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Elton John — I Need You To Turn To
Album: Elton John
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1378









Released: 1970
Length: 2:29
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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You're not a ship to carry my life
You are nailed to my love in many lonely nights.
I've strayed from the cottages and found myself here
For I need your love. Your love protects my fears.

And I wonder sometimes, and I know I'm unkind,
But I need you to turn to when I act so blind.
Oh I need you to turn to when I lose control
You're my guardian angel who keeps out the cold.

Did you paint your smile on when I said I knew
That my reason for living was for loving you
We're related in feeling, but you're high above
You're pure and you're gentle, with the grace of a dove.

And I wonder sometimes, and I know I'm unkind,
But I need you to turn to when I act so blind.
Oh I need you to turn to when I lose control
You're my guardian angel who keeps out the cold.
Comments (66)add comment
This probably my FAVORITE Elton John song!  It stops me in my tracks every time I hear it, to pause and immerse my senses in its poetic musical brilliance.  My only complaint is that it always ends before I am ready to return to my everyday existence.  
Posted 3 weeks ago by dandueck07    [ Reply ]
Try Maddy Prior's version for a different set of harmonies:
Posted 3 months ago by Zydeco    [ Reply ]
 Art_Carnage wrote:
This was a hit? On what planet?
... and then On_The_Beach wrote:
A "hit"? Who cares if it was a "hit"?

Wait a sec.  Who ever said it was hit in the first place? I listened to a ton of FM radio in the 70's and don't recall this song *ever* being played, never mind on AM radio.
Seems like RP has no concern for whether a song was a hit or not. Did Nick Drake have any "hits" in his time?
This track is only OK on it's own, but it sure fit nicely in one of the greatest hit albums of all time.
Posted 11 months ago by obispo    [ Reply ]
lord, i haven't heard this in decades. thanks for the tears.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
Growing up in the 70 it was all Crocodile Rock and Rocket Man and YellowBrick Road and then the crap that followed.    
Thanks Bill   ALL THIS EARLY ELTON you've been playing the past few years - wow   incredible talent 
Posted 1 year ago by slaskey    [ Reply ]
How have I never heard this in my 60 years?
Posted 2 years ago by radioparadise38    [ Reply ]
Among Bernie's best work. EJ brings it to life.
c.
Posted 2 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
This is beautiful. 
Posted 2 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
 siriusrising wrote:

I've always preferred the early works of Elton. The orchestral backing is stunningly beautiful. I was fortunate to see Elton in concert around 1970. 



I saw the Yellow Brick Road tour in 1973 at a college venue that held a couple thousand people. Greg Allman did a walk on.  I was old enough to enjoy it all and too young to appreciate how Elton's music would age so well for me. 
Posted 2 years ago by aneal300    [ Reply ]
This is the beautiful voice that made me fall in love with Elton John's music.  Thank you for the flashback!
Posted 2 years ago by diannemck56    [ Reply ]
51 years ago. Time flies. Those were the days, 
Posted 3 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
 69Grace_M wrote:

Look after the king of R n R please 
 

Sorry, I don't think I get yet what you're proposing?
Listen more to Elvis Presley? ;)

EDIT: Okay, a quick look at your favourite comments tells me: You love to remind people of the King of R n R :) 
Posted 3 years ago by trogel    [ Reply ]
 trogel wrote:
I loved so many of Eltons songs, even 80s and 90s... but he lost me a bit with his 90s concerts when most of his performances were covered in lots of synth and band stuff.

Then he came to Germany (might have been 2004) - just him and a piano.... oh man, he's still a piano player god!!!
He even played "Ticking", something I never expected to be performed in one of his concerts...  
 
Look after the king of R n R please 
Posted 3 years ago by 69Grace_M    [ Reply ]
I loved so many of Eltons songs, even 80s and 90s... but he lost me a bit with his 90s concerts when most of his performances were covered in lots of synth and band stuff.

Then he came to Germany (might have been 2004) - just him and a piano.... oh man, he's still a piano player god!!!
He even played "Ticking", something I never expected to be performed in one of his concerts...  
Posted 3 years ago by trogel    [ Reply ]
I'm reading his autobiography, 'ME'. Very good - from a huge EJ fan. His descriptions of Long John Baldry, Paul Buckmaster, Gus Dudgeon, et al are pretty dang funny. And from Wiki:

(Bluesology was hired as the) backing band for visiting American performers, including The Isley Brothers, Doris Troy, Billy Stewart and Patti LaBelle.[6]

Posted 3 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Nice tierce de Picardie.
Posted 4 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
I've always preferred the early works of Elton. The orchestral backing is stunningly beautiful. I was fortunate to see Elton in concert around 1970. 
Posted 4 years ago by siriusrising    [ Reply ]
It's amazing to me how I was brought up on Elton's music  but it was not until I watched Rocketman that the vast majority of his songs made sense like a penny dropped!!
Posted 4 years ago by t0m5k1    [ Reply ]
Our wedding song, still married 44 years   
Posted 4 years ago by debbiel    [ Reply ]
 sonicxtc wrote:
Sublime.  Elton's earliest albums demonstrate true originality and rare talent. The Live in Australia version is moving, too. 

