1982 Songs: Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)
By Four Walls
@FourWalls (86757)
United States
July 5, 2022 10:44am CST
Yesterday I mentioned we’d have someone on both the 1972 and 1982 countdowns. Both of yesterday’s acts qualified, as do both of today’s. But only this one makes both lists. (And he could also be on 1992 and 2002.) One of the most legendary performers of our time is next with today’s 40-year-old song.
Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny) - Elton John
I’ve linked a live version from Elton’s 60th birthday party (which was fifteen years ago now 
). His introduction is brilliant, much more than any drivel I could come up with.
The “bargain” that Elton refers to is a bet that he made with John Lennon: they recorded a song together, “Whatever Gets You Thru the Nite.” Lennon said he had no hope for the song, while Elton thought it was great. Lennon said he’d join Elton onstage if the song made it to #1. It did, and he did.
That turned out to be the last time John Lennon was ever on a stage performing. 
Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)
Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin
Recorded by Elton John
From Jump Up!, 1982
(Today’s 1972 song: “Doctor My Eyes”)
And I’ve been knocking:
). His introduction is brilliant, much more than any drivel I could come up with.
The “bargain” that Elton refers to is a bet that he made with John Lennon: they recorded a song together, “Whatever Gets You Thru the Nite.” Lennon said he had no hope for the song, while Elton thought it was great. Lennon said he’d join Elton onstage if the song made it to #1. It did, and he did.
That turned out to be the last time John Lennon was ever on a stage performing.
Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)
Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin
Recorded by Elton John
From Jump Up!, 1982
(Today’s 1972 song: “Doctor My Eyes”)
And I’ve been knocking:
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9 people like this
8 responses
@FourWalls (86757)
• United States
5 Jul 22
I know. That line “It’s funny how one insect can damage so much grain” gets me every time.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (86757)
• United States
6 Jul 22
I have an Elton playlist on my iPod. Over 100 songs.
1 person likes this
@Adie04 (17405)
•
10 Jul 22
@FourWalls Including the feature with Blues? Sorry seems to be the hardest word? I love that song.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (86757)
• United States
10 Jul 22
@Adie04 — oh, yes, I love that song, too. That’s Stevie Wonder playing harmonica on the song, by the way.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (86757)
• United States
5 Jul 22
Oh, me too. He was my teenybopper idol way back in 19(mumbling incoherently)!
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (98033)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
6 Jul 22
I know this well and the garden named Madison Square are well
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (86757)
• United States
6 Jul 22
I’ve never been to Madison Square Garden. This is such a somber song.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (98033)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
6 Jul 22
@FourWalls you should see it. It is so huge that when I went to Ringling Bros Circus one year ages ago you could almost not even see the acrobats on the high wire they were so up that putting back your head you could hurt your neck,
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (86757)
• United States
6 Jul 22
Indeed it is. I can certainly understand why Elton would only sing that in New York City. He and Lennon were great friends, and of course Elton grew up idolizing the Beatles.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222534)
• United States
5 Jul 22
Not familiar with this one; but I love Elton.
1 person likes this
You sure you love Elton?? 
