Elton John - The King Must Die Lyrics






No man's a jester playing Shakespeare
Round your throne room floor
While the juggler's act is danced upon
The crown that you once wore

And sooner or later
Everybody's kingdom must end
And I'm so afraid your courtiers
Cannot be called best friends

Caesar's had your troubles
Widows had to cry
While mercenaries in cloisters sing
And the king must die

Some men are better staying sailors
Take my word and go
But tell the ostler that his name was
The very first they chose

And if my hands are stained forever
And the altar should refuse me
Would you let me in, would you let me in, would you let me in
Should I cry sanctuary

No man's a jester playing Shakespeare
Round your throne room floor
While the juggler's act is danced upon
The crown that you once wore

The king is dead, the king is dead
The king is dead, the king is dead
Long live the king





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Elton John The King Must Die Comments
  1. j.... ....

    Grande sugestão do Grande Gastaozinho!!!!!😎😎😎😎

  2. N.... W....

    f the left. hope you all go h

  3. N.... W....

    Nancy speaker must die

  4. G.... T....

    Such a shame EJ turned into such a bitch queen !!!

  5. J.... W....

    This is about the coming killing of John Lennon and the end of the musical Kingdom. I was watching Elton performing in Sydney days before Lennon was killed and he was making some strange comments before performing Imagine. It was bizarre. Elton is Godfather to one of Lennons boys.

  6. U.... L....

    How can People give 19 Dislikes on a Masterpiece of Song like this!?!

  7. O.... F....

    Valeu Gastão !

  8. L.... H....

    Monstro👏👏👏👏

  9. V.... M....

    Obrigado Gastão!

  10. T.... F....

    Que som foda!!! SENSACIONAL!!!! CARAAAALHOOOO!!!!! BOM DIMAIS!!!!!!!!

  11. C.... A....

    QUEM VEIO POR CAUSA DO GASTÃO?

    C.... A....

    Grande Gastão

    C.... A....

    Mais um

    C.... A....

    todos nós!

    C.... A....

    Mais uma dentro do Grande Gastaozinho!!!!

  12. P.... D....

    Genius, absolutely!

  13. a.... i....

    Great song!!!!!!i love it

  14. s.... a....

    Not a popular song but I've always loved it!

  15. D.... H....

    No one came close to him in the seventies, he ruled the seventies...

  16. B.... H....

    If I hear this song is underrated one more time, I'm gonna puke!

  17. s.... ....

    This is when he sounded good. I didn't like his work so much after Yellow Brick Road.

  18. M.... K....

    Holy potatoes! Elton/Bernie Taupin saw the future in 1970. :)
    4:40 "Long Live The King!" Immediately The Lion King popped in my mind.

  19. h.... l....

    the 41 dislikers were probably drunken or simply daft

  20. L.... C....

    #Tune ☺☺☺☺☺

  21. C.... T....

    muiiiiiiito bom

  22. D.... K....

    How many great songs can be in one album. Apparently many. Love this song. To me it is a journey through illusion, from us as egos to our Real Self. Yesterday I was listening to Blind Faith's "Presence of the Lord". I feel blessed to have grown up with such music.

  23. f.... ....

    Got the sheet music book for his first four albums (including the "Friends" motion picture soundtrack) in 1974, and went berserk playing every song in the book. Often broke up in tears trying to sing this one (emotion). Very consoling song when you've been dumped.

  24. R.... B....

    Her Husband, Evan, responding. Taupin's greatest poem. And some pretty good piano backup.

  25. R.... R....

    Drums 100% <3

  26. 8.... ....

    Fantastic.
    Love you always Elton John.

  27. D.... C....

    he sings young gifted and black.

  28. H.... T....

    long live Elton

  29. D.... R....

    Superb! - thank you - the original 1970 album version.

  30. c.... ....

    Piss of 6 thumbs down!!

  31. S.... S....

    This man is British right?

    S.... S....

    Yeah, he is.

    S.... S....

