"Come Down in Time" is the second track on

Elton John Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is a British singer, pianist and composer. Commonly nicknamed the "Rocket Man" after his 1972 hit single of the same name, John has led a commercially successful career a ...

's third album, ''

Tumbleweed Connection ''Tumbleweed Connection'' is the third studio album by English singer-songwriter Elton John. It was recorded at Trident Studios, London, England in March 1970, and released in October 1970 in the United Kingdom and January 1971 in the United Sta ...

'', released in 1970. The lyrics were written by

Bernie Taupin Bernard John Taupin (born 22 May 1950) is an English songwriter, singer and visual artist. He is best known for his long-term collaboration with musician Elton John, a songwriting partnership that is one of the most successful in history. Tau ...

, Elton's long time writing partner. The song was originally recorded for John's second album, ''

''.

Covers and other versions

The song was covered by

Al Kooper Al Kooper (born Alan Peter Kuperschmidt; February 5, 1944) is a retired American songwriter, record producer and musician, known for organizing Blood, Sweat & Tears, although he did not stay with the group long enough to share its popularity. ...

on his 1971 album, '' New York City (You're a Woman)'', then later covered by Sting on the 1991 album '' Two Rooms: Celebrating the Songs of Elton John & Bernie Taupin''. Norwegian jazz singer

Radka Toneff Ellen Radka Toneff (25 June 1952 – 21 October 1982) was a Norwegian jazz singer, daughter of the Bulgarian folk singer, pilot and radio technician Toni Toneff, she was born in Oslo and grew up in Lambertseter and Kolbotn. She is still conside ...

also recorded the song for her 1982 album ''Fairy Tales'', which features herself with

Steve Dobrogosz Steve Dobrogosz (born 26 January 1956 in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania) is an American composer, songwriter and pianist. Dobrogosz is the son of Walter Dobrogosz and Donna Bartone and grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina and attended Jesse O. Sanderson ...

on piano. A soulful version of the song was released as a 7" single by soul singer Eugene Pitt and his band the Jyve Fyve in 1970 on the AVCO Embassy (AVE-4568) label. The song was also covered by Judy Collins on her 1976 album "Bread And Roses." Lani Hall recorded the song in 1972 for her 1st solo album, "Sun Down Lady", on A&M Records. It was covered by Laura Fernández in 2020 for her Okay, Alright album. In October 2020, John issued a 10-inch vinyl only "jazz" version, backed by members of Hookfoot, recorded during the ''Tumbleweed Connection'' sessions, but not used on the album. The track's release coincided with the 50th anniversary re-release of ''Tumbleweed Connection'', and was uncovered during archival research for John's box set ''

Jewel Box Jewel box or Jewel Box may refer to: * Jewelry box, a container for gemstones Places or architecture *Jewel Box (St. Louis), listed on the NRHP in Missouri * Jewel Boxes, a name for eight banks designed by architect Louis Sullivan *Jewel Box Pa ...

''. a multi-disc collection of early demos, and other rarities and B-sides, many of which were never previously released.

Meaning and melody

Come Down in Time is one of the two exceptions to the primarily Western (USA) musical themes of Tumbleweed Connection. The album was recorded at London's Trident Studio in March 1970, produced by Gus Dudgeon, and released in October 1970. Set in the keys of A minor and D major, the song starts with an evocative harp introduction augmented by natural guitar harmonics. Conductor and orchestral arranger Paul Buckmaster's use of strings, harp, oboe, and horn set a plaintive and haunting mood. Though originally using harp as the primary instrumental accompaniment, in his live sets Elton primarily replaced it with the piano. Despite not being a hit, the song was performed live in 1970, 1971, 1989, 1995, and subsequent solo tours, the last performances of the song included Ray Cooper on percussion in 2009. It was also performed as a duet by John and Sting on stage at a Rainforest Benefit concert in 1991 and again on the television program "An Audience with Elton John" in 1997. The song maintains a steady, even tempo throughout, containing little of John's signature crescendos. The song itself outlines a conversation between a man and his lover; she urges him to come meet her one night. As he is walking and nears their agreed upon meeting place, he wonders whether she will be there or if he will be left alone to count the stars.

Personnel

– vocals *Skaila Kanga – harp *Les Thatcher – acoustic guitar *

Karl Jenkins Sir Karl William Pamp Jenkins (born 17 February 1944) is a Welsh multi-instrumentalist and composer. His best known works include the song " Adiemus" and the ''Adiemus'' album series; '' Palladio''; ''The Armed Man''; and his ''Requiem''. J ...

– oboe *

Herbie Flowers Brian Keith "Herbie" Flowers (born 19 May 1938) is an English musician specialising in electric bass, double bass and tuba. He is noted as a member of Blue Mink, T. Rex and Sky. Flowers has contributed to recordings by Elton John (''Tumblewe ...

– bass guitar *

Chris Laurence Chris Laurence (born 6 January 1949) is an English musician. Born in London, he studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and primarily works with jazz and classical music. In the classical world he was principal double bass with th ...

– acoustic bass * Barry Morgan – drums * Paul Buckmaster – arranger, conductor

References

* John, Sir Elton and Taupin, Bernie. "Come Down in Time." ''Tumbleweed Connection''. Mercury Records; 1970. {{authority control Elton John songs Songs with lyrics by Bernie Taupin 1970 songs Songs with music by Elton John Song recordings produced by Gus Dudgeon