Crystal (1983) – Elton John

Posted on July 20, 2021 by observationblogger — Leave a comment

This is the 4th song by Elton John to appear in this Music Library Project and the second song to feature from his 1983 record Two Low For Zero which is my favourite John 80’s record. What entails the ‘Music Library Project’?
Crystal begins side 2 of the album in similar vogue to how the title track Too Low For Zero launches the album on side 1 with a heavy synthesizer production. John felt that synths allowed him to write better fast rock songs, having not been entirely happy with such compositions performed on piano. I know this form of sound is awash in 80’s music and retrospectively criticised for it (à la Dylan’s Empire Burlesque record), but I feel John’s songs benefited from the production on this.

We’re caught up in a web, you and I
Since Crystal came between us
The knots of friendship seem to be untied

And it hurts me most to cheat and that’s no lie
She can swing us both forever
In the long run she’s the one who must decide

And if she leaves me handle her with care
Don’t hurt little Crystal
And if she calls you long distance just be there
Oh, Crystal

I have always liked listening to this song. Regarding Bernie Taupin’s lyrics there is something akin to Dylan’s If You See Her Say Hello in the sentiment of the aftermath of a break-up – And if she leaves me handle her with care / Don’t hurt little Crystal / And if she calls you long distance just be there. It’s sad, but its also the expression of a love for the other so reaffirming and unrequited. It’s truly about wanting the best in every sense of the meaning for the other in the aftermath of a break-up. This reminds me of the projection of energy in the Kundalini Yoga Sunshine Song:

‘…to mentally pick out a person that you would like to help or heal. As you see this person; as you feel them; have them at their very best; their healthiest, their happiest’.

Reference:
1. Two Low For Zero – Wikipedia