Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics, not Elton, so any "gay" references were purely coincidental. The biblical tower of Babel was built by hypocrites who thought they could see God by building a tower, instead of leading a true good life. The song has drug references, of course, but speaks about people pretending to be good rather than actually being good. My opinion only, of course, but the song is about Elton John's followers at the time; media types, record industry big wigs, etc, who pretended to adore Elton because he was uber popular at the time. Not true friends, not truly appreciating his music; just faking adoration because he was extremely popular at the time. The song mocks the whole scene...drugs, loose women, plastic surgery (was it just the scalpel blade that lied) that surrounded Elton and the band at the time. But when they needed true advice (where were all your shoulders when we cried) they saw the pretenders for what they were.
Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics, not Elton, so any "gay" references were purely coincidental. The biblical tower of Babel was built by hypocrites who thought they could see God by building a tower, instead of leading a true good life. The song has drug references, of course, but speaks about people pretending to be good rather than actually being good. My opinion only, of course, but the song is about Elton John's followers at the time; media types, record industry big wigs, etc, who pretended to adore Elton because he was uber popular at the time. Not true friends, not truly appreciating his music; just faking adoration because he was extremely popular at the time. The song mocks the whole scene...drugs, loose women, plastic surgery (was it just the scalpel blade that lied) that surrounded Elton and the band at the time. But when they needed true advice (where were all your shoulders when we cried) they saw the pretenders for what they were.
@stubbyfingerjo Yep, that's basically my take as well.
@stubbyfingerjo Yep, that's basically my take as well.