Shine on Through

"Shine on Through"
Song

Shine on Through is a song by Elton John with lyrics written by Gary Osborne. The song appears as the opening track on his 1978 album, "A Single Man". It was also John's first album without his long-time collaborator, Bernie Taupin.

Musical structure

The song is reminiscent of his earlier works, with a sole piano and a string section being the only instruments the first half of the song. As many other of his songs it's built up around a gospel structure, sung and written like a hymn. After the first couple of verses, bass, guitars and drums create a slow 2/4 beat that holds in the background with occasional breaks. That arrangement is similar to that of his most famous hit, "Your Song". In fact, both songs are in the key of E flat.

Lyrical meaning

The lyrics tell a story of a man who's in love; a typical love song. Throughout the song, their relationship is ending. He has "cursed the stars above that lead my heart to you".

Performances

This song was originally composed the year before, in the fall of 1977. At that time, John was at a different project; recording what became "The Thom Bell Sessions" that went released as a 3-track EP. This version was double the length of this one, clocking at 7:45. It went unreleased until the CD-release of "The Complete Thom Bell Sessions" in 1989. It was a stable in his live sets from 1977 to 1979, and most prominent of his solo shows in 1978-79. Since then, it hasn't gained further notice.