Simple Life (Elton John song)

Last updated

"Simple Life"
Elton SimpleLifeUK92.jpg
UK 7-inch single
Single by Elton John
from the album The One
B-side
Released1993
Length
  • 6:32(album version)
  • 4:57 (single version)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s) Chris Thomas
Elton John singles chronology
"The Last Song"
(1992)
"Simple Life"
(1993)
"True Love"
(1993)
Music video
"Simple Life" on YouTube

"Simple Life" is a song written by English musician Elton John and songwriter Bernie Taupin, released in 1993 by Rocket and MCA as the final single from John's twenty-third studio album, The One (1992). The song was John's thirteenth number one on the US Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, spending three weeks at the number-one spot, and reached number thirty on the Billboard Hot 100. It also peaked at number three on Canada's RPM Top Singles chart and topped the RPM Adult Contemporary chart for three weeks. This song's appearance in the US top 40 set a record, as John had achieved a top-forty hit for 24 consecutive years, breaking the old record of 23 years set by Elvis Presley in 1977. [1] [2] [3]

Contents

John regularly performed "Simple Life" at his concerts from 1992 to 1998. [4] He often paired the song with "The One". [4]

Critical reception

Pan-European magazine Music & Media commented in their review of "Simple Life", "How does he manage it, to come up with a strong song time after time? The "Once Upon A Time"-like wailing harmonica almost cuts out your heart. All proceeds will go to various charities." [5]

Music video

The accompanying music video for "Simple Life" was directed by Australian film director Russell Mulcahy. It features Elton singing from inside a cube in the middle of a stadium, which slowly rotates and shows people dancing around the cube. [6]

Formats and pressings

The single version of "Simple Life" has a faster tempo, more defined drumbeat, more harmonica, less synthesised bass, and over ninety seconds shorter. It also omits the chorus after the second verse.

  1. "Simple Life" (edit)
  2. "The Last Song"
  1. "Simple Life" (hot mix) – 4:59
  2. "The North" – 5:14

Charts

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United States1993
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • cassette
MCA
United Kingdom10 May 1993
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
Rocket [18]

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