The Ballad of Blind Tom
The Ballad of Blind Tom

Elton John - The Ballad of Blind Tom Lyrics

If ever there was a tune that danced between genius and oddity, this would be it. This ballad spins the tale of a musical prodigy, Blind Tom, whose extraordinary talent on the piano dazzles the high and mighty but doesn't shield him from the cruelty of… Read more

Pop
Sep 16, 2013
277
The Ballad of Blind Tom Music Video

The Ballad of Blind Tom Lyrics

Say that boy's a wonderment
No! The kid's a freak
But that kid he don't care none
His black hands resting on the keys
Hoppin' like a big old frog
And hissin' like a train
Entertaining royalty
All points east, west and in-between

General he's a fine old man
Treat him like his own
Boy wouldn't know from money
Just throw old Blind Tom a bone
From the times of King Cotton
May we present to you
All you Jim Crow monkeys
From Harlan County down to Tuscaloo

Play me anything you like
I'll pay it back to you
Be careful what you call me though
Some things cut clear on through
I may be an idiot
I may be a savant
I didn't choose this life for me
But it's something that I want

Cocks that old big head aside
Grunts a word or two
Keeps 'em guessin' every night
Is he really gonna make it through
Faint hearts with their fans out
Starched collars and cigars
He weren't no use for slavin'
I wouldn't want him in my yard

Play me anything you like
I'll pay it back to you
Be careful what you call me though
Some things cut clear on through
I may be an idiot
I may be a savant
I didn't choose this life for me
But it's something that I want

Play me anything you like
I'll pay it back to you
Be careful what you call me though
Some things cut clear on through
I may be an idiot
I may be a savant
I didn't choose this life for me
But it's something that I want

Writer(s): BERNIE TAUPIN, ELTON JOHN
Copyright(s): Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

Attach an image to this thought

Drag image here or click to upload image

What is the Meaning of The Ballad of Blind Tom?

If ever there was a tune that danced between genius and oddity, this would be it. This ballad spins the tale of a musical prodigy, Blind Tom, whose extraordinary talent on the piano dazzles the high and mighty but doesn't shield him from the cruelty of societal labels. Juxtaposing "idiot" and "savant," Elton John highlights the thin line between brilliance and eccentricity. With a backdrop of historical references, from King Cotton to Jim Crow, the song is a jazzed-up critique of how society judges and pigeonholes those who don't fit the mold. It's a toe-tapping reminder that sometimes the most remarkable lives are the ones least chosen, yet most passionately lived. So, next time you see a peculiar genius, maybe just throw 'em a bone—or at least a standing ovation.

End of content

That's all we got for #

Latest Blog Posts
Lyrics Discussions
by Steffany Gretzinger ft. Bobby Strand

1

174
Hot Songs

5

2K
Recent Blog Posts