LEVON

"'Levon'" is a popular 1971 song, recorded by Elton John with music written by him and lyrics written by Bernie Taupin. It is from John's sixth album, ''Madman Across The Water''. It is written in the key of F, and was recorded on February 27, 1971^[1].

Contents

History

Interpretation

Critical reception

Chart standings

Notable covers and performances

In popular culture

References

History

The titular character's name derives from The Band drummer Levon Helm.^[2] The track's power derives from John's solid vocals and his piano-based melody married to Paul Buckmaster's dynamic string arrangement, as well as powerful drumming by Barry Morgan.

Interpretation

The song describes a family living with mental illness. The opening line is the first clue to Taupin's riddle. "Levon wears his war wound like a crown" refers to being used as a "pawn" in warfare, and receiving a head injury. His son, irreverently named "Jesus" who was born on Christmas Day, is growing apart from his father, who seems to fixate on religious and status symbols. The song's refrain, "He shall be Levon", contains a subtle pun which John's phrasing alternately obscures and punctuates: "He shall believe on." ^[3]

Critical reception

Chart standings

Notable covers and performances

"Levon" has since been covered by several artists, including Bon Jovi and Billy Klippert. It was also taken on by Taylor Hicks in the first week of the semifinal of the fifth season of ''American Idol'', one of the most praised performances of that season. Hicks sang it again on the final day of the competition.
Between 1997 and 1999, the Florida Marlins baseball team would play the song over the public address system just before pitcher Livan Hernandez would take the mound in the top of the first inning ("Livan" pronounced correctly in Spanish sounds the same as "Levon" pronounced in English).

In popular culture

The song also mentions about The New York Times headlining with the phrase ''God is dead'' which was first started by Friedrich Nietzsche.
On the USA Network show "Psych," Shawn Spencer used the name "Levon Tostig" as an alias when investigating an nanny agency.

References

1. ''Madman'' liner notes
2. Levon on StraightDope.com
3. YahooGroups message