Levon

by

Elton John

Album: Madman Across The Water     Released: 1971

US Chart: 24     

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In Susan Black's book Elton John in His Own Words, Elton says of "Levon": "It"s about a guy who just gets bored doing the same thing. It's just somebody who gets bored with blowing up balloons and he just wants to get away from it but he can't because it's the family ritual." (thanks, Alexander - London, England)

The name "Levon" came from Levon Helm, the drummer and one of the lead singers of The Band. Elton and his lyricist, Bernie Taupin, were big fans of The Band.

This is a great example of Taupin's complex, often obscure writing style. He and John made a great team because Elton could interpret his lyrics very well, giving life to the characters in the songs.

Since this runs 5:37, Elton's record company wanted to cut this down for the single so that more US radio stations would play it. Elton refused, insisting it be released full-length.

The actual New York Times page 1 headline that included the phrase "God Is Dead" is dated March 24, 1968. The phrase also appeared in a major (page 3) article on January 7, 1970. Smaller pieces dated January and April 1966 that feature the phrase in their headings can also be found. None were on Christmas Day, but the January ones are close! (thanks, Tony - Westbury, NY)

The cover art for the album was hand-embroidered on a Levi's jacket. On the back, the track listing was hand-stitched. This kind of artwork has become scarce in the age of digital design.

Jon Bon Jovi covered this for the tribute album Two Rooms. Elton played piano on some of Bon Jovi's recordings. (thanks, Brett - Edmonton, Canada)

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Comments:

The Levon name is a variation of Levin; general usage, not a specific person. The Levi jeans cover art stresses it. The 'war wound like a crown' is the holocaust. 'Take heart, don't be depressed, will wear a crown.' His child is Jesus, since He is son of Levin. But he hates the name. (Levin's family always refers to Him as the 'baby Jesus', keeping him that way in their minds.) Levon likes his money. He's successful, crownish. The motorway is what his money drives, more pride. "Born a pauper to a pawn on a Christmas day" describes what the birth of Jesus (not the crucifixion) eventually did to the Levin's people (birthed them as paupers to a pawn, w/Jesus as the pawn, what they want their balloons to turn Him into). "NYT said God is dead" makes the crucifixion as a statement of fact, as if deserved. Tostig refers to Toffler, for its "Future Shock" effect. "The war's begun", so Jerusalem was destroyed, Jews scattered after crucifixion. (But now another war is current, as they fight back against the Pawn.) "He shall be Levon, a good man, tradition with family place" repeat ad infinitum is a declaration of continued Levin-worth existence, and it is not a curse--or to reverse it. The cartoon balloons refer to family control of media and power, that the family itself can be intertained by, not take seriously. "Family business thrives" means it is a source of life, not feces as some might say of the media. The want for Venus is want for heterosexual sex, but also Star Trekkian infatuated. Lots of those shows on TV. The world is not enough for that pride. "Levon slowly dies" is the hate of Venus, as we also see in the media. It is misogyny or Levon's slow death, and a slow death of their current war. It is highly doubtful Elton and Bernie wrote this. Seriously.
- Bryan , Harlingen, TX

A change to my post below, concerning Venus: Venus may not be as sexual as noted. "And Jesus, he wants to go to Venus." Venus is a hot planet, and no one wants to go there. (Later, in Rocket Man, Mars will be described as "cold as hell.") The lyricists do not want Jesus (His family) to even want to go to space. It's a distraction from what they_want_us_to_want. "Take a balloon and go sailing" is to fantasize over something meaningless. 'A' balloon is not one of their balloons. What does the press (sellers of cartoon balloons) want us to want? A president Obama, for instance; even decades ago. This is critical to them, otherwise Levon (Levin) would slowly die. >>The relation of Venus to Elton John's sexuality is rather obvious, so used as a distraction from Levin's family as blame.
- Bryan , Harlingen, TX

Okay. Now you guys have got me going. Here's my interpretation of the song! I'm no religious fanatic, but there are too many refs to Christianity to suggest that they are meaningless. The name LEVON comes from LEVON HELM of THE BAND--but from here, I think TAUPIN took a Biblical tack. He was born on a Christmas Day when the NY TIMES said 'God is Dead', etc. In short, I believe that since the subjects alluded to (including ALVIN TOSTIG--which I say is TAUPIN'S misprision of ALVIN TOFFLER) are too recent to mark the birth of even an adolescent child, that it is essentially prophetic. TAUPIN is saying that despite the media controversy, CHRIST is on his way--but he'll be a real person, with dreams and frustrations.
- john , wells, ME

The ALVIN TOSTIG thing is interesting. My guess is that TAUPIN and JOHN were rummaging for topical verbiage (such as THE NY TIMES, GOD IS DEAD ref)and subconsciously picked up the name of ALVIN TOFFLER, author of FUTURE SHOCK, and later, THE THIRD WAVE.
- john , wells, ME

