Hymn 2000

Infobox Song
Name = Hymn 2000
Type = Song
Artist = Elton John
Album = Empty Sky


track_no = 4
Released = June 3, 1969 (UK)
January 13, 1975 (USA)
Recorded = DJM Studios, 1969
Genre = Folk, Pop, Alternative
Length = 4:29
Label = DJM Records MCA Records (US/Canada-1975)
Writer = Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Producer = Steve Brown
prev = "Western Ford Gateway"
prev_no = 3
next = "Lady What's Tomorrow"
next_no = 5

Hymn 2000 is a song by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It is the fourth and closing track of side one on his first album, "Empty Sky".

Musical structure

The song opens with something as unusual as a flute-riff accompagnied by piano chords. An acoustic guitar is also present. The song has no drums at all, instead a tambourine is carrying the rhythm. The song is very alternative for the Elton John that got famous. The flute played lasts throughout the song, giving it a folk-essence. The lyric is very obscure and whimsical. The title has nothing to do with the lyrics, but Elton's melodical approach could easily be a hymn, something he did with many other early compositions.

Lyrical meaning

One of John/Taupin's biggest inspirations was Bob Dylan. It is clear that he has been the biggest influence on this particular tune, since the vocal is sung in a style that easily could remind of his earlier folk-days. The lyric seems to be inspired by his later years, with nonsencial settings, such as the opening line: "She chose the soft centre and took it to bed with her mother". Similar settings run throughout the song. The chorus then goes:

"And I don't want to be
"The son of any freak
"Who for a chocolate centre
"Can take you off the street

"For soon they'll plough the desert
"And God knows where I'll be
"Collecting submarine numbers
"On the main street of the sea"

It has never been performed live in any form.

Personnel

*Elton John - piano, organ, vocals
*Caleb Quaye - guitar
*Tony Murray - bass
*Roger Pope - tambourine
*Don Fay - flute
*Clive Franks - whistling