The song is about Elton John’s death. During the sessions with Brandi Carlile in the studio, Elton read the lyrics to the song, before he started sobbing for 45 minutes. The song is also about mortality, how Elton wants to let go of life, but reminisces how far he came to being the most beloved arti...
[Verse 1]
I won't want for nothing
I've been alright, I've been okay, I've been fine
I've had clouds of silver linings, complicated mornings
Love that left me wanting and hearts that change my mind
I can feel the cold front
I've been chilly, I've been frozen, I've been warm
I've felt sympathy and silence, helping hands and guidance
Happiness and anger since the day that I was born
[Chorus]
When this old world is done with me
Just know I came this far
To be broken up in pieces
Scatter me among the stars
When this old world is done with me
When I close my eyes
Release me like an ocean wave
Return me to the tide
[Verse 2]
None of this came easy
The shadows, the curtain, or the light
The pain inside the leaving, the taming of the demons
No longer any reason left for me to fight
[Chorus]
And when this old world is done with me
Just know I came this far
To be broken up in pieces
Scatter me among the stars
When this old world is done with me
When I close my eyes
Release me like an ocean wave
Return me to the tide
Release me like an ocean wave
Return me to the tide
[Instrumental Outro]
When This Old World Is Done With Me was written by Elton John & Brandi Carlile & Bernie Taupin & watt.
When This Old World Is Done With Me was produced by watt.
Elton John released When This Old World Is Done With Me on Fri Apr 04 2025.
Brandi Carlile:
Bernie sent in the lyric and I didn’t even read it off the phone. I just sent it to the printer because I wanted to look at it on paper instead of on the screen, because I just knew it was important lyric. So, I saw it before Elton saw it and I had the great pleasure of putting that...