Simple Life (Elton John song)

"Simple Life" is a song written by English musician Elton John and songwriter Bernie Taupin, released in 1993 as the final single from John's 1992 album, The One. The song was John's thirteenth number one on the 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]

"Simple Life"
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)

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.

  • UK 7-inch single
  1. "Simple Life" (edit)
  2. "The Last Song"
  • US 7-inch and cassette single
  1. "Simple Life" (hot mix) – 4:59
  2. "The North" – 5:14

Charts

Release history
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States 1993
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • cassette
 MCA
United Kingdom 10 May 1993
  • 7-inch vinyl
  • CD
  • cassette
 Rocket [17]

References
  1. Bernardin, Claude; Stanton, Tom (1996). Rocket Man: Elton John From A – Z. Praeger. p. 77. ISBN 0-275-95698-9.
  2. "IS ELTON JOHN NEW KING? 24 YEARS ON POP CHARTS". Desert News. 27 March 1993. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  3. Puterbauch, Parke (1994). "Elton John — Biography (pdf)". Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Retrieved 3 November 2021.
  4. "Simple Life by Elton John Song Statistics | setlist.fm". www.setlist.fm. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  5. "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. 8 May 1993. p. 9. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
  6. Elton John - Simple Life (Official Music Video)
  7. "Top RPM Singles: Issue 1781." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  8. "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 1763." RPM. Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  9. "Elton John – Simple Life" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  10. "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  11. "Elton John Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  12. "Elton John Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  13. "Elton John Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  14. "The RPM Top 100 Hit Tracks of 1993". RPM. 18 December 1993. Retrieved 16 April 2019 – via Library and Archives Canada.
  15. "The RPM Top 100 A\C Tracks of 1993". RPM. 18 December 1993. Retrieved 16 April 2019 – via Library and Archives Canada.
  16. "The Year in Music 1993" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 105, no. 52. 25 December 1993. p. YE-46. Archived (PDF) from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 18 August 2021.
  17. "New Releases: Singles". Music Week. 8 May 1993. p. 27.
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