I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues

Album: Too Low For Zero (1983)
Charted: 5 4
Play Video
  • Don't wish it away
    Don't look at it like it's forever
    Between you and me, I could honestly say
    That things can only get better

    And while I'm away
    Dust out the demons inside
    And it won't be long before you and me run
    To the place in our hearts where we hide

    And I guess that's why they call it the blues
    Time on my hands could be time spent with you
    Laughing like children, living like lovers
    Rolling like thunder under the covers
    And I guess that's why they call it the blues

    Just stare into space
    Picture my face in your hands
    Live for each second without hesitation
    And never forget I'm your man

    Wait on me, girl
    Cry in the night if it helps
    But more than ever, I simply love you
    More than I love life itself

    And I guess that's why they call it the blues
    Time on my hands could be time spent with you
    Laughing like children, living like lovers
    Rolling like thunder under the covers
    And I guess that's why they call it the blues

    Wait on me girl
    Cry in the night if it helps
    But more than ever, I simply love you
    More than I love life itself

    And I guess that's why they call it the blues
    Time on my hands could be time spent with you
    Laughing like children, living like lovers
    Rolling like thunder under the covers
    And I guess that's why they call it the blues

    (Laughing like children, living like lovers)
    And I guess that's why they call it the blues
    (Laughing like children, living like lovers)
    And I guess that's why they call it the blues

    And I guess that's why they call it the blues Writer/s: Bernie Taupin, Davey Johnstone, Elton John
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 16

  • Mark From Ventura from Ventura Ca.Dee from Florida is correct, that missing lyric drives me crazy...it does sound like Mama Nell.
  • Beenolas from MidwestThis song's refrain has arguably one of the finest chord progressions in pop music (IMHO of course). It's so predictably perfect; as if composed centuries ago yet never applied to a song until Elton. It gives me chills every time i hear it.
  • Dee from FloridaAfter he sings Cry in the night if it helps...there is another lyric - but it is not listed and I can't tell what he's singing..is it Mama Nell?
  • Ian Wilkins from United KingdomThis song came out as I joined the Army in 1983. Unlike the video my girl didn’t wait! I’ve got had a wonderful life, great wife and two fantastic kids so I am good. Still love this song.
  • Kirk from San DiegoThis song makes me think of the one I so wanted, and now no longer have. I want her back so much it hurts.
  • Miles from Vancouver, CanadaThis whole song rings true with this horrible COVID-19 which just won't go away. On the other hand, when Elton sings, "Don't wish it away/Don't look at it likes it's forever", I wish it were that easy. Nevertheless, it's a beautiful song and one of my favorites from Elton.
  • Missing Him from Maumee,ohioJust listened to this song,it was perfect timing. In 8 days it will be year since I lost my husband of 34 years. Elton John was one of his favorites,it was like he wanted me to hear it.To know it's ok to miss him but not to stop doing things. Don't just go though the motions, actually enjoy what life has to offer.
  • Powerful from Lansing, MichiganWhat a powerhouse partnership. Mr. Taupin and Mr. John. Love this song especially.
  • Onercflyer from St. Louis, MoOddly enough, this song came out just as I was heading to Korea for a year without my wife and 4 month old daughter. Talk about two people who cried and cried. Then, if I remember right, the video was even of a service man leaving. I came back to my beautiful wife and my little girl who didn't know me. So, when my wife and I hear or play this song, it still brings tears to our eyes and has a very special place in our hearts and that was 29 years ago.
  • Nomy from Chicago, IlI loved this song from the first time I heard it,but it took 27 years for it to apply directly to my life...sigh
  • Jeff from Boston, MaThis is my favorite period of Elton John's body of work - after he stopped trying to be Andy Warhol, but before he and Phil Collins allowed their talent for pop music to degenerate into a cloying pile of unlistenable Disney-approved pablum.
  • George from Calumet City, IlThis song is just so good. One of my all-time favorites from Elton.
  • Naomi from Philadelphia, PaI love this song! I've loved it since i was a child.....when I really listened to the lyrics, i just cried, especially when Elton says, 'Wait on me girl/ Cry in the night if it helps / But more than ever I simply love you / More than I love life itself' i cried my freakin' eyes out....lol I LOVE YOU ELTON!!!!!!
  • Shawn from Green Bay, WiMaybe my favorite Elton John song, which makes it one of my favorite songs of all time. Like most great love songs, it is simple and beautiful at the same time. I really feel the second verse is one of the greatest written verses in music history. I can't imagine a verse summing up love any better than that one.
  • Mchael from Winston-salem, NcThis along with 'Sad Songs Say So Much' are classic Elton songs from the 80's. His two disc greatest hits CD set is a must for any true music fan.
  • J from Pittsburgh, PaI went to the Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame on 08/12/08. On my way there, I heard this song on the radio. I waited to hear the name of the song, and was pleasantly surprised to find it was an Elton song. I like a lot of his songs
    (including (1) Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding; (2) Levon; (3) Bennie and the Jets; (4) Candle In The Wind; (5) Crorodile Rock; (6)Daniel; (7) Don't Go Breaking My Heart (which I also heard earlier that morning); (8) Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me; (9) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road; (10) Philadelphia Freedom; (11) Rocket Man (which was playing outside the Rock 'N Roll Hall Of Fame), (12) Someone Saved My Life Tonight; and(13) Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word).

    This song was stuck in my head, CONSTANTLY RINGING, for about a month. It was the first time I had ever heard it, but it stuck to me like glue.

    This is in my music hall of fame, and right behind it are Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, Levon, and Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."

Hardy

HardySongwriter Interviews

The country hitmaker talks about his debut album, A Rock, and how a nursery rhyme inspired his hit single "One Beer."

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" Album

Arrested For Your Art - The Story Of 2 Live Crew's "Obscene" AlbumSong Writing

In the summer of 1990, you could get arrested for selling a 2 Live Crew album or performing their songs in Southern Florida. And that's exactly what happened.

Weird Al Yankovic

Weird Al YankovicFact or Fiction

Did Al play on a Beach Boys record? Did he have beef with George Lucas and Coolio? See if you can spot weird but true stories.

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien Songs

The Truth Is Out There: A History of Alien SongsSong Writing

The trail runs from flying saucer songs in the '50s, through Bowie, blink-182 and Katy Perry.

Michelle Branch

Michelle BranchSongwriter Interviews

Michelle Branch talks about "Everywhere," "The Game Of Love," and her run-in with a Christian broadcasting network.