3 Classic Rock Hits Songs You Didn’t Know Elton John Wrote

Magic happens whenever Elton John sits down at the piano. Since the 1970s, he has captivated audiences with his iconic performances, striking costumes, and daring spectacles. Elton, however, is more than just a showman; he is a gifted songwriter who has made others shine.

Let’s examine three of Sir Elton’s compositions that were successful for other musicians. These songs demonstrate his extraordinary talent behind the scenes, demonstrating that his musical brilliance extends well beyond his own well-known performances. These are three timeless songs that Elton John wrote but did not perform.

“Snookeroo”: Ringo Starr’s Fun and Rebellious Hit
One of the best songs from Ringo Starr’s 1974 album Goodnight Vienna is “Snookeroo,” which was co-written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The story of a rebellious northerner who exchanges his parents’ expectations for a fun-filled, free existence is told in this lively, piano-driven song.

The song, which included Robbie Robertson on guitar, John on piano, and Starr on drums and vocals, peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Snookeroo,” with its lively playfulness and approachable lyrics, encapsulates the allure of Ringo’s musical journey after the Beatles. As the song goes,

I was born in the north of England
I was raised in a working town
I broke all the rules when I went to school
But the teachers couldn’t pin me down
I tried to make my parents proud
By adapting to the social powers
Oh, pigs will fly and the earth will fry
When they get me doing honest hours

“My Strongest Suit”: Spice Girls’ Bold Take on Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida
The Spice Girls perform the upbeat, percussion-driven song “My Strongest Suit,” which is taken from Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida concept album. The song is incredibly catchy and full of attitude, and it was featured on the 1999 album that served as the inspiration for the Broadway musical in 2000.

Among the many well-known performers of the era on the Aida soundtrack, the Spice Girls lent their distinctive appeal to this song. Their energetic singing, which combined pop star intensity with dramatic flare, made this Elton and Rice collaboration a memorable occasion. As the gals sing,

Overwear, underwear, anytime, anywhere
Overwear, underwear, anytime, anywhere, ooh

Now I believe in looking
Like my time on earth is cooking
With a polka-dotted stripe or even checked

With some glamour guaranteeing
Every fiber of my being
Is displayed to quite remarkable effect

“Sweetheart on Parade”: Judy Collins’ Melancholy Masterpiece
Elton John is a multi-decade songwriting genius who has written successes in many genres and eras. The memorable song “Sweetheart on Parade,” co-written with Gary Osborne, is included on Judy Collins’ 1984 album Home Again.

The song explores themes of regret and loneliness, capturing the bittersweet truth of entertainers who shine in the spotlight but are left alone after their performance. Collins’ expressive voice enlivens lyrics that strike a deep chord by capturing the poignancy of these occasions. It serves as a poignant reminder of the frailty concealed beneath the glamor and sparkle. As the lyrics go,

Everybody loves to love
The local girl made good
Surely I’d find peace of mind
If anybody could

Still at times I find myself
Wishing they were right
If everybody loves me
Where are they tonight?