It Ain't Gonna Be Easy

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some deep vibes as we spin "It Ain't Gonna Be Easy" from Elton John's 1978 album A Single Man here at THE ZOO! This track, a soulful gem with powerful vocals and bluesy guitar, stands out as a fan favorite despite flying under the radar. Fans on Reddit have praised its classic Elton vibe, with one calling it "one of the best ones off that album" and perfect for late-night drives. Another shared that Elton reportedly sang this song lying down in the studio to optimize his vocal performance, a technique said to enhance airflow from the diaphragm. Comments on Lyrics Jonk highlight its soulful delivery, with some noting a Mark Knopfler-esque guitar solo that gives it a Dire Straits feel. The song's raw emotion, tackling themes of heartbreak and confrontation, resonates deeply, with lyrics like "Look out honey you're playing with my heart" hitting hard.

Diving into the song's context, A Single Man marked a bold shift for Elton, as it was his first album without longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin. Instead, Gary Osborne penned the words, and Elton composed the melodies first—a reversal of his usual process. Fans on Reddit note the album's fresh sound, crediting new guitarist Tim Renwick, formerly of Al Stewart’s band, for shaping the track’s melodic riffs. Despite mixed reviews at the time, with Rolling Stone calling the album "smug vapidity," "It Ain't Gonna Be Easy" has endured as a deep cut, with fans on Lyrics Jonk wishing Elton had explored this bluesy sound more. Its length—clocking in at over eight minutes—adds to its epic, late-night feel, though some fans feel it stretches a bit long for its narrative.

Now, let’s rewind to how Elton John, born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on March 25, 1947, became the Rocket Man. Growing up in Pinner, Middlesex, Elton was surrounded by music, with his parents collecting pop records and his father playing trumpet in a semi-pro band. By age seven, he was taking formal piano lessons, and at 11, he won a junior scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music. Though he found the classical training stifling, he could play tunes by ear, often performing Jerry Lee Lewis at school events. In the mid-1960s, he joined Bluesology, a blues band backing soul acts like Major Lance and later Long John Baldry. Frustrated by limited creative control, he answered a 1967 ad in New Musical Express placed by Liberty Records. Though he failed the audition, he was handed lyrics by another hopeful, Bernie Taupin. The two began collaborating by mail, with Elton setting Taupin’s words to music, kicking off one of pop’s most iconic partnerships.

By 1969, Elton released his debut album, Empty Sky, but it was 1970’s Elton John and the hit "Your Song" that launched him globally. His flamboyant stage presence, outrageous costumes, and knack for crafting pop and rock anthems made him a superstar in the 1970s. Over five decades, he’s sold over 300 million records, with hits like "Rocket Man" and "Candle in the Wind 1997," the latter being the best-selling single since charts began. Connect with Elton on his official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also join the Rocket Club by emailing Rocketclub@EltonJohn.com or visit Elton John World, a fan-run site packed with news and concert feedback. On Facebook, groups like Elton John Fans bring Zoo Freaks together to share their love for the legend. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!