“Madman Across the Water” is a song with dark themes and influence from Leon Russell. Bernie Taupin made up the story about a lunatic ranting on visiting day at the asylum. Predictably, it wasn’t chart-worthy, but it did provide the album title as well as plenty of speculation that Elton was singing...
[Verse 1]
I can see very well
There's a boat on the reef with a broken back
And I can see it very well
There's a joke and I know it very well
It's one of those that I told you long ago
Take my word, I'm a madman, don't you know
[Verse 2]
Once a fool had a good part in the play
If it's so would I still be here today?
It's quite peculiar in a funny sort of way
They think it's very funny everything I say
Get a load of him, he's so insane
You better get your coat, dear, it looks like rain
[Chorus]
We'll come again next Thursday afternoon
The in-laws hope they'll see you very soon
But is it in your conscience that you're after
Another glimpse of the madman across the water?
[Verse 1]
I can see very well
There's a boat on the reef with a broken back
And I can see it very well
There's a joke and I know it very well
It's one of those that I told you long ago
Take my word, I'm a madman, don't you know
[Verse 3]
The ground's a long way down but I need more
Is the nightmare black or are the windows painted?
Will they come again next week, can my mind really take it?
[Chorus]
We'll come again next Thursday afternoon
The in-laws hope they'll see you very soon
But is it in your conscience that you're after
Another glimpse of the madman across the water?
Madman Across the Water was written by Bernie Taupin & Elton John.
Madman Across the Water was produced by Gus Dudgeon.
Elton John released Madman Across the Water on Fri Nov 05 1971.