Elton John, “Rocket Man” (1972)

This song, by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, recounts a world in which a career as an astronaut is rather humdrum. The lyrics, based loosely on a short story by Ray Bradbury, reflect the thoughts of a Mars-bound man who is taking leave of his family. The rhythm of this excerpt, characteristic of the John/Taupin songs of this period, is particularly syncopated.