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Elton John — Tiny Dancer
Album: Madman Across The Water
Avg rating:
8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3666









Released: 1971
Length: 6:11
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Blue jean baby, L.A. lady
Seamstress for the band
Pretty eyes, pirate smile
You'll marry a music man

Ballerina, you must have seen her
Dancing in the sand
And now she's in me, always with me
Tiny dancer in my hand

Jesus freaks out in the street
Handing tickets out for God
Turning back, she just laughs
The boulevard is not that bad

Piano man, he makes his stand
In the auditorium
Looking on, she sings the song
The words she knows, the tune she hums

But, oh, how it feels so real
Lying here with no one near
Only you, and you can hear me
When I say softly, slowly

Hold me closer, tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
You had a busy day today

Hold me closer, tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
You had a busy day today

Blue jean baby, L.A. lady
Seamstress for the band
Pretty eyes, pirate smile
You'll marry a music man

Ballerina, you must have seen her
Dancing in the sand
And now she's in me, always with me
Tiny dancer in my hand

But, oh, how it feels so real
Lying here with no one near
Only you, and you can hear me
When I say softly, slowly

Hold me closer, tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
You had a busy day today

Hold me closer, tiny dancer
Count the headlights on the highway
Lay me down in sheets of linen
You had a busy day today
Comments (328)add comment
And that pedal steel is exquisite. 
I’m 14 again too. I love this song. Elton at his most best with Bernie Taupin.
that be some dandy song writing. 

Seems that you can get Knighted or Nobeled for song writing.

Fantastic.
So is the movie "Almost Famous"
A nice tune, a favorite of mine actually.  But personally I always thought this album was Elton's opus.  He went all shades of "sparkly" after this one.  I'm not being critical, as all he subsequently did was exceptional.  But this....this album was it.  At least, for me it was (and is).

Highlow~
 debbiel wrote:

Sept 4/84 - the first time I saw Sir E.J.
This was the first song he sang
I just cried in gratitude in being able to see my idol - a life moment I will never forget 
I have been so lucky to see him 5 times more since that first time...xo



I saw him on the same tour at the Cow Palace just outside of San Francisco. He opened with this song, just him on the piano, and I thought, okay I can go home now. 
Not quite my favorite Elton John song, until I saw the recent Glastonbury concert registration. An 8.
 springof63 wrote:


sheesh of Lennon?


head lice on the highway.
Its amazing how a Brit  figured out how to arrange  such a lovely pedal steel.

It really makes the song. 
 Steely_D wrote:


I can't hear this song without remembering this brilliant scene. And then I get all weepy and happy.


me too!!
 jamesbowne907 wrote:

Who is playing that lovely pedal steel guitar on this number?




BJ Cole
I  will always maintain that this album was the best that Elton ever made.  And I'm not taking anything away from what came later, however "sparkly" it went on to being.  

It's more that he chased that level of excellent for the rest of his life, and while he certainly put on a show with everything else even so I think this is his masterpiece.  There's not a bad tune on it, and like many here yes, I sing along each and every time I hear it.  

Hold me closer tiny Dancer!!  
 the_jake wrote:

Bose didn't begin making headphones until 1986, but Sennheisser were available in the 70's.



Yes!!  And both still sound a LOT better than Bose!  Noise cancelling headphones degrade sonic quality!  But, work well if you must listen in a noisy envrinment, at that point, quality is out the window!
 Grayson wrote:

What is it about (early) Elton John that is always such perfection when heard again? Knowing minds of great artists is just not for us mortals. We're just riding shotgun. And that's ok. I suppose. 




One name - Bernie Taupin...
 istanbulbaby wrote:
I always thought it was "hold me close, I'm tired of dancing." Which moved me more, for some reason :)

The actual title of the song might've helped.
This is that thing in the 70's when if the songwriter wasn't clever enough to write two verses, you just copy/paste the one you did write and that was good enough?
 Jelani wrote:

Posted 3 weeks ago by huib:

is this another song about drugs?







