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| "Ego" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single byElton John | ||||
| B-side | Flinstone Boy [it] | |||
| Released | 31 March 1978[1] | |||
| Recorded | January–March 1978 | |||
| Genre | Glam rock[2] | |||
| Length | 4:00 | |||
| Label | MCA (US) Rocket (UK) | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Elton John,Bernie Taupin | |||
| Elton John singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"Ego" is a 1978 song performed by English musicianElton John, written by John andBernie Taupin. It was released in early 1978 as a standalone single, and did not appear on the album released in the same year,A Single Man. John played this song live from 1978 up until 1980.[3] The single reached #34 in both the UK and the US.[4]
The song was not available on CD until the 1990 release ofTo Be Continued box set. Later, in remastered form, it was added to the reissue ofA Single Man along with four B-sides from the era.
The song was written during the sessions for his 1976 albumBlue Moves but was not included on that release.
It starts with a rollicking piano accompanied by a train whistle, making it sound like there's a train rolling down a track. The song then goes into a steady 4/4 beat, then breaks down and goes to the chorus. Later in the song it transforms into an uptempo waltz and then reverts to 4/4. It features synthesizers, and carnival-esqueorgans.[citation needed]
Cash Box said that the "piano licks resembleKeystone Cop silent film score" and praised the vocals and guitar playing.[5]Record World called it "one of [John's] most complex songs," with "ironic lyrics and unusual chord progressions to make a powerful point."[6]
A music video was made, directed byMichael Lindsay-Hogg, features John Emberton who played Elton John as a small boy in the video acting out a scene fromRomeo & Juliet. John Emberton's sister Penny played a member of the audience.
| Chart (1978) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australia (Kent Music Report)[7] | 40 |
| Canada Top Singles (RPM)[8] | 21 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[9] | 34 |
| USBillboard Hot 100[10] | 34 |
