Elton John – I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues

About The Song

“I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues” is a song by English musician Elton John, with music by John and Davey Johnstone and lyrics by Bernie Taupin, released as the first single from John’s 17th studio album Too Low for Zero. It was the first single since 1975’s “Someone Saved My Life Tonight” to feature the classic lineup of the Elton John Band.

The song became one of John’s biggest hits of the 1980s in the United States, holding at No. 2 for four weeks on the Adult Contemporary chart, and reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached the top ten in five countries, including the UK, peaking at number five. It was also featured on the film soundtrack to Peter’s Friends in 1992.

The song received largely favourable reviews, with Bill Janovitz of AllMusic declaring the song “likely to stand the test of time as a standard.”

Janovitz wrote: “As with the lyric, the music has more than a tinge of nostalgia, with a ’50s-like R&B shuffle, a jazzy piano theme, and an inspired, Toots Thielemans-like harmonica solo from Stevie Wonder. The soaring solo takes the song to new heights, the ache of the sentiment palpable in every note.”

Video

Lyrics

Don’t wish it away
Don’t look at it like it’s forever
Between you and me
I could honestly say
That things can only get better

And while I’m away
Dust out the demons inside
And it won’t be long
Before you and me run
To the place in our hearts
Where we hide

And I guess that’s why
They call it the blues
Time on my hands
Could be time spent with you
Laughing like children
Living like lovers
Rolling like thunder under the covers
And I guess that’s why
They call it the blues

Just stare into space
Picture my face in your hands
Live for each second
Without hesitation
And never forget I’m your man

Wait on me, girl
Cry in the night if it helps
But more than ever
I simply love you
More than I love life itself

And I guess that’s why
They call it the blues
Time on my hands
Could be time spent with you
Laughing like children
Living like lovers
Rolling like thunder under the covers
And I guess that’s why
They call it the blues

Wait on me, girl
Cry in the night if it helps
But more than ever
I simply love you
More than I love life itself

And I guess that’s why
They call it the blues
Time on my hands
Could be time spent with you
Laughing like children
Living like lovers
Rolling like thunder under the covers
And I guess that’s why
They call it the blues