Elton John In Tears While Working On New Track About Fragility of Life

Elton John’s newest album, Who Believes in Angels?, a collaboration with Brandi Carlile, ends with a heartfelt ballad titled “When This Old World Is Done with Me.” The track was written by Elton’s longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin, and its creation is highlighted in a touching scene from a new behind-the-scenes documentary that premiered alongside the album.

A Song About Mortality and Legacy

In a segment shared on Elton John’s social media, fans get a look into the deeply personal process of bringing the song to life. Sitting at the piano, Elton tells producer Andrew Watt that he’s tired but still wants to work on this track. Brandi Carlile brings him a fresh sheet of lyrics and says, “This is a beautiful lyric.”

Watt adds in a voiceover, “I think this album was really a struggle for everyone, including Bernie. And I think maybe, in a down moment, these words kind of came to him.” Taupin echoes that by saying, “It just fell onto the page.”

As Elton sings the line, “Release me like an ocean wave, return me to the tide,” he breaks down in tears. The emotion is raw, and Carlile and Watt comfort him. Elton reflects, “I just lost it. At my age, you think about mortality and your children. … [The song is] about my death. It’s about saying goodbye.” Taupin adds, “We realize the years are getting shorter, and your time is closing in.”

Honest Laughter in a Vulnerable Moment

Even in such a heavy moment, Elton finds humor. In an interview clip, Watt recalls Elton asking, “Is it too Lion King?” The trio bursts into laughter. Watt jokes, “In his most vulnerable moment, he’s still the funniest motherf—er!” Carlile agrees, “He’s still taking the piss out of himself.”

Recording It Simple and Raw

Watt insisted the track be recorded with just Elton singing and playing piano—no added production. “This is such [an] introspective song. It’s gonna be just you and the piano,” Watt says in studio footage. Though Elton hesitated, he later admitted, “I went in the next day, and, of course, as usual, he was absolutely right.”

Taupin calls the song “a great summation for our career,” and Watt says it’s “one of Bernie’s best lyrics.” Carlile adds, “One of his best ever.”

A Powerful Closing to a Chart-Topping Album

“When This Old World Is Done with Me” ends with a soft instrumental section featuring James King on sax and flute and Ron Blake on trumpet and flugelhorn. It’s a quiet, elegant finale to a deeply emotional album.

Who Believes in Angels? gave Elton his 10th U.K. No. 1 album and entered the Billboard 200 at No. 9—yet another milestone in his legendary career.

Catch this rare moment on Instagram.