No, this one is about your penis.

You're both wrong.It's about Tony Danza!!! sheesh!


sheesh of Lennon?
Posted 3 weeks ago by huib:

Coreus wrote:

is this another song about drugs?







No, this one is about your penis.

You're both wrong.It's about Tony Danza!!! sheesh!
 Coreus wrote:

is this another song about drugs?



No, this one is about your penis.
 lemmoth wrote:





I knew I wasn't the only one 
This is that 70's thing, where it was okay if you just couldn't be bothered to think of another verse, you can just repeat the one you already sang, right?  Or if you can't think of enough syllables, just stretch out the words to make it work so you can go home.
 debbiel wrote:

Sept 4/84 - the first time I saw Sir E.J.
This was the first song he sang
I just cried in gratitude in being able to see my idol - a life moment I will never forget 
I have been so lucky to see him 5 times more since that first time...xo



The first time I saw Elton John was the same tour, in August of 1984. When he opened with this, solo at the piano, my favorite song, I was so happy. 
 Coreus wrote:

is this another song about drugs?



Maxine Feibelmann


Happy Birthday Elton!
 Hannio wrote:

Koss?  I thought you were a Bose man.



Bose didn't begin making headphones until 1986, but Sennheisser were available in the 70's.
 On_The_Beach wrote:
my thought exactly. like Lennon/McCartney, some collaborations are meant to be.
 

 idiot_wind wrote:

need more pedal steel in these rock n roll songs 



Too bad that Jerry Garcia left us.
Who is playing that lovely pedal steel guitar on this number?
need more pedal steel in these rock n roll songs 
Bernie Taupin hit the jackpot when he met Elton John.
Yes, he wrote great lyrics, but what are the odds he would meet someone who could turn them into such incredible, timeless, classic songs?
As a teenager in the 70's, Elton's songs provided calm sweet serenity for our insecure selves. It's hard not to feel sentimental about such beautifully crafted music. Bravo Elton & Bernie. Well done. 
 njtjt wrote:

Late 70's.  Drove down from Breckenridge to spend a weekend in Littleton at a girl's parent's house for the weekend who I had met skiing.   Woke up Sunday morning and she is singing/ playing  this on the piano.   How could it ever be anything other than a 10?




I hope you married her <3
 Steely_D wrote:


I can't hear this song without remembering this brilliant scene. And then I get all weepy and happy.

if you want an authentic 70s experience see Aloha Bobby and Rose, a pitch perfect time capsule from 1975 which of course features this song along with a bunch of other great stuff
 ChrisH wrote:

Gave it 1. Totally dislike Elton John’s stuff, I won’t call it music. Shrieking voice, repetitive lyrics and grandiose orchestration to cover up the cracks.



"grandiose orchestration".  That's Mr Paul Buckmaster you're dissing there.
 ChrisH wrote:

Gave it 1. Totally dislike Elton John’s stuff, I won’t call it music. Shrieking voice, repetitive lyrics and grandiose orchestration to cover up the cracks.



I can't say that I've ever heard EJ's voice described as "shrieking" before.
 nevar23 wrote:

Hands up if you were singing along!




is this another song about drugs?
Gave it 1. Totally dislike Elton John’s stuff, I won’t call it music. Shrieking voice, repetitive lyrics and grandiose orchestration to cover up the cracks.
 MattRudely wrote:
Ode to Tony Danza
 
Once someone told me that joke I can't unhear it... 
Ode to Tony Danza
Nice deep dive into this song (and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road):

Strong Songs - Elton John
You know it’s overplayed when it’s over the speaker at the grocery store. I used to love this song.
 kenslvr wrote:
  In 1971 I was totally into Led Zepplin, I guess. Looking back I think I'd rather hear Elton John singing Tiny dancer than "Dyer Maker.  Getting old?  Sure.  getting better?
 Still like both equally depending on mood!

