Songful Style: “I’m Still Standing”

I have been taking naps! We got a new TV for the third bedroom. I turn on the electric blanket, crawl inside the cozy bed, turn the TV onto a baking show, and sleep! I guess I’ve only done it two days, but it’s a little out of the ordinary for me. I need to quit staying up all hours, writing blog posts, reading blogs, commenting on blogs, and watching TV! Anyway, welcome to the last Monday in February and another edition of Songful Style! Suzy and Shelbee decided to riff (see what I did there) on Style Imitating Art only with music! Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge, Suzy of The Grey Brunette, and I make up the bloggers in this group. You can find all of us on our blogs and Instagram.  Our ensembles (pun intended) may be inspired by the lyrics of a song, the artwork of the album cover, maybe the MTV video, or even a memory the song evokes. Shelbee chose this month’s song. Last month, Suzy selected “Humankind.” Oh, and there’s a link party, too!

The artist…

I simply adore Elton John! I would probably have selected a song by Sir Elton at some point, but Shelbee beat me to it! That’s not to say we won’t see more in the future. I’m going to give you the abbreviated version of Elton John because I could be writing for days! Sir Elton John was born on March 25, 1947. Reginald Kenneth Dwight studied at the Royal Academy of Music for five years, honing his musical abilities. When he was 13 or 15 (sources differ), Dwight formed the group, Bluesology, with some friends. Reggie Dwight, Stewart Brown, Rex Bishop, and Mick Inkpen were some of the first members of the band. They were signed to a record contract but, apparently, never made it big. In 1967, Reggie left the group to perform solo. He took the first and last names of later members to become Elton John.

A little more…

It was also in 1967 that John met Bernie Taupin, and musical history was made. Taupin was a lyricist while John was the musical composer. For the first couple of years, the duo wrote for other people. In October, 1970, “Your Song” was released and became John’s first international top 10 single. Throughout the 70s, Elton John would release hit after hit, including “Honky Cat,” “Rocket Man,” “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters,” “Tiny Dancer,” “Daniel,” “Crocodile Rock,” “Bennie and the Jets,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” and the famous “Candle in the Wind.”

Even more…

I’m not sure when it became public knowledge that John was gay, but I do think there was some backlash. He became an HIV/AIDS charity fund raiser and established the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992. His foundation has raised over $565 million, with some of that coming from his famous Oscars after party. Sir Elton also was a close friend to Ryan White and his mother. Ryan, who passed on April 8, 1990, contracted AIDS through a blood transfusion when he was a young child. Ryan lived in Indiana and was denied admission to schools due to his status as a person with AIDS. John became a friend to the family and credits them with being the reason he became sober. Here is an article containing a letter written from John to Ryan upon the 20th anniversary of his death.

And still more…

With more than 50 top 40 hits on charts in the UK and US, Sir Elton John is the most successful solo artist in the history of the US Billboard charts. His hits include nine number ones in both countries and seven consecutive number one albums in the United States. With sales of over 300 million records, he is one of the best selling musical artists of all times. John is one of 19 people to win the EGOT! He’s received an Emmy, five Grammy awards, two Oscars, and a Tony! In 1992, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 1994, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Queen Elizabeth II knighted him in 1998 for “services to music and charity” and was “appointed a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 2020. One of my favorite movies, Rocketman, is a bio-pic and is quite good. You can read much, much more about Sir Elton John here.

The song…

What it means…

I remember when this song came out. The video was a bit risqué for the times, but it was just so, so much! The song itself is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a break up song…a pfft, I’m over you kinda song. Bernie Taupin, Sir Elton’s writing partner, had just broken up with a girlfriend and poured out his feelings…a bit venomous, if you ask me! But, I also think the song is a bit of a middle finger to those who had counted John out and down. The album upon which “I’m Still Standing” appears was released in 1983. That album, Too Low for Zero, also included the song, “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues.” Sir Elton hadn’t had a real hit since 1976, but “I’m Still Standing” changed that. The song was a hit worldwide. And, though the song is about a breakup and continuing on, I also think there’s a bit of a joyous quality about it. It’s about purposefully choosing to pick yourself up, look around and realize your own importance. I don’t know…maybe the video influenced those feelings.

