Keeping up his incredible pace in the early 70s, Elton John released his fifth album in four years with 1973’s Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player. This record, like Honky Chateau before it, went to #1 in the U.S.
Opening track ‘Daniel’ is the standout on this one, and it made my playlist alongside the playful, nostalgic ‘Crocodile Rock’ (shout out to the excellent use of that song in Rocketman). But two songs new to me also made the cut.
The first is ‘Midnight Creeper,’ a grungier take on the ‘Honky Cat’ sound that John reportedly wrote as a nod to the Rolling Stones. I loved this one instantly.
Walk a mile in my tennis shoes
Tina Turner gave me the highway blues
But I don’t love nobody but you honey
I’m true rat for the things I done
Second cousin to a son of a gun
I’m going to wipe out your mama if she puts me on honey
[Chorus]
Because I’m a midnight creeper
Ain’t going to lose no sleep over you
When there’s a nightmare I’m there
Tempting you to blow a fuse
Well there’s no more sleeping
When I’m midnight creeping over you
Watch out honey, watch out honey
Watch the things you do
[Verse 2]
Long haired ladies well they look so fine
Locked in my cellar full of cheap red wine
But, I don’t think those ladies they really mind honey
I still don’t know why you hate me so
A little bit of fun never stopped no show
Well I just want to loosen up my soul honey
[Chorus]
[Outro]
Watch out honey, watch out honey
Watch the things you do
I’m less familiar with this album than it’s predecessors, but am certainly a big fan of the hits, and this is a fun rollick.