Elton John wrote the song "Tiny Dancer" in 1970. It was inspired by a woman named Maxine Feibelman, a ballerina and actor whom John met while on a tour in the United States in 1970. Feibelman was performing with the Colorado Springs Ballet Company at the time. John was immediately smitten with her, and they began dating. Although their relationship ultimately did not work out, John remained friends with Feibelman and wrote "Tiny Dancer" about her.
The song is a beautifully written ballad that captures the essence of young love. The lyrics depict Feibelman as a graceful and ethereal dancer, and John expresses his admiration for her talent and beauty. The song also conveys a sense of longing and melancholy, as John reflects on the bittersweet nature of their relationship.
In addition to its poetic lyrics, "Tiny Dancer" is also notable for its musical arrangement. The song features a simple yet elegant melody, accompanied by a delicate piano and guitar accompaniment. The song builds to a powerful crescendo at the chorus, which features a soaring vocal performance from John.
"Tiny Dancer" has become one of Elton John's most iconic songs, and it is considered a classic of rock music. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Rod Stewart, Billy Joel, and Sheryl Crow. It was also featured in the 2000 Cameron Crowe film "Almost Famous".
Here are some of the key lines from the song that provide insight into its meaning:
* "Bluejean baby queen of maybe, tiny dancer in the night" - John is referring to Feibelman as a "bluejean baby" because of her free-spirited nature and her tendency to wear denim jeans. He also calls her a "queen of maybe" because she is unpredictable and he never knows for sure what to expect from her. The phrase "tiny dancer in the night" is a metaphor for Feibelman's grace and beauty as a dancer.
* "Seemed a hundred miles away, felt a hundred miles at home" - This line expresses the emotional tension that John feels in his relationship with Feibelman. On the one hand, he feels distant from her, as if they are separated by a great physical and emotional distance. On the other hand, he also feels a sense of comfort and familiarity with her, as if she is a part of his home and his life.
* "Sweet dreams and flying machines in pieces on the ground" - This line is a metaphor for the fragility of love and relationships. John is reflecting on the fact that even the most beautiful and promising relationships can sometimes come to an end, leaving behind only broken pieces of dreams and memories.
Overall, "Tiny Dancer" is a song about the joys and sorrows of young love. It is a beautiful and moving tribute to Maxine Feibelman, the woman who inspired John to write one of his most enduring songs.