Rocket Man (I Think It's Going To Be A Long, Long Time)

About this song

The song follows Elton John's earlier hit "Space Oddity" and was produced by the same producer. Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics, inspired by the Ray Bradbury story "The Rocket Man" from The Illustrated Man.

What it's about

The song tells the story of an astronaut for whom space exploration is just a daily job. Some listeners also read it as an extended metaphor comparing fame to space travel.

Fun facts

• Sampled in 6 other songs.
• Covered 28 times, including “Rocket Man by Sara James”.
• Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
• Produced by Gus Dudgeon.
• Recorded at Château d’Hérouville.