Before we even get into the song part of it, let me just say, I am totally in love with the title of this song. It’s great. Okay, but moving on.

This is a great, sort of funky number off of the Album “Rock of the Westies” It’s not what you really expect from Elton John. It’s got a lot of Wah Wah guitar, synthesizers and the use of Peter Frampton-esc talk box.

It’s just a really good, solid song. I’m not sure that there is a lot of in depth analyzation that we can do on it. But I can tell you, one of the best parts about this song, is Elton’s exclamation of “Holy Cow!” in the first verse.

The actual lyrics are inspired by a comic book character from the 1950′s, Dan Dare. This song it’s self is Elton John lamenting about how he didn’t join Dan Dare on his flight.

So long captain Dan
I fail to see what motivates your hands
Goodbye restless night
You know I loved Dan Dare, but I couldn’t make his flight
So long, so long

There are truly few people that can make comic book songs, and not have them sound silly. Others to consider are Paul McCartney’s Magnetio and Titanium Man, and Queen’s Flash, if you are interested. I think I’ve said all there is to be said here.

-James out