Elton John is responsible for some of the most beloved songs of all time. With his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, he has crafted a catalogue filled with timeless ballads, infectious rock anthems, and unforgettable melodies.
But while fans may love nearly everything he’s ever recorded, Elton himself has a few songs he’d rather leave behind.
One of them, surprisingly, is ‘Crocodile Rock’. Released in 1972, the song became a huge hit, marking Elton’s first-ever number-one single in the United States.
It quickly became a staple of his live shows and a fan favourite. However, Elton himself has admitted that he never took the song seriously – and, in fact, wrote it as a joke.
During an appearance on the Deeney Talks podcast in 2021, hosted by Watford footballer Troy Deeney, Elton opened up about his relationship with the song: “The last time I have to sing Crocodile Rock I will probably throw a party. It was written as a kind of a joke, like a pastiche.”
Despite its playful energy and nostalgic lyrics, ‘Crocodile Rock’ isn’t a song Elton holds close to his heart. It was inspired by the early days of rock ‘n’ roll, particularly the sounds of the late 1950s and early 1960s.
The song’s Farfisa organ riff – played by Elton himself – gives it a distinctively retro feel, and the lyrics reminisce about youthful romance and carefree dancing, fitting the upbeat, almost cartoonish sound of the track.
But, while he doesn’t enjoy performing it, he recognises that it’s a crowd-pleaser: “Who am I to say, ‘I am not going to play it?’ Because I play to amuse people and to entertain people.”
Despite Elton’s personal feelings toward it, ‘Crocodile Rock’ was a massive success. Released as the lead single from his Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player album, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1973. In the UK, however, it didn’t reach the top spot, peaking at number five on the charts.
Bernie Taupin, who wrote the lyrics, has acknowledged in a 2012 Esquire interview that the song was meant to be playful and nostalgic rather than deeply meaningful – influenced by his love of early rock music and the spirit of that era.
Elton also made a blunt vow: After his 2023 retirement from touring, he said he’d never perform ‘Crocodile Rock’ again: “I have to say when the last show is done at the end of the tour I will never, ever sing that song again.”