Elton John's longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin has discussed the urban legend surrounding one of the duo's most famous and acclaimed tracks, Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting). Originally released as the lead single from John's iconic 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, the track has remained a setlist staple ever since - but one story around the song's inspiration has endured, despite, as Taupin explains, not technically being totally true.
Speaking to Lauren Laverne for BBC 6 music, Taupin is asked what he can remember about writing the lyrics for the song. "One of the urban legends I keep referring to is that it was based on a pub in a town close to where I grew up called Market Rasen," he replies. "And there was a pub called the Aston Arms, and some Saturday nights there would get pretty hairy outside in the parking lot.
"So I think there was a slight influence there," he continues. "I wouldn't say it was completely directed at that particular establishment. It's like a lot of the things that I write, you know; I start with one idea and then I elaborate on on. So it might have been the core element of the song. Apparently, I've been told that there's a plaque in the pub that says that [it was the influence for the song]. But again, that might be just somebody's playing with me."
Upon release, Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) was a big hit, hitting number seven in the UK single charts and number 12 on the US Billboard 200. It'd go on to be certified gold in both countries following almost a million sales. Earlier this year, Taupin was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame.
Watch a clip from Taupin's interview on BBC 6 Music below.
