About The Song
“Rocket Man” is a song written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, and performed by John. It was released on April 17, 1972, as the lead single to John’s album Honky Château. The lyrics of this iconic song were heavily inspired by a 1950s short story titled “The Rocket Man” by the late American author Ray Bradbury. The song has been performed live by John on numerous occasions, including at London’s Royal Festival Hall in 1972 and at Madison Square Garden in 2000.
The song tells the story of an astronaut who is filled with mixed feelings about leaving his family and friends behind to embark on a mission to space. While in space, the lonely astronaut misses his wife back on Earth so much he can’t wait to get back home. The song has also been covered by other artists, including Kate Bush and William Shatner.