The iconic duo Elton John and Bernie Taupin are known as a pair famed for their songwriting abilities. These two guys have been writing songs together for over 50 years and have come up with many popular world favorites over the years, including “Your Song”, “Rocket Man”, “I’m Still Standing”, and more. When they started, not everyone believed in this duo’s ability to produce hits. Even their own record label couldn't accept it.

In the summer of 1973, the song “Daniel” released. It was the second single from the album "Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player". It was an international hit and reached the top 10 in several countries including No. 1 in Canada and No. 2 in the US. “Daniel” is said to feature the famed songwriting and storytelling that now serves as the duo’s legacy. The song was written and recorded the same day at the Château d’Herouville in France (the “Honky Chateau”). Elton and his band recorded it in just three takes. “Daniel” opens with a seemingly positive melody, but once Elton begins to sing, it’s clear there’s more depth to the story than just the music.

Taupin has said that the song is about a guy returning to a small town in Texas, disabled from the Vietnam War. On arrival, people give him unwanted attention – some adulation, others aggression – but he just wants to get back to the simple life he led before the war. To escape the situation, he moves to another country (Spain). The song is written from the man's younger brother’s perspective.

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