I’m not really a fan of Elton John’s music but I was reading lyrics about long distance relationships and this one came up. The guy in my life is a little more positive than I am about the distance and it reminded me of things he’s said to me. Now that I can relate to this song, I have a new found respect for it.
I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues was released as a single in April of 1983 from Elton’s 17th studio album, Too Low for Zero. He wrote the music and the lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin and Davey Johnstone. It also features Stevie Wonder on harmonica.
The single charted at #4 on Billboard’s Hot 100, #5 in the UK and #1 on Canada’s Adult Contemporary.
Taupin wrote the lyrics about his wife at the time, Toni Russo, sister of actress Renee Russo. In the album credits, he wrote “Hey Toni, this one’s for you.”
