Elton John once dismissed “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” as “a load of crap,” despite the song later becoming one of the most celebrated tracks in his catalogue. In a reflection on John’s songwriting style, the piece describes him as an artist who could blend classical sophistication with mainstream pop appeal, creating songs with grand arrangements and memorable melodies. Yet even with that reputation, he felt the Bernie Taupin-penned ballad was too sentimental and cheesy, comparing it unfavorably to material he believed suited lounge singers more than himself.
The article recounts producer Gus Dudgeon’s memory of John struggling through the recording session, alternating between shouting, mumbling, and staring in frustration before reacting harshly to the playback. John reportedly suggested the song could be given to singers such as Engelbert Humperdinck or Lulu instead. His reaction highlights the gap that can exist between an artist’s immediate self-criticism and the public’s eventual embrace of a song.
Despite his initial dislike, the song went on to become a defining part of John’s live performances and remained in his setlist for many years, including his farewell tour. The piece notes that his feelings softened over time, especially as he faced vocal problems later in life following years of cocaine use and a procedure on his vocal cords. At one point, hearing himself perform the song became deeply emotional, as he feared each concert might be one of his last.
The article presents “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” as an example of how creators can misjudge their own work. What John once saw as overly syrupy has endured as one of his most beloved songs, praised for its dramatic piano opening, theatrical feel, and emotional power. The story underscores a familiar truth in popular music: songs that seem flawed to their creators can become timeless to audiences, and even legendary songwriters are not always the best judges of their own legacy.