This song shows that Elton John can make anything sound good. If you read the lyrics they make very little sense. However Elton pulls it off very well.
- Don , B G, KY

At first the song seems to be about a father and a son, but there is another father in there: the father of Levon. Each of the fathers has an expectation for his son. Levon's father wants him to be a good man, and grow up in the traditions of the family. That may be where the religious references come from. Perhaps Levon disappointed his father by concentrating on money instead of God. Perhaps not. The reference to a crown, and the obvious affluence of Levon make him seem proud of the success. His days of being a pauper are over. He does well for himself, and he is able to provide opportunities for Jesus, his son. It doesn't spell out exactly what his expectations are for his son, but he probably wants him to take over the business. Jesus, on the other hand, is a dreamer. He is blowing up balloons all day, but where? Is he at home on the porch swing? Or is he working when he has to, and daydreaming the rest of the time? Whatever it is, Jesus is not impressed by Levon's hard work and dedication. His dream is to be far away, sailing like one of the balloons I wondered about the reference to Venus. Maybe it just represents a place very far away. It could have a sexual reference. Maybe he wants to be with a woman. Maybe he wants to BE a woman. Who knows. It's a very thought provoking song. When I listen to it I think of fathers and sons, and the different directions their expectations lead them.
- Russ , Midway, UT

This song is about a father named Levon that makes cartoon balloons, but his son Jesus who helps blowing up balloons, wants to go to Venus (in the bible, God never states their is really a Venus). Pretty poetic theme and rather interesting.
- San , San Fransisco, CA

Cynthia, anyone who is offended by a simple posted factoid has bigger problems than can be addressed here. That said, great song.
- Karen , Manchester, NH

Ok first of all I absolutely love this song! Easily one of my top 3 favourite Sir Elton songs, along with Daniel and I'm Still Standing and also in my top twenty songs of all time! Secondly, Jerry i admire your faith but please don't use this forum for religious propaganda. you could unintentionally offend someone.
- cynthia , scranton, PA

I really like this song , I is one sad song that is hard to figure out , I think it's about the death of a friend or dying .
- Vince , Lorain, OH

I've always had my own interpretation of this song. It seems like a all to common and always sad family scenario. Levon runs the family business and his son Jesus has no interest in it. He only wants to play and go to "Venus". Dad is set in his ways and thinks the son should have more earthbound goals and plans. Everybody wants to read something religious into this song but, the lyrics clearly state that Levon named his son Jesus "because he likes the name".
- Thomas , Somerville, AL

he shall be reborn
- Sean , Seaside, CA

Jesus Christ was born on 6 April 1 AD. http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/20 It seems that only members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recognize this, but we still celebrate Christmas in December ;-). -Jerry
- Jerry-Songfacts , Edmonton, AB

An explanation of who Alvin Tostig is can be found on the following link Askipedia http://www.askipedia.com/askipedia-article-004002-1039.htm ... too long to place on this page
- Corey , Concord, CA

I think the lyrics might suggest the dying off of the wrathful god of the Old Testament, as represented by Levon, in favor of the example of Jesus, as represented by, well, Jesus. Jesus blowing up balloons=grace=wanting people to go to heaven. The image of sailing off on a balloon while Levon slowly dies is an interesting reversion of the actual Biblical Jesus, who wondered why his father had forsaken him and left him to die.
- Dennis , Petoskey, MI

Am I the only person who believes that "Jesus, he wants to go to Venus" is a reference to sex or love with a woman?
- Lori , Alexandria, VA

Yes I believe Novel Rodreguiz is who the song was written about. The story I heard was: He grew up blowing up baloons for his father at his garage/used car lot/Texaco station in Kilgore, Tx. (beside the motorway) and he actually did get to go to Venus, but he didn't stay very long. It was hard for him to breathe there, something about not enough oxygen, poisinous gases, etc. Anyhow he came back from Venus and got a job at the Kentucky Fried Chicken in Riverdale, Ga. (outside of Atlanta) where Sir Elton and Bernie ate at. Well they took a shine to Novel and decided to write the song about him. That's the story I heard anyway.
- Barry , Bastrop, La, LA

By the way Scott, West Helena is in Arkansas, not Virginia. Levon Helm is actually from Turkey Scratch, Arkansas which is close to West Helena (and near Memphis, TN). THIS SONG IS NOT ABOUT LEVON HELM!!!
- Barry , Bastrop, La, LA

In my interpretation of "Levon", the song is about Jesus' resentment of Levon and Levon's lifestyle and wanting to get away from it all ("he wants to go to Venus/Leaving Levon far behind"). There's no right answer when it comes to interpreting lyrics, though....but there are wrong ones (a holy war? Come on, that's ridiculous).
- Taylor , Yorkshire, England

