"Sartorial Eloquence" | ||||
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Single by Elton John | ||||
from the album 21 at 33 | ||||
B-side |
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Released | 5 August 1980 | |||
Recorded | August 1979 | |||
Genre | Pop rock | |||
Length | 4:44 | |||
Label | Rocket | |||
Songwriter(s) | Elton John, Tom Robinson | |||
Producer(s) | Elton John, Clive Franks | |||
Elton John singles chronology | ||||
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"Sartorial Eloquence" is a song by English musician Elton John with lyrics written by Tom Robinson. It is the third track of his 1980 studio album, 21 at 33 . In the UK, it was issued as "Sartorial Eloquence", and in the US as "Don't Ya Wanna Play This Game No More?". [1] It reached No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 [2] and No. 45 Adult Contemporary, [3] falling just short of the Top 40 in the UK (#44), and making lesser showings in Canada (#57) and Australia (#91).
According to Elizabeth Rosenthal in her book, His Songs: The Musical Journey of Elton John, the song evokes the disappointment of a man left behind which grows in volume and despondency. [4]
Billboard said the song was highlighted with "a melodic hook" and "steady beat". They also said that Tom Robinson's lyrics on this song should get attention. [1] Record World called it a "vintage John ballad." [5]
Like another of John's songs, "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting", the single had two b-sides, "White Man Danger" and "Cartier" – a 54-second long commercial-like anthem about expensive jewelry.
"Cartier" later appeared on John's 1990 box set, To Be Continued , in addition to the 2020 box set Jewel Box , which also contained "White Man Danger".
Chart (1980) | Peak position |
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Australia (Kent Music Report) [6] | 91 |
Canada Top Singles ( RPM ) [7] | 57 |
UK Singles (OCC) [8] | 44 |
US Billboard Hot 100 [9] | 39 |
US Adult Contemporary ( Billboard ) [10] | 45 |