Born On The 4th of July

The Zoo Crew is spinning Born On The 4th of July by Bernie Taupin from his 1980 solo album He Who Rides The Tiger, and the Zoo Freaks are vibing to its introspective groove. This track, co-written with Dennis Tufano, stands out for its poignant lyrics, which some fans interpret as a reflection on American identity and disillusionment. In a 1980 interview with Billboard, Taupin described the album as a deeply personal project, but one where he felt he lacked full creative control, which might explain the raw, unpolished edge of the song. Fans on the Elton John Fans Facebook group have noted that Born On The 4th of July carries a cinematic quality, with its vivid imagery of marching in the rain and references to historical and cultural touchstones like Hank Williams and ticker-tape parades. One fan on Taupin’s X account recently shared a story about discovering the song in a used record store, calling it a “hidden gem” that captures the grit of Taupin’s lesser-known solo work.

Another piece of trivia comes from the album’s recording sessions, which featured a stellar lineup of musicians, including David Foster, Jeff Porcaro, and even Elton John on backing vocals for the track Love (The Barren Desert). While Born On The 4th of July itself didn’t get the same star treatment, its electric guitar riffs, praised by a reviewer on Amazon, give it a driving energy that sets it apart. Taupin himself has hinted in interviews that the song’s title was inspired by a sense of irony, juxtaposing the patriotic connotations of the Fourth of July with a darker, more reflective narrative. Though the song never charted, its cult following persists, with fans on the Elton John subreddit occasionally debating its meaning, some tying it to Taupin’s fascination with Americana, a theme that runs through much of his work.

Bernie Taupin, born May 22, 1950, in rural Lincolnshire, England, grew up in a farming family with a love for storytelling and the American West, influenced by Marty Robbins’ gunfighter ballads. As a teenager, he ditched school at 16 to work at a local newspaper and later a chicken ranch, but his life changed at 17 when he answered an ad in New Musical Express placed by Liberty Records seeking new talent. This led to a fateful pairing with a young pianist named Reg Dwight, who soon became Elton John. The two began writing songs together in 1967, initially by mail, not meeting face-to-face for months. Their early work was for other artists like Lulu, but by 1970, their album Elton John and the hit Your Song launched them to fame. Taupin’s lyrical prowess, blending vivid imagery with emotional depth, became the backbone of classics like Rocket Man and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. His solo career, including He Who Rides The Tiger, showcased his desire to step out of John’s shadow, though commercial success was elusive.

You can keep up with Bernie Taupin’s latest projects on his official website, where he showcases his music and visual art, a passion he’s pursued since the 1990s. Follow him on Facebook for updates on his gallery exhibitions and occasional music throwbacks, or check out his Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses of his art studio and Central California ranch life. On X, Taupin engages with fans, sharing thoughts on music and culture. For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper, the Blue Desert fan site offers a detailed discography, while the Elton John Fans Facebook group is a lively spot for Taupin enthusiasts to swap stories and rare finds. The Two Rooms blog is another great fan resource, chronicling Taupin’s solo work and collaborations with Elton John.