Lady What's Tomorrow

Infobox Song
Name = Lady What's Tomorrow
Type = Song
Artist = Elton John
Album = Empty Sky


track_no = 5
Released = June 3, 1969 (UK)
January 13, 1975 (USA)
Recorded = DJM Studios, 1969
Genre = Rock, Pop
Length = 3:09
Label = DJM Records MCA Records (US/Canada-1975)
Writer = Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Producer = Steve Brown
prev = "Hymn 2000"
prev_no = 4
next = "Sails"
next_no = 6

Lady What's Tomorrow is a song by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It is the fifth and opening track of side two off his first album, "Empty Sky".

Musical structure

Following rather alternative songs, this is a simple pop/rock-song typical of the later John. A sole piano opens the song, which keeps a steady 4/4 beat. This is also John's first collaboration with drummer Nigel Olsson, who takes over Roger Pope's chores on this track. An acoustic guitar with a country-esque feel is also featured.

It is the shortest song on the album.

Lyrical meaning

It is obvious that this was written early on in Taupin's career. It is clear that Taupin's rural and religious upbringing is the main source of the theme of this song. It could almost be seen as a farewell to the country and moving on into adult life and the city, also seen in the later "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road":

"Remember when you were nine
"And I was ten
"We would run into the woods
"No we never will again"

Performances

It was never performed live in concert. It was however performed in John's first solo radio appearance on November 27, 1968. Since then it hasn't been performed in any format.

Personnel

*Elton John - piano, organ, vocals
*Caleb Quaye - guitar
*Tony Murray - bass
*Nigel Olsson - drums (Incorrectly credited as "Nigel Olsen")