Ive heard a rumor that Levon was a guy that worked at a coffee shop where Elton and Bernie used to stop occasionaly, they just borrowed his name.
- Jason , Double Springs, AL

Alvin Tostig is Levon's father. Levon was "born a pauper to a pawn on a Christmas Day when the New York Times said God was dead." That's why Alvin Tostig had a son that day. Thanks to The StraightDope for setting it straight.
- Nick , Boston, MA

I'm not sure why Elton himself just doesn't explain what the song is about so people would know. Would save us with all our theories. Is it more how this song sounds that makes it good or do we really listen to it for the words?
- Ryan , Edmonton, Canada

Yeah, it's also an anagram for "Living Toast" but it's not applicable to the song lol
- Brandon , Peoria, IL

Alvin tostig is an anagram for Vigilant Sot. I thought that was interesting...
- Mindy , Oakdale, MN

Who the hell is Alvin Tostig? It sounds like an anagram name to me, but i don't know of what.
- Brandon , Peoria, IL

Back in the 80's, my friend, Dana and I enjoyed listening to this song. We tried to figure it out and decide why we liked it. Finally, I said "well I just like it because it's called Levon and that sounds like Yvonne" (which is MY name). We had a good laugh and whenever Dana heard the song playing she would call me up and say "listen, listen" and then hold the phone up to the radio. Dana has since passed away & this song brings tears whenever I hear it now, but what great memories it triggers. Thank you Elton!
- Yvonne , Youngstown, OH

I heard from a friend of mine that Levon was a guy who ripped some money off from Elton and his band.
- Luke , Montpelier, VT

I like your interpretation, Steve. I don't think it's a pro-religious song, and I don't really understand the 'holy war' theme. Maybe Bernie or Elton had previously said it to be about that, because I just can't get such a specific story out of the lyrics. I see it, too, as a story about the relationship between a boy and his father. The song compares the humble beginnings of Levon to that of Jesus and then equates the two figures in their adult life. It's as if society looks at a man who is so rich to be the holy savior for their generation. Hence why the death of God fell on the same day of his birth; people have found a new kind of hero to worship. To society (and to Levon himself) being a success is synonymous with being a good person. But we are soon reminded of the folly of this perspective when we learn that he has failed to win the respect of his own son. Despite his noble success story, war wounds, and ego, he is not genuinely loved for the person he is. His son wants nothing more than to leave his father and never return.
- Kim , Calgary, Canada

I always pictured Levon being a John D. Rockefeller type who started out pour and worked his way up to be a tycoon. And that he had such a high opinion of himself, he named his child Jesus, implying that his self importance rivaled that of God's. While Levon was obsessed with always making more money, Jesus doesn't want to inherit his father's life, but wants to set out on his own. But hey, that's just me.
- Steve , Fenton, MO

The "God is Desd" headlines you mention are misleading. The March 1968 headline (a very minor headline it is) actually reads "'God is Dead' Doctrine Losing Groud to 'Theology of Hope.'" They are all very minor articles referring mostly to the demise of the "God is Dead" movement in liberal theology that sought to insist that God had become irrelevant to contemporaty life. Most likely the song reference is simply made up.
- Andy , St. Louis, MO

This is such a great song. As Elton & Bernie so often put it, a great marriage of lyric and melody. The fact that you dont know the actual story doesn't really matter, the lyrics are just great, and the way Elton delivers them is beautiful. I only know of one man named Levon, and that is Levon Helm from "The Band" who actually hails from West Helena in Virginia. Levon is a very talented musician, and anyone who wants to see any of his work should try and get hold of a DVD called The Last Waltz.
- Scott , Perth, Western Australia, Australia

This song is a very important song for me and my school. I'm a sophomore in a Christian school, and with all of the controversy today, we use this song as a bit of a "theme song", if you can call it that.
- Wade , Katy, TX

This is about a boy and his father.
- Johnny , Los Angeles, CA

Is there any significance to the fact that "Levon" is "novel" spelled backward?
- Jena , Bonner Springs, KS

On 'Madman Across The Water', there are three songs that mention Jesus. There is this one, then Tiny Dancer 'Jesus Freaks Out On The Street, handing tickets out for god', which i believe is a reference to Jahovah's Witnesses,m and Rotten Peaches, where Jesus is used as an expletive. Does anyone agree?
- Adrian , London, England

Yes. It is on the album 'The One', which is in my opinion, Elton's best rock album of the '90s. Bernie wrote all the lyrics for The One
- Adrian , London, England

And he shall be Levon is also a play on words. It can be sang, "and he shall believe on....", which ties to the interesting references to both God being dead, the war beginning and the son being named Jesus.
- Mike , Seattle, WA

I love the storywriting ability of Bernie. It's a very image driven song. But, I think The Last Song is the most impressive song Elton has done. Did Bernie write that one?
- Eric , Franklin, MA

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