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The Ballad Of Danny Bailey (1909-34)

Elton John

song-cover

The Ballad Of Danny Bailey (1909-34)

Song byElton John
in AlbumCaribou

Lyrics by Bernie Taupin

Some punk with a shotgun killed young Danny Bailey

In cold blood, in the lobby of a downtown motel

Killed him in anger, a force he couldn't handle

Helped pull the trigger that cut short his life

And there's not many knew him the way that we did

Sure enough he was a wild one, but then aren't most hungry kids

Now it's all over Danny Bailey

And the harvest is in

Dillinger's dead

I guess the cops won again

Now it's all over Danny Bailey

And the harvest is in

We're running short of heroes back up here in the hills

Without Danny Bailey we're gonna have to break up our stills

So mark his grave well `cause Kentucky loved him

Born and raised a proper, I guess life just bugged him

And he found faith in danger, a lifestyle he lived by

A running gun youngster in a sad restless age

LanguageEnglish
Translated byAllen Morningstar

About this Song

The Ballad Of Danny Bailey (1909-34) by Elton John narrates the life and tragic death of a fictional outlaw, Danny Bailey. The song captures the downfall and grim end of this anti-hero who lived outside the law. Set in the early 20th century, it reflects on themes of crime, mortality, and the fleeting nature of fame. The poignant moments include the vivid descriptions of Danny's final stand and the societal judgment against him, highlighting the inevitable downfall that comes with a life of crime.

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