Watching The Planes Go By

Album: not released on an album (1968)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Like "Regimental Sergeant Zippo," this is an early Elton John/Bernie Taupin collaboration. According to Susan Black's Elton John in His Own Words, this and a few others were made into an album on a 2-track machine by Caleb Quaye, but most were never released. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander - London, England

Comments: 1

  • Van Jealous from UsaFrom a grainy reproduction of this song from a poor conditioned acetate.
    The lyrics I could make out so far are:


    WATCHING THE PLANES GO BY (E. John/B Taupin):
    ================================
    Look up in the sky,
    There's a speck(?) that's flying by.
    I Look up, and I don't know why,
    Seems that I spend most of my time,
    Watching The Planes Go By.

    The windows open and the curtains blow,
    Around my room where the lights are low.
    I've been in Bournemouth(?) and watched the stars,
    Wondering just how far away you are from me.

    I've been out of here. You're somewhere.
    Somewhere out there too far from me.
    And I want it to be, like it was,
    when the summer was here.
    Instead of just sitting here,
    Watching the planes go by.


    IMHO The demo for this is the best arranged, produced and performed of
    ALL of Elton's 67-69 Dick James Demos.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders

Chrissie Hynde of The PretendersSongwriter Interviews

The rock revolutionist on songwriting, quitting smoking, and what she thinks of Rush Limbaugh using her song.

Bob Dylan Lyric Quiz

Bob Dylan Lyric QuizMusic Quiz

Think you know your Bob Dylan lyrics? Take this quiz to find out.

Dave Mason

Dave MasonSongwriter Interviews

Dave reveals the inspiration for "Feelin' Alright" and explains how the first song he ever wrote became the biggest hit for his band Traffic.

Wolfgang Van Halen

Wolfgang Van HalenSongwriter Interviews

Wolfgang Van Halen breaks down the songs on his debut album, Mammoth WVH, and names the definitive Van Halen songs from the Sammy and Dave eras.

Gary Numan

Gary NumanSongwriter Interviews

An Electronic music pioneer with Asperger's Syndrome. This could be interesting.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.