I became more familiar with this expansive, but vulnerable ballad during its 1991 resurgence, when it was recorded live as a duet between Elton John and George Michael and reached number one in both the UK and the US. It always gave me goosebumps when Michael introduced Elton John and their voices harmonised so naturally. Michael knew exactly how to handle the song in a way few singers ever manage with Elton John’s material. It’s uncanny how this song seems to capture everything I’m feeling in my life right now – and it’s not pretty, let me tell you.
The pair had originally performed the song together for the first time at Live Aid at Wembley Stadium in July 1985. During his headlining appearance at the Glastonbury Festival on 25 June 2023, John dedicated the song to Michael, who died in 2016
The song by British musician Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin was originally recorded by John for his eighth studio album, Caribou (1974), and was released as a single that peaked at number two on the US Billboard, and No. 16 on the UK Singles Chart. The song was actually cowritten by John and Taupin during a10 day a ten-day period in January 1974 along with the other songs for John’s Caribou album. The chorus of the song features backing vocals by Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson and Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys.
Below I’ve included the live duet version by Elton and George, followed by the original studio release.
[Verse 1]
I can’t light no more of your darkness
All my pictures seem to fade to black and white
I’m growin’ tired, and time stands still before me
Frozen here on the ladder of my life
[Verse 2]
Too late to save myself from falling
I took a chance and changed your way of life
But you misread my meanin’ when I met you
Closed the door and left me blinded by the light
[Chorus]
Don’t let the sun go down on me (Don’t let the sun)
Although I search myself, it’s always someone else I see
I’d just allow a fragment of your life (Don’t let the sun) to wander free
But losin’ everything is like the sun goin’ down on me
[Verse 3]
I can’t find, oh, the right romantic line
But see me once and see the way I feel
Don’t discard me just because you think I mean you harm
But these cuts I have, oh, they need love to help them heal
References:
1. Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me – Wikipedia
“The more I live, the more I learn. The more I learn, the more I realize, the less I know.”- Michel Legrand
Observation Blogger 
George adds much to this version
I agree! Love George Michael!
George Michael is a great singer. I love his voice on his song.
Caribou was Elton John’s last good album IMHO. What made “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” great was the Tower Of Power brass section. I wasn’t even into the song ~ I thought that Elton was losing his touch ~ the brass track really made it.
I’m not a fan of George’s music by any stretch, but I agree his voice on this is wonderful.
Elton’s last great album? I think the record ‘Too Low for Zero’ (1983) is a masterpiece and ‘The One’ (1992) his last great record output.
I’ll give them a listen. In 1983, I wasn’t in a Elton John headspace whatsoever. LOL
I understand that. It is obscenely underrated this Elton John record. If you have time – to check out the gems – ‘Too Low for Zero’ (in my top 5 EJ songs no question), Cold as Christmas (in my top 10), ‘I Guess That’s Why They Call This The Blues’ (top 20), ‘Kiss the Bride’ and ‘Crystal’. All classic EJ songs.
An absolutely fantastic duet!!!
A match made in heaven at least on this song. It feels great you are back Sharon. I missed you.
Hi Matt! A phenomenal song! I missed our laughs! Catch you again. 😊
Here with you Sharon.
That’s nice! 😊
So are you