Elton John - Have Mercy On The Criminal (1973) reaction commentary

Today I listen to British singer, songwriter and pianist, Elton John Have perform Mercy On The Criminal from his 1973 album, Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player.


Chapters
0:00 - Intro
0:17 - Have Mercy On The Criminal
6:17 - My thoughts
9:40 - Who is Elton John?


Links
Original video:    • Have Mercy On The Criminal  

Blues Rock playlist:    • Blues Rock  


Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight) is a British singer, songwriter and pianist. Acclaimed by critics and musicians, particularly for his work during the 1970s and for his lasting impact on the music industry, his music and showmanship have had a significant impact on popular music. His songwriting partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin is one of the most successful in history.

Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player is his sixth studio album, released in January 1973 by DJM Records. it was the first of two studio albums he released in 1973 (the second was Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, released nine months later), and was his second straight No. 1 album in the US and first No. 1 album in the UK.

Have Mercy on the Criminal is track six, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.

Elton John – vocals, piano
Dee Murray – bass
Nigel Olsson – drums
Davey Johnstone – electric guitar
Paul Buckmaster – orchestral arrangement


Lyrics
[Verse 1]
Have you heard the dogs at night
Somewhere on the hill?
Chasing some poor criminal
And I guess they're out to kill
Oh, there must be shackles on his feet
And mother in his eyes
Stumbling through the devil-dark
With the hound pack in full cry

[Chorus]
Have mercy on the criminal
Who is running from the law
Are you blind to the winds of change?
Don't you hear him any more?
Praying, "Lord, you gotta help me
I am never gonna sin again
Just take these chains from around my legs
Sweet Jesus, I'll be your friend"

[Verse 2]
Now have you ever seen the white teeth gleam
While you lie on a cold damp ground?
You're taking in the face of a rifle butt
While the wardens hold you down
And you've never seen a friend in years
Oh, it turns your heart to stone
You jump the walls and the dogs run free
And the grave's gonna be your home

[Chorus]
Oh, have mercy on the criminal
Who is running from the law
Are you blind to the winds of change?
Don't you hear him any more?
Praying, "Lord, you gotta help me
I am never gonna sin again
Just take these chains from around my legs
Ooh, sweet Jesus, I'll be your friend"

[Guitar Solo]

[Chorus]
Oh, have mercy on the criminal
Who is running from the law
Are you blind to the winds of change?
Don't you hear him any more?
Praying, "Lord, you gotta help me
I am never gonna sin again
Just take these chains from around my legs
Sweet Jesus, I'll be your friend"