Levon

Meaning of the song Levon by Elton John

Gus Dudgeon claims that Taupin drew inspiration for the song's persona from co-founder, drummer, and singer Levon Helm of The Band. John and Taupin's favourite band at the moment seemed to be The Band.

Levon Helm did not approve of the song, according to bandmate Robbie Robertson, who quoted him as saying "Englishmen shouldn't fuck with Americanisms".

The song peaked at number six on the Canadian RPM singles chart and reached number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Lyrics of the song Levon by Elton John

Levon bears his war wound like a crown

He calls his child "Jesus"

'Cause he likes the name

And he sends him to the finest school in town

Levon, Levon likes his money

He makes a lot, they say

Spends his days counting

In a garage by the motorway

He was born a pauper to a pawn on a Christmas day

When the New York Times said, "God is dead

And the War's begun"

Alvin Tostig has a son today

And he shall be Levon

And he shall be a good man

And he shall be Levon

In tradition with the family plan

And he shall be Levon

And he shall be a good man

He shall be Levon

Levon sells cartoon balloons in town

His family business thrives

Jesus blows up balloons all day

Sits on the porch swing, watching them fly

And Jesus, he wants to go to Venus

Leave Levon far behind

Take a balloon and go sailing

While Levon, Levon slowly dies

He was born a pauper to a pawn on a Christmas day

When the New York Times said, "God is dead

And the War's begun"

Alvin Tostig has a son today

And he shall be Levon

And he shall be a good man

And he shall be Levon

In tradition with the family plan

Whoo! And he shall be Levon

And he shall be a good man

He shall be Levon

And he shall be Levon

And he shall be a good man

And he shall be Levon

In tradition with the family plan

Whoo! And he shall be Levon

And he shall be a good man

He shall be Levon