If you were around in 1983, you couldn’t escape it. That warm, rolling piano intro. The soulful harmonica. Elton John was back. After a string of albums in the late 70s and early 80s that—honestly—didn't quite hit the mark, I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues signaled a massive return to form. It wasn't just a hit; it was a revival.
But why does this song still feel so permanent? Most people know the chorus by heart, yet the actual history of how it came together is way more interesting than just another "studio session." It involves a long-distance love letter, a legendary harmonica cameo, and a band reunion that saved Elton's career.
Elton John Why They Call It the Blues: A Love Letter from Montserrat
The lyrics weren't written by Elton. Obviously.
Bernie Taupin, Elton’s long-time lyrical architect, wrote them. At the time, Bernie was in a long-distance relationship with his wife, Toni Russo (sister of actress Rene Russo). He was stuck at AIR Studios on the island of Montserrat, working on the Too Low for Zero album. He was homesick. He was pining. Basically, the song is a literal letter home.
When you hear the line "Wait on me girl, cry in the night if it helps," that isn't just poetic fluff. It was a real-time instruction to his wife. Taupin later admitted he sort of regrets the line "loving you more than life itself," calling it a bit cliché. But hey, it worked. The song captures that specific, universal ache of being apart from someone you love.
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That Stevie Wonder Harmonica Solo
You know that solo. It’s arguably the most famous harmonica part in pop history.
Elton didn't just want anyone. He wanted the best. Stevie Wonder stepped into the booth and delivered a performance that sounds like a human voice crying. It’s soulful. It’s slightly nostalgic. It gives the track a "1950s R&B shuffle" feel that separated it from the synth-heavy, robotic pop of 1983.
Interestingly, while the song sounds effortless, it was a collaborative effort. Guitarist Davey Johnstone actually co-wrote the music with Elton. This was a big deal. It marked the first time in years that the "classic" Elton John Band—Johnstone, Dee Murray on bass, and Nigel Olsson on drums—were all back in the room together.
The Meaning Behind the Lyrics
People often misinterpret the music video for the actual meaning of the song. The video, directed by Russell Mulcahy, shows a 1950s soldier being separated from his girlfriend. It’s dramatic and a little sad.
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However, the lyrics are actually more optimistic than the title suggests.
The core message? Don’t wish time away.
Bernie was telling Toni (and us) that even though being apart sucks, you shouldn't just "wallow."
- "Time on my hands could be time spent with you."
- "Live for each second without hesitation."
- "Things can only get better."
It’s a song about resilience. It’s about the "blues" being a temporary state, not a permanent residence.
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Why It Saved Elton's Career
By 1982, the music industry was moving on. New Wave was king. MTV was changing the rules. Elton John was starting to look like a "legacy act" before he was even 40.
Too Low for Zero changed that narrative. I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues was the lead single, and it exploded. It hit #4 in the US and #5 in the UK. It proved that Elton didn't need to wear a chicken suit or hide behind gimmicks to stay relevant. He just needed a great melody and Bernie’s heart.
The song has stayed in Elton's setlist for decades. Why? Because it’s "human quality" music. It doesn't rely on the production trends of 1983. If you played it on an acoustic guitar today, it would still work.
How to Listen Like an Expert
Next time you put this track on, don’t just hum along. Listen for these specific things:
- The Bass Line: Dee Murray’s playing is incredibly melodic. He isn't just holding down the beat; he’s playing a counter-melody.
- The Background Vocals: That "thick" vocal sound in the chorus is the classic band lineup doing their thing. It’s a sound they perfected in the 70s.
- The Piano "Rolls": Elton uses a gospel-influenced style here. It’s less "Rocket Man" and more "Ray Charles."
Actionable Insights for Music Lovers
If you're a fan of this era of Elton John, don't stop at the hits. To truly understand the "blues" of this period, you should:
- Listen to the full album Too Low for Zero: It’s arguably his best 80s record. Check out "Cold as Christmas" for another deep-cut ballad.
- Watch the 1984 "Nighttime and Day" concert film: You can see the original band performing this song at their peak.
- Compare it to "I'm Still Standing": Both songs were on the same album. One is a defiant shout, the other is a lonely whisper. They are two sides of the same coin.
Elton John proved that the "blues" aren't just about being sad. They're about being human enough to miss someone. And honestly, we’ve all been there.