Thanks RP for continuing to share some of his early genius. 
 

One of the few 33s I (still) own. +1 to 10 for the simple beauty of this arrangement. LLRP!!
Posted 4 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
 MiataDJ wrote:
Not to reiterate what's listed below, but the "Live In Australia" version is AMAZING! Give it a spin, Bill! Elton is nothing less than THE MAN. How talented...and how he's stood the test of time.
 
Seconded. This is a 7. The Australia version is easily 8-9.
Posted 4 years ago by acolt    [ Reply ]
This man meant so much to me during my adolescence.  I still remember being 14 and listening to this album with my Koss headphones.  
Posted 4 years ago by dboseman    [ Reply ]
Sublime.  Elton's earliest albums demonstrate true originality and rare talent. The Live in Australia version is moving, too. 

Thanks RP for continuing to share some of his early genius. 
Posted 4 years ago by sonicxtc    [ Reply ]
 Art_Carnage wrote:
This was a hit? On what planet?
 

A "hit"? Who cares if it was a "hit"?
Posted 4 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
The genius of Paul Buckmaster's string arrangement is eternal.  RIP Paul
Posted 5 years ago by NorthernLad    [ Reply ]
At the time, Elton John was known by the name Reginald Kenneth Dwight, or more simply "Reggie". He took the name Elton John in homage to Bluesology's saxophonist Elton Dean and vocalist Long John Baldry in 1972, 2 years before this song was released. Lyrics were provided by his collaborator Bernie Taupin, who he met 3 years prior. As a fun fact, the album was not meant to launch Elton but as a collection of demos from other artists who collaborated on the album (on songs written by Elton and Taupin).
Posted 5 years ago by Mayasha    [ Reply ]
 Kaw wrote:
I do not like Elton! I DO NOT LIKE ELTON! AAAAARRGGGGHHH!!!

This song is an 8 {#Frustrated} It's good. My world view is destroyed. 
 
Yellow Brick Road was the turning point—before it, his work was sublime; afterwards, usually dreck. YBR is great, one of the best albums around, but it also marked EJ's shifting style. IMHO.
Posted 5 years ago by gillespp    [ Reply ]
Oh, listen, an Elton John tune that hasn't been overplayed! Good to hear it.
Posted 5 years ago by RussNelson    [ Reply ]
One of his all time best! Ageless and precious. Elton's music is awesome!
Posted 5 years ago by emcibulka    [ Reply ]
Just saw Elton John last Friday in Las Vegas - and it was incredible. Having been an EJ fan since I was 13, and having seen him several times in the intervening years, I can say it was one of the best shows I've ever seen of him. He has an amazing band - some of whom have been with him most of his career - and he played for almost three hours. He's on his "farewell tour" until the end of next year, so if you get a chance to see him, you will not be disappointed. 
Posted 5 years ago by poetdancer    [ Reply ]
As a huge EJ fan, I had to see 'Rocketman', and fully expected disappointment. I am happy to say the movie blew me away. Young Reg was an emotional train wreck, and his formative moments seem captured with all warts intact. Probably helps having Sir Elton as executive producer.

this tune is lesser-known than the hits, but it's powerful in a quiet way. Bernie and Elton worked magic...
c.
Posted 5 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
One of the most beautiful EJ/BT songs ever written. Still love it today.
Posted 5 years ago by emcibulka    [ Reply ]
This is awesome, but there is a version out there which never fails to tear my soul apart: it's by a short-lived trio called Maddy Prior and the Girls, which consisted of the aforementioned Steeleye Span frontwoman, her daughter Rose Kemp, and a (local to me) singer/songwriter called Abbie Lathe. It's on their album, 'Bib and Tuck'. Seek it out.
Posted 5 years ago by SpinyNorma    [ Reply ]
 Art_Carnage wrote:
This was a hit? On what planet?
 

Mars, even though it ain't the kind of place to raise your kids.
Posted 5 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 MiataDJ wrote:
Not to reiterate what's listed below, but the "Live In Australia" version is AMAZING! Give it a spin, Bill! Elton is nothing less than THE MAN. How talented...and how he's stood the test of time.
 
