Come Down in Time
Encyclopedia
"Come Down in Time" is the second track on Elton John
's third album, Tumbleweed Connection
, released in 1970. The lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin
, Elton's long time writing partner. The song was originally recorded for John's second album, Elton John
. The song was played alongside the Sydney Orchestra in a 1986 live performance.
on his 1971 album, New York City (You're a Woman)
, then later covered by Sting on the 1991 album Two Rooms: Celebrating the Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin
. Norwegian jazz singer Radka Toneff
also recorded the song for her 1982 album Fairy Tales, which features herself with Steve Dobrogosz
on piano.
The song maintains a steady, even tempo throughout, containing little of John's signature crescendos. The song itself outlines the conversation between a man and his lover, she urging him to come with her and he doubting whether or not her request is truly genuine. John has recently added this track back on his live sets sporadically, though only rarely, since he has begun targeting a wider audience through a focus on his greatest hits.
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
's third album, Tumbleweed Connection
Tumbleweed Connection
Tumbleweed Connection is the third album by English international recording artist Elton John. It is a concept album based on the Country and Western/Americana themes. All songs are written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John with the exception of "Love Song" by Lesley Duncan. It was recorded at...
, released in 1970. The lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin
Bernie Taupin
Bernard John "Bernie" Taupin is an English lyricist, poet, and singer, best known for his long-term collaboration with Elton John, writing the lyrics for the majority of the star's songs, making his lyrics some of the best known in pop-rock's history.In 1967, Taupin answered an advertisement in...
, Elton's long time writing partner. The song was originally recorded for John's second album, Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
. The song was played alongside the Sydney Orchestra in a 1986 live performance.
Covers
The song was covered by Al KooperAl Kooper
Al Kooper is an American songwriter, record producer and musician, known for organizing Blood, Sweat & Tears , providing studio support for Bob Dylan when he went electric in 1965, and also bringing together guitarists Mike Bloomfield and Stephen Stills to...
on his 1971 album, New York City (You're a Woman)
New York City (You're a Woman)
New York City is the fourth album by singer-songwriter Al Kooper for Columbia Records, recorded and released in 1971.Recorded with two separate groups, one in Los Angeles, California and the other in London, England and inspired by the likes of Elton John , The Beatles and...
, then later covered by Sting on the 1991 album Two Rooms: Celebrating the Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin
Two Rooms: Celebrating the Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin
Two Rooms: Celebrating the Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin is a 1991 tribute album consisting of interpretations of sixteen songs written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The title refers to the song on Elton John's album 21 at 33, "Two Rooms at the End of the World", to the duo's unusual...
. Norwegian jazz singer Radka Toneff
Radka Toneff
Ellen Radka Toneff was a Norwegian jazz singer. She is still considered one of Norway's most outstanding jazz singers....
also recorded the song for her 1982 album Fairy Tales, which features herself with Steve Dobrogosz
Steve Dobrogosz
Steve Dobrogosz is an American pianist and composer.Dobrogosz was born in 1956 and grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina and attended Jesse O. Sanderson High School. He studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, and afterwards moved to Stockholm, Sweden in 1978, where he began...
on piano.
Meaning and melody
Though originally using harp as the primary instrumental accompaniment, John in his later sets primarily replaced it with the piano. Though rarely played live, it was a part of John's set in 1970, 1971, 1989, 1995, and subsequent solo tours.The song maintains a steady, even tempo throughout, containing little of John's signature crescendos. The song itself outlines the conversation between a man and his lover, she urging him to come with her and he doubting whether or not her request is truly genuine. John has recently added this track back on his live sets sporadically, though only rarely, since he has begun targeting a wider audience through a focus on his greatest hits.