Grey Seal (song)

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Grey Seal is a song by Elton John with lyrics written by Bernie Taupin. The song is one of Elton's earliest, though its most known version appears as the sixth track on his 1973 double-album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.

The song's musical style is typical for the album, using wah-effects and a variousity of keyboards and synthesizers. A grand piano is also played, with a riff that could remind of Elton's version of Pinball Wizard. A count-in is also audible on the track.

[edit] 1970 version

Grey Seal was written in 1969, along with many of Elton's early songs. Its original version appeared as the b-side of his 1970 UK single, Rock n' Roll Madonna. The version was available on several bootlegs until its release on "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". This version is musically different. It's played on electric piano and is heavily orchestrated. It also has an ending which isn't found on the 1973 version.

This version appeared on several rarities compilations, but was one of the three bonus track on the 1995 remaster of his self-titled album.