I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues

About this song

The song was written by Elton John and Davey Johnstone with lyrics by Bernie Taupin, and was the first single from the album Too Low for Zero. It was the first single since 1975's Someone Saved My Life Tonight to feature the classic lineup of the Elton John Band. It became one of John's biggest hits of the 1980s in the United States, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it reached the top ten in five countries, including the UK. Stevie Wonder played the harmonica solo, and the song was later performed live with Mary J. Blige.

What it's about

The song is a nostalgic, 1950s-style R&B shuffle about lost love and heartache, with a lyric that reflects on the blues. Its music has a sense of nostalgia, which the article links to the lyric's sentiment.

Summary written with AI, based on the song's Wikipedia article. Sources: en.wikipedia.org

Fun facts

• Sampled in 1 other song, like “Before by Smooth B”.
• Covered 6 times, including “I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues by Morgan Kibby (Ft. Butch Walker)”.
• Written by Elton John, Davey Johnstone and Bernie Taupin.
• Produced by Chris Thomas.