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Fact: The casual radio listener doesn't always pay attention to the lyrics of the songs they hear.
For example: "Island Girl," Elton John's "Great Song 1975," was a million-selling #1 hit on Billboard's Hot 100 (and #4 in Canada), but can those of you who remember the song, remember what it's about?
According to the lyrics, the Island Girl in question is a Jamaican hooker living in New York City who refuses a Jamaican man who wants her to leave the "white man's world, and return to the island with him.
The arrangement of the song and Elton's delivery are so upbeat they cover up the dark lyrical underbelly.
After the song fell off the charts, Elton refused to play it in concert for more than 30 years--possibly because he thought the lyrics were too controversial--but no official reason has ever been given.
TRIVIA: When "Island Girl" topped the Hot 100, Elton replaced himself! The previous #1 was "Bad Blood:" Elton's uncredited duet with Neil Sedaka.
"Island Girl" by Elton John: perhaps a little controversial, but a "Great Song of 1975" nonetheless. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTUd0FAVAbs
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