace,

Caroline C.

San Antonio, Texas

Subject: Thanks

From: Peter T C.

I’ve been thankful all my life for the blessings and good fortunes I’ve received.

How lucky I am to have lived through the collaborative efforts of you and Elton. “The New Fever Waltz” is one of those songs I would have worn out the grooves had it been on vinyl. It has become the background music in my life.

Thank you Mr. Taupin for the joy your music has brought into my life of 67 years.

Peter T Coe,

Encinitas, Ca

Subject: Thank You!

From: Stuart W.

Hi:

I listen to ARR almost every Saturday afternoon when I drive from San Francisco to my girlfriend's house in Petaluma.  Your show is always excellent.  I particularly enjoyed the Masters of Ivory show aired this week and your Willie Dixon shows.

Thanks so much for the excellent show.

Stuart W.

Subject: Thank You!

From: Manuel L.

Dear Mister Taupin,

Just a word to mention, two days before the launching of your new opus, that the songs of the previous “The Diving Board” have wonderfully played a enlightening role in the corridor of my life since two years. Among those my favorite was “My Quicksand”, such a gem ... It means so much to me... How we can get lost in a relationship, losing our personality and also –in a larger picture- how we can lose what defines one person culturally (I am from Quebec where french is the main language, but slowly dying) “I went to Paris once / I thought I had a plan / I woke up with an accent”... The songs that for some might be obscur, well for others they provide healing and compassion. I wish you health and family love.

Manuel L.

Subject: A thank you long overdue...

From: D. Terry H.

Mr. Taupin,

In 1972 a 14 year boy was blown away by the album "Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player", and found in its contents the desire to become a composer, pianist and singer. Your lyrical work on the early Elton John material simply lit a fire in my young heart--a fire that has yet to die out. Playing and composing led me into the studio, which led me into audio. I decided to build my own studio for my personal work and built a beautiful looking room that sounded atrocious! I am the type of fellow who does not take such a failure lightly and so I decided to uncover exactly why my beautiful room failed so miserably acoustically. I learned (to my dismay) that it required high-order mathematics and a commensurate understanding of the physics of sound. I put my nose to the university grindstone and worked my way through what eventually became a PhD in physics. I used my training to become a sometimes studio designer and occasionally a designer of isolation mountings for everything from industrial machinery to payloads that went up on the space shuttle, and yet, over all of this time, I never stopped singing, playing, composing, arranging and recording music--and it's my opinion that I never shall.

Were it not for you inspiring the music in Elton John that so burned into whatever passes for a soul in an agnostic such as me I have no idea where I would be nor what I'd be doing. I thank you for this gift from the bottom of my heart, and (if you ever get the chance and remember this email) tell Elton thank you for me as well. The two of you, in some sense, made me the man I am today and nothing I could ever say would be enough to repay you both the debt I owe you.

Warmest regards,

D. Terry H.

Subject: Blog Reader

From: Cheryl G. W.

How refreshing to read your blog.  I happened upon it for various reasons,none important enough to share. I found it compelling and I find that in so few literary endeavors.  Is a Blog a literary endeavor?  Regardless, taking a few minutes to indulge myself- while at work, no less- was wonderful.

I love your lyrics and the art on your page. Art helps to define who we are and how we want to be perceived by others.  Thanks for sharing.

Cheryl G. W.

Subject: Daniel

From: Joe M.

Hello Mr. Taupin,

Just a quick note to say thanks for writing Daniel. It has a different meaning for me as I had a brother named Dan who died in 1979 at 18. I was 12 and I remember him saying to me that one of his biggest fears was being utterly forgotten. This morning in a cafe in Leyton I heard your song and had a bit of a cry and spent a moment remembering my brother.

Thank you.

Joe M.