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Crocodile Rock is a classic rock song by Elton John that tells the story of a guy in the '50s and '60s who frequented a restaurant where the patrons loved an obscure dance called the Crocodile Rock. Because of all the events that happened in the '60s, however, this unknown little dance forever vanished into history, and no one cared anymore. Even his girlfriend, who also enjoyed "burning up to the Crocodile Rock," left him. It's a catchy little song with really sad lyrics.
The lyrics mention that the narrator preferred this to "Rock Around The Clock," which was a big hit for Bill Haley and the Comets in 1955. Elton felt "Rock Around The Clock" was vastly overrated. The title could be a play on Haley's song "See You Later, Alligator."
The Baha Men recorded a new version of this for the film The Crocodile Hunter: Collision Course with new lyrics that described the life of Steve Irwin. Ironically, "Suzie" (the girl described in this song) is the name of Steve Irwin's dog, who appears frequently on the series. (Thanks, Brett - Edmonton, Canada, for above 3)
This was the first of many #1 singles by Elton John in the US. His first in the UK came in 1976 with Kiki Dee ("Don't Go Breaking My Heart"). His first solo #1 in the UK was "Sacrifice" in 1990.
The falsetto hook from Pat Boone's 1962 hit, "Speedy Gonzales" has some similar "La La"s. (thanks Brad Wind - for above 2)
This song was inspired by the Australian band Daddy Cool and their hit single "Eagle Rock." Elton discovered it on his 1972 tour to Australia. On the cover of the album, Bernie Taupin is wearing a badge that says, "Daddy Who?". (Thanks, Taal - Brisbane, Australia)
Don McLean has mentioned that this is similar to his hit "American Pie," which came out the previous year. Both songs are about young people in the '50s obsessed with Rock And Roll, but disappointed when the music "dies." Both songs also feature a Chevy. Elton admits the song is highly derivative because it's about the things he grew up with. In Elton John: The Definitive Biography, Elton is quoted as saying: "I wanted it to be a record about all the things I grew up with. Of course it's a rip-off."
Elton performed this on The Muppet Show. It's a popular song with kids.
This album went to #1 on both sides of the Atlantic. It was Elton's first #1 in the UK, but Honky Chateau went to #1 in the US earlier that year.
A few "firsts" are attributed to both the song and album. It was the first song released as a single on the MCA label (catalog #40000) after MCA dissolved its Uni (Elton John's previous label), Decca, Kapp and Coral labels. It was also MCA's first #1 song as well as Elton John's first #1. (Thanks, DENNY - Pittsburgh, PA)
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Elton said that this song contains flavors of a lot of his favorite early Rock songs, including "Little Darlin'" and "Oh Carol," as well as songs by The Beach Boys and Eddie Cochran.
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