I Need You to Turn To

Infobox Song
Name = I Need You to Turn To
Type = Song
Artist = Elton John
Album = Elton John


track_no = 2
Released = April 10, 1970 (UK)
July 22, 1970 (USA)
Recorded = January 1970
Genre = Ballad, Baroque, Waltz
Length = 2:33
Label = DJM (UK/world)
Uni (US/Canada)
Writer = Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Producer = Gus Dudgeon
prev = "Your Song"
prev_no = 1
next = "Take Me to the Pilot"
next_no = 3

I Need You to Turn To is a song by Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It is the second track off his 1970 album, "Elton John".

Musical structure

Following "Your Song", it differs very much. It is played on harpsichord instead of a regular piano, something that John used plenty on his very first album, "Empty Sky". After the first verse, a guitar plays with the main riff, and then a string section is featured. It is recorded at a high volume, some might call it a classical piece of music. It is also one of John's shortest songs, only two and a half minutes long.

Lyrical meaning

Long-time fans find this one of Taupin's most touching and direct lyrics, compared to other, more cryptic works at the time. It is a simple love song about a man who runs away from his home to pledge his love to a woman whom he has adored for some time. She is the one who keeps him sane.

Though not usual at the time of writing, this song could be either about a man or a woman, something John's more recent songs keeps as a standard. It was written in 1969.

Performances

It was a live staple from 1970-1972. During his mainstream success with "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" the song was taken out, but occasionally performed when in Britain or when he wanted to change the set for a short time. After that, it was mainly performed in his solo shows, with or without Ray Cooper. Today, it is still a staple in his solo shows. A performance from March 6, 2008, is available on his website.

It was also played and recorded for his 1987 live-album. Though it didn't appear on the official release, it was also played on his 1970 radio performance.

According to the booklet of the 2008 deluxe edition of the album, the music was recorded live with the orchestra in one take.

Personnel

*Elton John - harpsichord, vocals
*Roland Harker - guitar
*Skaila Kanga - harp
*Paul Buckmaster - orchestral arrangement