  In 1971 I was totally into Led Zepplin, I guess. Looking back I think I'd rather hear Elton John singing Tiny dancer than "Dyer Maker.  Getting old?  Sure.  getting better?
My roommate in college gave this LP to me for x-mas in 1979.  Wasn't really into Elton at that time.  Boy did that change after playing this LP to death!

thanks Greg!
 neptunejeff wrote:
hell yeah.  turn it up.{#Bananapiano}
 

 MrStatenIsle wrote:
Anyone else think the lyrics were, "hold me closer Tony Danza?"
 
Well I thought it was "count the head lice on the highway."
Why a guy from Watford has to pretend to be a septic is beyond me.
 agent55317 wrote:
I just had the same experience and I'm pleased to see this post when I pull up the RP page.

Turns out some scenes were filmed  here in Tucson, AZ, and The Loft, our local awesome indie theater, played Almost Famous a few months ago in honor of Tucson's birthday. Back in 2000 I was broke and starting college, so this was my first chance to enjoy it on the big screen.

As a cool bonus, Jeff, The Loft's artistic director, led the entire audience in group-karaoke style sing-along of Tiny Dancer before the show. Now this song brings back both magical moments.

PS I miss you very much, Phil. At least I know where to find you when I'm feeling uncool and could use a little company. 

 
Ahh   - The Loft!  Loved seeing films there
Sept 4/84 - the first time I saw Sir E.J.
This was the first song he sang
I just cried in gratitude in being able to see my idol - a life moment I will never forget 
I have been so lucky to see him 5 times more since that first time...xo
Sir Elton recorded many classics and this is certainly one of them....
 lemmoth wrote:
Hold me closer Tony Danza.....
Love this song, what memories, Peter Schkrutz, the toughest guy on the hockey team, singing this out load in the cafeteria.

 

 Steely_D wrote:


I can't hear this song without remembering this brilliant scene. And then I get all weepy and happy.
 

Regrettably I can't listen to this without conjuring up an image of the John Lewis insurance ad.
 Johnny_Alpha wrote:
girly boy!! you'd better buy his (auto)biog ..

 

 Steely_D wrote:


I can't hear this song without remembering this brilliant scene. And then I get all weepy and happy.
 

often the radio single from an album is the weakest of the bunch.
please play other songs from this stunning album, The Greatest among some greats.
".... tiny dancuuuuhhh. " 
Late 70's.  Drove down from Breckenridge to spend a weekend in Littleton at a girl's parent's house for the weekend who I had met skiing.   Woke up Sunday morning and she is singing/ playing  this on the piano.   How could it ever be anything other than a 10?
I just had the same experience and I'm pleased to see this post when I pull up the RP page.

Turns out some scenes were filmed  here in Tucson, AZ, and The Loft, our local awesome indie theater, played Almost Famous a few months ago in honor of Tucson's birthday. Back in 2000 I was broke and starting college, so this was my first chance to enjoy it on the big screen.

As a cool bonus, Jeff, The Loft's artistic director, led the entire audience in group-karaoke style sing-along of Tiny Dancer before the show. Now this song brings back both magical moments.

PS I miss you very much, Phil. At least I know where to find you when I'm feeling uncool and could use a little company. 

 Steely_D wrote:


I can't hear this song without remembering this brilliant scene.
And then I get all weepy and happy.
 
Always love this song Movie was great Easy does it
This song never fails to remind me of my best friend :) I didn't know it until he played it in the car one day we were driving down from Germany to Switzerland. He was singing along, so animated, it's a great memory and now one of my favourite ! 
I have to admit, i never really tuned into this song until 'that scene' in almost famous... it's been my favorite EJ song ever since.
Love Elton John!!
Going to see him next month in Las Vegas, and I believe he's still playing this song! 
Mixed feelings on this one. first, it is a great song. second, happened at a not so good time.  I was 20 and totally faking it.
Anyone else think the lyrics were, "hold me closer Tony Danza?"
8->9
Hands up if you were singing along!
What is it about (early) Elton John that is always such perfection when heard again? Knowing minds of great artists is just not for us mortals. We're just riding shotgun. And that's ok. I suppose. 
Seeing Elton John in Oakland tonight!
 thewiseking wrote:
Actually, THIS was the film this song was originally scored for. It fit the soundtrack and the times perfectly. Aloha Bobby and Rose 
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qX-uwMKd5k


 Interesting! Now I have to watch the movie.
But the song wasn't written for the movie, as far as I know. Bernie wrote it about his wife/girlfriend at the time.

