Review: I Guess That's Why They Call it The Blues, by Elton John

Can the blues be fun?

The first single off “Too Low for Zero,” “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” peaked at #4 in the US in 1983, showing Elton John had no plans to let up on his 1970s hits parade.

This is my favorite Elton John song.

Part of the reason is the song’s simple premise and lyrics, centered around the bummer feeling of being separated from someone you love.

But more than ever, I simply love you

More than I love life itself

Another reason is Elton’s rolling piano presence throughout. And a third reason is the harmonica, played by some guy named Stevie Wonder, who also wrote the harmony for the chorus.

All of that together results in a fun song about the blues.