    Yeah.I know.Almost always with the fake American accent when he sings.However he was in a band called "Bluesology" before he became famous.This explains why most of the time he sings like an American Blues singer.

    S.... S....

    wow WOW....who gives a crap what his 'dialectic' voice is????? HE IS ONE OF THE BEST ARTISTS AND SONG WRITERS OUT OF ENGLAND...and he still loves ENGLAND....so check yourself .... he also sings with his 'accent' if you have ever seen him in concert.... I did, back in 1969.....in Chicago...he was great GREAT...GREAT....

  32. L.... N....

    I learned to play this it at eleven,
    this one's for you...
    No man's a jester playing Shakespeare
    Round your throne room floor
    While the juggler's act is danced upon
    The crown that you once wore

    And sooner or later
    Everybody's kingdom must end
    And I'm so afraid your courtiers
    Cannot be called best friends

    Caesar's had your troubles
    Widows had to cry
    While mercenaries in cloisters sing
    And the king must die

    Some men are better staying sailors
    Take my word and go
    But tell the ostler that his name was
    The very first they chose

    And if my hands are stained forever
    And the altar should refuse me
    Would you let me in, would you let me in, would you let me in
    Should I cry sanctuary

    No man's a jester playing Shakespeare
    Round your throne room floor
    While the juggler's act is danced upon
    The crown that you once wore

    The king is dead, the king is dead
    The king is dead, the king is dead
    Long live the king

    L.... N....

    Thank you! ..with all the songs we all stuff in our brains, sometimes it's hard to recall all of the lyrics to all of them, all of the time, haha! Smiles

  33. d.... a....

    This  is arguably Paul Buckmaster's finest string arrangement for Elton.

    d.... a....

    +dan avis  Agreed.  And there have been so many to choose from.  His arrangements were brilliant.

    d.... a....

    what about madman across the water surely thats his finest

  34. D.... R....

    I can not hear this song and not think of Elvis Presley. even though this was 7 years before his death, this song could be to Elvis what "Candle In The Wind" was to Marilyn Monroe. Very ominous!

  35. u.... ....

    Bernie wrote (and Elton sang) "...the King is dead.  Long live...the...king."  Townshend wrote (and Daltrey sang) "...long live Rock!  Be it dead or alive!".   And Brian May (of Queen) wrote AND sang "...of course I don't believe you're dead...and gone.  All dead......and gone."  I get shivers......

    u.... ....

    usmcfutball Correction: Elton wrote the music and sang! Bernie wrote the lyrics and Elton the music to all their songs. Do you think that lyrics write their own music? The piano melody, how the drums sound and where guitars come in that’s all Elton.

  36. t.... d....

    "Shag's beer"?

  37. E.... F....

    This is probably his most underrated song. It's genius:)

    E.... F....

    Agreed.

    E.... F....

    This song got me into songwriting - It was so good.

  38. N.... ....

    This is one of the most creative and artistic songs he wrote. It is about the execution of the King of England after the English Civil War.

    If a Christian were to upload this or any of the millions of songs or music videos that are on youtube, they would be hit with a coyright infringement complaint from yuotube. In fact, if someone uploads a Christian's video vewrbatim, violating their copyright, youtube sends endless emsails to them pretending that they do not have the appropriate evidence to take action. Youtube discriminates against Christians in the most horrible way. I have threatened to sue them several times, only to find that they go ahead and comply with my completely legal request after much badgering and complaint.

  39. K.... ....

    I thought Grey Seal was on Yellow Brick Road?

    K.... ....

    +Kjata316 I guess they composed it earlier, and the original version was included in later re-releases of this specific album.

    K.... ....

    +Kapitank89 I see. Thanks for clearing that up!

    K.... ....

    Kjata316 Remix - it was not in the original LP.

  40. T.... S....

    For vinyl enthusiasts, that's how you end an album. There's nothing more sweet than hearing the end to this song, then hearing the hiss from your record player.

    T.... S....