IMDB shows TD 'uncredited', I guess the song was so well-known by then they didn't feel the need.

I wore the grooves off this record. Even lesser tracks like Rotten Peaches were way above everything else being written then.

c.

Wow! always loved this song! Holds up well.
 Baby_M wrote:
 Mackmoney3000 wrote:
Hold me closer, Tony Danza
 



"Count the head lice on the highway..."

 
 
{#Roflol}{#Clap}{#Dancingbanana_2}
So beautiful! {#Bananapiano}
Goosebumps. Every single time.
This entire album is superb.  
 DavidS_UK wrote:
Thank god this gets a regular airing, or else the brilliance of early Elton gets lost in all the later rhinestone and ridiculousness.  What a track... what an album.

 
Indeed. 

Highlow
American Net'Zen


Actually, THIS was the film this song was originally scored for. It fit the soundtrack and the times perfectly. Aloha Bobby and Rose 
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qX-uwMKd5k

Elton at his best.
a masterpiece of poetry and piano

{#Heartkiss}


I can't hear this song without remembering this brilliant scene. And then I get all weepy and happy.
 Mackmoney3000 wrote:
Hold me closer, Tony Danza
 

Hold me closer!
 

"Count the head lice on the highway..."


did Cameron Crowe and Penny Lane make it home okay?
 Mackmoney3000 wrote:
Hold me closer, Tony Danza
 
Good one!!
 amoreena wrote:

I still do this, but with headphones that would have cost my entire week's paycheck back then.  I'm not rich now, I just made next to nothing then.  But Madman still hits my heart, and helps when I"m confused, afraid and anxious as a grown up.

 
Amoreena

When it rains the rain falls down
Washing out the cattle town
Are you far away somewhere in your eiderdown
Do you dream of crystal streams?

Whoops, I digress.

Great post.

Here is a great version of a time when Elton and I were younger dudes...
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Hopefully said madman is an Elton John fan!  ; )

 
And, He's across the water!
 dboseman wrote:
I'm 14 again, confused afraid and anxious.  But when I lay down in my bed in the darkness and listen to this album through my Koss headphones, everything fades away.  Thanks EJ for helping me get through my adolescence. 

 
I still do this, but with headphones that would have cost my entire week's paycheck back then.  I'm not rich now, I just made next to nothing then.  But Madman still hits my heart, and helps when I"m confused, afraid and anxious as a grown up.
This is MY Elton John.
 dboseman wrote:
I'm 14 again, confused afraid and anxious.  But when I lay down in my bed in the darkness and listen to this album through my Koss headphones, everything fades away.  Thanks EJ for helping me get through my adolescence. 

 

Koss?  I thought you were a Bose man.


 sweet_annie wrote:
When my daughter was younger, we held hands and danced and spun each other to this song.  A special memory.  She's 25 now.

 
Don't ever lose that memory. Beautiful. 
Hold me closer, Tony Danza
When my daughter was younger, we held hands and danced and spun each other to this song.  A special memory.  She's 25 now.
Every time I hear this song I think of a good friend of mine telling me about what this song represents to him as we were driving away for the week-end. Each note brings me back to those minutes in his car and how I learned a bit more about him. It's a nice memory and I like the song for that ( beside the fact that the song itself is beautiful ). 

 
Makes me just the right kind of sad.
 
