John Lennon was killed on December 8, 1980. In 1981, Elton John recorded a tribute song to Lennon that was released in 1982. John had been good friends with Lennon and initially balked at the idea of a tribute song. But he changed his mind upon seeing Bernie Taupin’s lyrics for “Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny).”
I had loved the song since its release. Although I was a little kid when the Beatles broke up, the Beatles had always been a part of my musical life. And in 1980 when I had just started college, Lennon’s death was a memorable marker in my life. I know it is a cliché, but I still remember where I was when I heard the news and who was with me.
The “Garden” is a Real Place
The lyrics to “Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)” incorporate images of a garden left behind by its keeper. Only recently, though, have I understood where Elton John’s and Bernie Taupin’s idea for the garden images originated. Their choice gives the song deeper meaning.
In the 2007 performance below from Madison Square Garden for Elton John’s 60th birthday concert, John explains the reference the “Garden” reference. He notes that the venue is the only place appropriate for the song, and it is the only place where he plays the song.
Upon hearing his comments, one better better understands the reference to an “empty garden.” Elton John and John Lennon had performed together at Madison Square Garden in 1974. It was one of Lennon’s final public performances.
Thus, when John sings about the “empty garden,” he imagines the emptiness of the great New York City performance venue without Lennon. From there, Taupin’s lyrics use the image to describe a living garden.
Since that performance, though, John has has not limited the song’s performance to Madison Square Garden. He has performed the song in many other locations.
The lyrics also make other clever references to Lennon. The chorus question of “can’t you come out to play” refers to Lennon’s song written for the Beatles, “Dear Prudence.” The opening line of that song asks “Dear Prudence, won’t you come out to play?”
“Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)” is far from Elton John’s best-known song. It is not even his most popular tribute song. He is more known for “Candle in the Wind,” his song for Marilyn Monroe that was later altered for Princess Diana. But “Empty Garden” remains one of his most heartfelt songs.
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