“Please” models romantic commitment as it asks a love, “Let me grow old with you.” On “Blessed,” the artist sensitively promises his love to a child not yet conceived. “Belfast” denounces Ireland’s civil unrest while honoring the city itself for its bravery and strength.
“Believe” suggests that the church is just another decaying institution. Elton identifies religion, love, purity and peace as “Pain.” “Lies” posits that dishonesty is a regrettable, yet normal part of daily existence, admitting in the process, “I’ve lied for a drug or two.” Upset with an unnamed individual, he sings, “Well, here’s my middle finger” (“Made in England”). The tune also refers to his homeland as a place where “you can still say homo and everybody laughs . . . but the joke’s on you.”
A mixed bag. Even the positive love songs are hard to enjoy knowing Elton John’s own sexual preference.