    +THE Sports Station Amen!  Well said...

    T.... S....

    it was the best of times....real artists playing real instruments - Big Koss headphones, cool receiver glowing in the dark...giant speakers...what a rush.

    T.... S....

    like "thank god it's over" am i rite?! fag.

  41. C.... Z....

    M,n huwelijk stuk... ik kan wel wat sad music gebruiken, dank je John.
    Christian.

  42. M.... H....

    I want this playing while I am being taken to the crematory furnace. Then, after I'm in the furnace, and the door is lowered, silence. When the burner kicks in to full pressure,  J.S. Bach's "Komm' Susser Tod" played on the John Wanamaker Organ by Virgil Fox. After something like that, hell seems kinda "small potatoes".

  43. M.... ....

    A great song from a great album!!! Thanks for posting this!!!

    M.... ....

    A favorite for me!

    M.... ....

    A great album indeed; the best for me.

  44. L.... ....

    Brilliant....! Bernie and Elton were just such a fantastic musical duo.... Great music from a great time.

  45. R.... B....

    I never really bothered with Elton John's second album for some reason. I only knew Your Song (still not tired of it). After a good listen to the album in full The King Must Die is the other gem song.

  46. l.... ....

    Many Thanks for your reaction and correction! I have downloaded and listened yesterday to the full version of *Empty Sky*, here on YouTube. I only can say : not one of songs looked familiar...they were all *new* to me! Perhaps, I was a little too young in 1969 when it was released :-) The songs are a bit *rougher* than these on the EJ-1970. This last one is much more orchestral and to me more *rich*...All best of wishes! Ludo

  47. m.... ....

    This album is my favorite too, I remember when my dad brought it home when it first came out in 1970 ( I'm kinda old lol) but I recently learned that it isn't his first one-it's his 2nd! His first is called "Empty Sky - Elton John (1969 Full Album)" and if you type that quoted part the whole album comes up. I haven't ever heard any of the songs on that 1st album, incredibly. Isn't Elton John amazing?! And Timeless... Anyway, congrats on your new king! :) Best wishes, Take care.

  48. l.... ....

    We are having a new King in Belgium today....and I could not forget this amazing song from Elton John. This amazing first album of Elton John is one of my favourite's after all these many years....

  49. J.... ....

    the king must die!
    the king is dead!
    long live...
    the king!

  50. m.... ....

    He's been going back to his roots in albums The Union, and The Diving Board

  51. m.... ....

    Never mind the side projects, in his albums like The Union, and forthcoming The Diving Board, he's been heading back to his roots. A few years ago, Dylan said he and Elton were the only true stars left

  52. m.... ....

    Elton John must be remembered as the Bob Dylan of his time and not the Lady Gaga of the 70s

    m.... ....

    musictomyears8 They said so at the time - “a cross of Bob Dylan and Liberace”.

  53. b.... b....

    wow i can write asong around that mate

  54. M.... S....

    Shakespeare reference -- nice! :)

  55. M.... 1....

    This could the music played over the news slow motion footage of a Prime Minister as he leaves Downing Street after losing a general election; head down, friendless and exhausted after a gruelling campaign only to be humillated by a vengeful electorate.

  56. d.... ....

    This track from a better, vanished time, when getting stoned provoked deep introspection from listening to substantial music with hugely significant, thought provoking lyrics..

  57. d.... s....

    you have to realize this was before he completely sold out to crass commercialism. This was when THE MUSIC was what really mattered. Listen to Talking Old Soldiers and Sixty Years On. A total pox on Pete Townsend and Pinball Wizard. He ruined Elton.

  58. 1.... ....

    Wow Sir Regienald Dwight looks very unremarkable on the cover of this album. How odd... (for him anyway).

  59. D.... R....

    This is why the word 'Wow' was invented for. Thanks to Sir. Elton and future Sir. Bernie. I have to say....Wow.

  60. c.... ....

    I'm with ya.. can't be an old...old...fashioned Viking farewell ; )

  61. d.... ....

