The Scaffold (song)

Infobox Song
Name = The Scaffold
Type = Song
Artist = Elton John
Album = Empty Sky


track_no = 7
Released = June 3, 1969 (UK)
January 13, 1975 (USA)
Recorded = DJM Studios, 1969
Genre = Pop, Psychedelic Rock, Alternative
Length = 3:18
Label = DJM Records MCA Records (US/Canada-1975)
Writer = Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Producer = Steve Brown
prev = "Sails"
prev_no = 6
next = "Skyline Pigeon"
next_no = 8

The Scaffold is a song by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It is the seventh track off his first album, "Empty Sky".

Musical structure

It opens with a bluesy minor-key electric piano, before going into a somewhat quiet, relaxed main riff. A rhythm section plays a steady beat, but is more silent compared to other tracks. It changes between major and minor keys, making the music very confusing.

Lyrical meaning

Taupin wrote the song as a tribute to The Scaffold, a group of comedians, musicians and poets from Liverpool. One of the members were Mike McGear, Paul McCartney's baby brother. The song praises them in the chorus, but the verses are very cryptic and mysterious. One might think that the influence could have been Bob Dylan; the first two verses go:

"In Orient where wise I was
"To please the way I live
"Come give the beggar chance at hand
"His life is on his lip

"Three score a thousand times
"Were once in Amazon
"Where Eldorado holds the key
"No keeper holds my hand"

John appeared on some of The Scaffold's album as a musician. Both John and Taupin were big fans.

Performances

Along with the previous song on the album, "Sails", this was also performed on John's first solo radio performance. Since then, it hasn't been played in any format.

Personnel

*Elton John - electric piano, vocals
*Caleb Quaye - guitar
*Tony Murray - bass
*Roger Pope - drums