Elton John

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Sacrifice album cover

Sacrifice

Elton John

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
It's a human sign
When things go wrong
When the scent of her lingers
And temptation's strong
Into the boundary
Of each married man
Sweet deceit comes callin'
And negativity lands

[Pre-Chorus]
Cold, cold heart
Hardened by you
Some things lookin' better, baby
Just passin' through

[Chorus]
And it's no sacrifice
Just a simple word
It's two hearts livin'
In two separate worlds
But it's no sacrifice
No sacrifice
It's no sacrifice at all

[Verse 2]
Mutual misunderstandin'
After the fact
Sensitivity builds a prison
In the final act
We lose direction
No stone unturned
No tears to damn you
When jealousy burns
[Pre-Chorus]
Cold, cold heart
Hardened by you
Some things lookin' better, baby
Just passin' through

[Chorus]
And it's no sacrifice
Just a simple word
It's two hearts livin'
In two separate worlds
But it's no sacrifice
No sacrifice
It's no sacrifice at all

[Pre-Chorus]
Cold, cold heart
Hardened by you
Some things lookin' better, baby
Just passin' through

[Chorus]
And it's no sacrifice
Just a simple word
It's two hearts livin'
In two separate worlds
But it's no sacrifice
No sacrifice
It's no sacrifice at all
[Outro]
No sacrifice at all
No sacrifice at all
No sacrifice at all
No sacrifice at all

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Elton John is a legendary musician with decades of hit music to his name. One of his most iconic songs is "Sacrifice," which was released in 1990 on his album "Sleeping with the Past." This song remains one of John's most popular and beloved tracks, and it's easy to see why. With poignant lyrics and a memorable melody, "Sacrifice" is a true classic of the music industry that has stood the test of time.

About Sacrifice

"Sacrifice" was released as a double-A side single along with "Healing Hands," both of which were taken from the "Sleeping with the Past" album. It was a hugely successful song that topped the UK charts in June 1990, becoming the second Elton John single to do so. Interestingly, it took almost 22 years since he first released music to reach that milestone. In the United States, "Sacrifice" was not released as a single at first but became popular through radio airplay and eventually peaked at number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song is a slow ballad with a melancholy feel that is both beautiful and heart-wrenching. Elton John's vocals are backed by a simple arrangement of piano, guitar, and strings, allowing the power of the lyrics to shine through. The themes of the song deal with the sacrifices that must be made in relationships and the pain that can come from those sacrifices.

John's songwriting in "Sacrifice" is truly impressive. The lyrics are heartfelt and emotional, vividly illustrating the feelings of loss, sacrifice, and yearning that accompany relationships. Lines like "It’s a sad, sad situation and it’s getting more and more absurd" and "You can't go on pretending nothing's wrong" convey the sense of heartbreak and desperation that can come with losing love, making the listener truly feel the emotional weight of the song.

Elton John's performance of the song is equally impressive. His vocals are filled with raw emotion, adding to the intensity of the lyrics. His delivery is filled with passion, and the restrained instrumentation behind him only emphasizes his powerful voice. The piano solo towards the end of the song shows off John's incredible skill on the instrument and adds an extra layer of musicality to the track.

Overall, "Sacrifice" is a song that truly stands the test of time. Its timeless lyrics and simple yet powerful melody make it a classic ballad that is beloved by fans of all ages. Elton John's legendary career is filled with many incredible hits, but "Sacrifice" remains one of his most impressive and emotionally resonant songs.

The Bottom Line

Elton John's "Sacrifice" is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. It's a beautifully written ballad that deals with themes such as sacrifice, loss, and heartbreak in relationships. The simple yet powerful melody is matched by the raw emotion in John's vocal performance, making for a song that truly resonates with listeners. Whether you're a longtime Elton John fan or just discovering his music for the first time, "Sacrifice" is a must-listen track that should be on every music lover's playlist.

  • Release Date: August 29, 1989
  • Artist: Elton John