    Almost forgot- when the urn comes down- cue the Hollies "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother", then for the golden shower scene cue Burt Bacarach's immortal "Raindrops Keep Fallin' On My Head"...

    This is fun. I LOVE epic funerals. That's why I want a funeral pyre. Considering how fat I am, I'll burn for DAYS!!

  62. d.... ....

    Let's hope this guy's family picks out a nice heavy alabaster urn instead of going cheap
    and opting for something with a "Ziploc" closure...

  63. c.... ....

    Bullseye ! ; )

  64. d.... ....

    Make sure the balloon crew throw the urn and kill the leader of the protest, then urinate on the remaining survivors.

  65. d.... ....

    I want this played when my funeral pyre is lit. Then I want a massive drunken orgy to follow.

    d.... ....

    f4gs go home.

  66. s.... ....

    this song is OBVIOUSLY about the military-industrial complex, and how the "kings" (corporations) must die for freedom be true be free.

  67. M.... ....

    @wpollock1 I've got to agree with you on this one! I don't know what Sir Elton was thinking...

  68. C.... ....

    Elton John is a true genius! It shows in fine tracks such as this.

    Bravo, Sir Reginald Kenneth Dwight!

  69. i.... ....

    @noveltycross1 I'm a huge metal head, and I adore this song. Stuff like this definitely had a huge impact on early metal.

  70. w.... ....

    This is the best song on the album. Consider yourself as the most discriminating Elton fan if you clicked on this one. He went from this to "Island Girl". (that is when I dropped him). OK, maybe it was "Philadelphia Freedom".
    Elton and Bernie are geniuses. I just wish I was at that Troubadour concert in L.A. for the 11-17-70 album....

    w.... ....

    Yep, although I did like blue eyes. If you are truly a discriminating Elton fan you also like Gulliver from Empty Sky.

  71. N.... ....

    Its heavy as hell. Metal is inspired by music like this.

  72. d.... ....

    @jason13204 I think it's Westminster (no extra "i") Abbey. And ... I agree! A national treasure to be sure.

  73. K.... K....

    Always loves a drama does our Elton!

  74. K.... K....

    @Msdistarr With all that music made at what point did he lose you? What album?

  75. t.... ....

    @phillylily412
    me too. yo también.

  76. c.... ....

    @SongWritingBum ..I want them to put me in my canoe and set it on fire as they push me out over Niagara Falls, playing Indian Sunset through my van stereo...barring that, toss my ashes from a hot-air balloon playing Rocket Man while it floats over top of those crazy church bastards that protest at soldiers funerals..

  77. H.... ....

    @elektra1984 you do, you shell of a troll :)

  78. A.... A....

    @SongWritingBum who cares

  79. H.... ....

    i want this song to be played at my funeral. it must be through a record player sitting atop a black marble top table.

  80. P.... ....

    @simpson2221 22/23 not 27

  81. J.... M....

    @etherealunion yes, same here...quite an incredible album. "your song" got all the attention, but although a great song, just one of many including this one

  82. M.... L....

    @simpson2221 Haha, thank you so much ! =D
    Yeah, it was longer, but my mate stopped filming too soon ; D

  83. s.... ....

    @mortenkul no problem man, anyways nice piano playin, i loved the blues piano i just wished it was longer

    s.... ....

    That's what SHE said!!!

  84. M.... L....

    @simpson2221 Aaahh, thank you ! : D

  85. s.... ....

    @mortenkul nop he was 27 = )

  86. M.... L....

    Elton was about 19-20 years old now I think : ) Brilliant ! : DD <3

  87. R.... S....

    The very first album I ever bought when I was a teen. . . this one... LOVE IT! Every song on it.

  88. j.... ....

    elton and bernie never cease to amaze me their diversity is i believe unmatched. the words and music to their songs
    covers such a broad spectrum that you could never get bored with their collaborations. they reign supreme!!!

  89. s.... ....

    this song here by elton is good i like it