VERSE

search
song-cover

Ducktail Jiver

Elton John

song-cover

Ducktail Jiver

Song byElton John
in AlbumEmpty Sky

Loose lips keep him rolling on his whitewall tires

Burning out his diesel now, looking like a forest fire

Ducktail jiver, common pearl diver

Let you have a piece real cheap

Those Sunday sermons, gotta start learning

How to look before the lion leaps

Oh I'd be Santa Clause in something more

Than a honeymoon in San Moritz

Ducktail jiver, nine to fiver

I'd like to buy a ??? that fits

Overloaded, railroaded

On the border of a Spanish town

Adios amigos, me got to go

Before they cut this poor boy down

So I'd like to buy a drink for someone

A pitcher and a glass

My circuit's run down, my fuse is blown

My childhood came at last

Sun-soaked, rain-choked

I need to get this battery charged

Miles behind my parents' time

Living in the world's back yard

LanguageEnglish
Translated byAllen Morningstar

About this Song

Ducktail Jiver by Elton John is an energetic and nostalgic song that captures the spirit of the 1950s youth culture. The song paints a vivid picture of a young person's experience in that era, characterized by distinctive fashions, dance styles, and the burgeoning rock and roll scene. The 'ducktail' hairstyle, emblematic of the time, and the 'jive,' a popular dance style, act as symbols of the freedom and rebellious spirit of the youth. Themes of carefree youthful rebellion, cultural identity, and the transformative power of music are prevalent throughout the song. Particularly poignant moments in the song include descriptions of vibrant nightlife scenes and the sense of community and belonging found in the dance halls. The song encapsulates a longing for simpler, more carefree times and serves as a tribute to the enduring impact of 1950s culture.

Read more

More like Empty Sky

Verse Lyrics is where you learn new languages the rock star way with song lyrics.

© Verse Engineering 2025