{#Bananajam}
{#Bananajumprope}
{#Daisy}{#Bananapiano}{#Daisy}
 dboseman wrote:
I'm 14 again, confused afraid and anxious.  But when I lay down in my bed in the darkness and listen to this album through my Koss headphones, everything fades away.  Thanks EJ for helping me get through my adolescence. 

 
perfect. 
 Cynaera wrote:
♫{#Sunny}♫

 
Bump.
 DavidS_UK wrote:
Thank god this gets a regular airing, or else the brilliance of early Elton gets lost in all the later rhinestone and ridiculousness.  What a track... what an album.

 
Amen.
Ya what he said. 
dboseman wrote:
I'm 14 again, confused afraid and anxious.  But when I lay down in my bed in the darkness and listen to this album through my Koss headphones, everything fades away.  Thanks EJ for helping me get through my adolescence. 

 


I'm 14 again, confused afraid and anxious.  But when I lay down in my bed in the darkness and listen to this album through my Koss headphones, everything fades away.  Thanks EJ for helping me get through my adolescence. 
Thank god this gets a regular airing, or else the brilliance of early Elton gets lost in all the later rhinestone and ridiculousness.  What a track... what an album.
From this album to Captain Fantastic and then YBR, my god he is a god!!
 thewiseking wrote:
Used much more effectively in Aloha Bobby and Rose, a perfect 70's time capsule all filmed during the period in question.
If you were to ask anybody who grew up in the '70s they'd tell ya, Almost Famous wasn't it.
 
Agreed. Seems like everyone I know loves Almost Famous, but for me it just didn't work. I was always aware that I was watching actors act, in their 70s wardrobe; it never felt real to me. The Tiny Dancer scene in particular. As soon as I heard the opening notes I knew we were in for the obligatory, feel-good singalong scene. Ack. Great song though!
 coloradojohn wrote:
I rather agree with Bill's assessment of Elton's early works! Exquisite, surreal, blessedly rich in velvety quantum layers from start to finish.

 
...... agree, that sums it up very well
 stevendejong wrote:

Second that. Wonderful movie that you can sit and watch with your ex-hippie Dad. Then, wait for the stories.

 
Used much more effectively in Aloha Bobby and Rose, a perfect 70's time capsule all filmed during the period in question.

If you were to ask anybody who grew up in the '70s they'd tell ya, Almost Famous wasn't it.


I rather agree with Bill's assessment of Elton's early works! Exquisite, surreal, blessedly rich in velvety quantum layers from start to finish.
he was SOOOOO good in those early years...  

him, Chicago, Billy Joel, Kenny Loggins   great early work and then.........  

Edit: yes Bill, this one needs to be listened to the album as a whole, side 1, flip side 2
First albulm I ever bought...still get goosebumps everytime I hear it, maybe now more than ever before.  : / Perfection?!  ;)
One of my all-time favorite tunes.  Great way to start the day.
great song off a great album
 stevendejong wrote:

Second that. Wonderful movie that you can sit and watch with your ex-hippie Dad. Then, wait for the stories.

 

Thirds on the first comment and seconds on the above. 
 fredriley wrote:
Ah, it's our Reg from Pinner, life prez of Watford FC:

Watford FC crest

You 'Orns! :o)

 

You're not a Forest fan?    All in fir forest.           all in for firest
 lshinkawa wrote:

That scene completely changed this song for me.  I love it so much more now.

 
Second that. Wonderful movie that you can sit and watch with your ex-hippie Dad. Then, wait for the stories.
From Wiki: "Elton John has also used Vicarage Road as a venue for concerts. He first played at the stadium in 1974, and returned in 2005 and 2010 to stage fundraising concerts for the club." Vicarage Road is Watford's stadium. Good side last season. Just missed promotion, eh?
Ah, it's our Reg from Pinner, life prez of Watford FC:

Watford FC crest

You 'Orns! :o)
Thank you for keeping Elton's good era alive.
 Highlowsel wrote:
To my mind this entire album is arguably the best work Elton John and Bernie Taupin put out over the course of their career. 

Just sayin'.

Highlow
American Net'Zen

 
I totally agree Highlow!