Both versions are amazing. This album version is quiet and emotional. The Live In Australia version was powerful with the orchestra. Both fantastic. 
Posted 6 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
Thanks Elton and Bernie

Amazing arrangement by Paul Buckmaster.

Gus Dudgeon, Elton's long time producer

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/5e/34/5d/5e345dfc1cc0dca7d7ffd641134f8066.jpg
Posted 7 years ago by NorthernLad    [ Reply ]
 ...me as well  lily33 wrote:
made me cry when i first heard this. its such a beautiful song. this is the time when i liked elton....nowadays...his new stuff seems to lack so much of what he began with. i'm sure i'll be bombarded with those who disagree - and i do understand an artist grows and changes, as all people do. i just prefer this style of his to anything else.
 


Posted 7 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
I really love his early albums
Posted 7 years ago by Ishwara    [ Reply ]
I had to check this out as i knew it was early Elton from the sound but hadn't heard it which was surprising.
Huge fan of his early stuff - Madman was the first album i ever purchased.
thanks Bill!
Posted 7 years ago by maxjboxer    [ Reply ]
I do not like Elton! I DO NOT LIKE ELTON! AAAAARRGGGGHHH!!!

This song is an 8 {#Frustrated} It's good. My world view is destroyed. 
Posted 8 years ago by Kaw    [ Reply ]
First time I've heard this, so I'm not familiar with the lyrics ... did he say "Grace of a duck" ?
Posted 8 years ago by axa2wa    [ Reply ]
 coyote620 wrote:
Thanks for playing this song.  One of my all time favorites by Elton John.

 
mine too. if not my very favorite. haven't heard it in years.
Posted 8 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 Art_Carnage wrote:
This was a hit? On what planet?
 
Since when has RP been governed by 'hit' criteria?
Posted 8 years ago by planet_lizard    [ Reply ]
Thanks for playing this song.  One of my all time favorites by Elton John.
Posted 11 years ago by coyote620    [ Reply ]
Not among my favourite EJ tracks. This sounds like Al Stewart...
Posted 15 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
see you later bye
Posted 16 years ago by betsyroks    [ Reply ]
Oh, please. Elton John?! This is malicious compliance applied to eclecticism. Oy!
Posted 16 years ago by Govi    [ Reply ]
This was a hit? On what planet?
Posted 16 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
No one reminds me like Elton does that getting old sucks.
Posted 16 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
an otherwise likable little ditty ruined by the devil's keyboard; the harpsichord
Posted 20 years ago by Red_Dragon    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Kurt_from_La_Qui: bill you need to keep playing more early, unique elton. "mona lisas and mad hatters" off of "honky chateau" would sound great on paradise.
Yes it would, why isn't it on the playlist (Uploading Now...)
Posted 21 years ago by ianguy    [ Reply ]
to add to my comments waaaayyy back in 2001... bill you need to keep playing more early, unique elton. \"mona lisas and mad hatters\" off of \"honky chateau\" would sound great on paradise.
Posted 21 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
Not to reiterate what\'s listed below, but the \"Live In Australia\" version is AMAZING! Give it a spin, Bill! Elton is nothing less than THE MAN. How talented...and how he\'s stood the test of time.
Posted 21 years ago by MiataDJ    [ Reply ]
What a beautiful little song! And I\'d never heard it before. Thank you!
Posted 21 years ago by deneb    [ Reply ]
Wow! One of my favorite EJ songs (I really liked his first couple of albums). Thanks, RP. I haven\'t heard this one in ages!
Posted 21 years ago by jblue    [ Reply ]
This is wonderful. It\'s so simple and unadorned...it lets us appreciate his talent so much more than the recent drivel he\'s been turning out.
Posted 21 years ago by el_kadiri    [ Reply ]
this song is stunningly beautiful.
Posted 22 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
This is great! Thank you for playing Elton! He has been, in my opinion, the best voice in music throughout the years.....
Posted 22 years ago by folkieokie    [ Reply ]
Ten, ten, a thousand times ten!
Posted 22 years ago by KAJMK    [ Reply ]
I love this. Reminds me to get more Elton in my CD library.
Posted 22 years ago by triviagal    [ Reply ]
To me this was Elton\'s finest album ...
Posted 22 years ago by KAJMK    [ Reply ]
Fantastic...
Posted 22 years ago by Cagey    [ Reply ]
I never knew Elton John could sound this good! Easily one of his best.. far better than most of the stuff he churns out nowdays!
Posted 22 years ago by ankit    [ Reply ]