Taupin Explained

Taupin (released eponymously in the U.S.) is the debut studio album by longtime Elton John lyricist Bernie Taupin. It is a spoken word album of his poetry with music that revolves around the theme. The album was produced by Gus Dudgeon and coordinated by Steve Brown.

Track listing

All songs written by Bernie Taupin, Caleb Quaye, and Davey Johnstone, except where noted.

Side one

1. "Child"
   • "Birth"
   • "The Greatest Discovery" (Elton John, Taupin)
   • "Flatters (a beginning)"
   • "Brothers Together"
   • "Rowston Manor"
   • "End of a Day"
   • "To a Grandfather" (Taupin, Quaye, Johnstone, Shawn Phillips)
   • "Solitude"
   • "Conclusion"

Side two

1. "When the Heron Wakes"
2. "Like Summer Tempests"
3. "Today's Hero" (Taupin, Quaye, Johnstone, Phillips)
4. "Sisters of the Cross" (Taupin, Richard Coff, Diana Lewis)
5. "Brothers Together Again"
6. "Verses After Dark"
   • "La Petite Marionette" (Taupin, Coff)
   • "Ratcatcher" (Taupin, Phillips)
   • "The Visitor" (Taupin, Phillips)

Personnel

• Bernie Taupin - spoken word
• Ron Chesterman - double bass
• Richard Coff - violin, viola
• Diana Lewis - piano
• Shawn Phillips - sitar, electric guitar, 6- and 12-string acoustic guitars, koto, spoken word
• Caleb Quaye - piano, organ, acoustic guitar
• Davey Johnstone - sitar, acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, lute
• Chris Karan - tabla, finger cymbals

References

1. Taupin at Allmusic