The video…

I love this video! If there’s one thing Elton John does well, it’s to present a fabulous visual image. I had a little giggle when I read this quote because I can totally relate:

“‘Visibly stunned by my demonstration of the moves I’d honed on the dance floors of Crisco Disco and Studio 54, the choreographer Arlene Phillips went pale and suddenly scaled down my involvement in that side of things, until all I really had to do was click my fingers and walk along the seafront in time to the music (source).'”

Interesting covers…

One of my favorites covered the song. It’s nowhere near as joyous as the original, but it’s still fun. You can just skip the last minute as it’s advertising his original music.

From “Britain’s Got Talent” is this Gospel rendition. I have to say it’s unusual, but I like it!

Oh, my goodness! I am always impressed by anyone playing a string instrument! This guy plays five different parts, records them, and then puts them together seamlessly! This instrumental version captures the joy of the song, I think!

Oh, if you want angsty Janis Joplin, this is the video for you! If she had worn a crocheted vest, I would have thought I was watching Janis! She’s got some vocal chops, too!

And, of course, there’s the animated version from Sing. Interestingly, it’s Taron Egerton singing the song. He would go onto portray Sir Elton John in Rocketman.

My interpretation…

After watching the video over and over again and finally deciding body paint and a Speedo just weren’t going to cut it, I focused in on certain characters. At a couple of points in the video there is a clown with a striped tee and a beautiful overcoat. I decided that would be my inspiration. I wish the photos had turned out better as I quite like this outfit. My phone has been wonky, and we were running out of time! I pulled out a striped tee from Old Navy, a pair of pima leggings from J Jill, and a Rhiannon kimono from Kantha Bae. All of these items have appeared on the blog before. I can’t even link to a Rhiannon kimono because they aren’t currently being sold at KB. You can, however, see this kimono styled a different way here. As I said earlier, I think this song is more joyous than morose. So, I created what is, to me, a joyous outfit!

The Lewk

Going along with my theme of being joyous, I pulled on these beautiful L’Artiste Fantastic boots. Next, I pulled out several Kantha bracelets (here, here, here, here, and here), a multi-strand necklace , and earrings from World Finds. I felt I was channeling Iris Apfel and completely ignoring Coco Chanel!

Wrap it up, Marsha!

As you can probably tell, I think Sir Elton John is an amazing musician and human being. My youngest son used to call him the Alligator Guy because he appeared on “The Muppet Show” and sang “Crocodile Rock.” I mean, come on…who doesn’t love a guy in feathers directing a choir of puppet crocodiles? Elton John may not be your cup of tea, but there is no denying his talent! So, can we talk? Do you think this song is, ultimately, a happy song? Or, do you think it’s more a break up song? Which outfit, song, or video of Elton John’s is your favorite? Please leave me a comment or two, and we can talk. I promise to respond as soon as possible.

Thank you!

Thank you so very much for reading today’s post. I hope you enjoyed it. I also very much appreciate those of you who comment, email and/or subscribe. It’s what keeps me going! If you’d like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me here.

Affiliate links, discount codes, and such:

Just a reminder that Marsha in the Middle may use an affiliate link. Those links are usually italicized. If you click or make a purchase from an italicized link I provide, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support. I am an April Cornell Brand Ambassador for another season. You can use my code, MARSHA15, for $15 off any order over $100. Use Marsha12 for 12% off any order of $65 or more at Buykud. I also have an affiliate code for Kantha Bae! Use MarshaintheMiddle in the promo code box for $5 off any order (excluding Bestie restocks)! I have also become a Halftee Partner. Use the code, MARSHA2098, for 20% off any purchase. I am also an affiliate with Clara Sunwoo. You can use my code, MARSHA10, for 10% off your entire order. For the Zuvi Halo Hair Dryer, use Marsha12 to get 12% off your order at this link: https://www.zuvilife.com/products/buy-zuvi-halo-hair-dryer?sca_ref=4039595.v4RNNsWxxF. If items are on sale, you can use Marsha5 for an extra 5% off sale prices. In case you didn’t know, bloggers must disclose the use of affiliate links. That’s why I include this in each post.

Where you can find me:

Linking up with Nancy’s Fashion Style,  Fine-Whatever, Is This Mutton, Shelbee on the Edge, Chez Mireile, The Grey Brunette, and Away from the Blue as well as Deb’s World and A Fresh Cup of Coffee. I also link up with This Blonde’s Shopping Bag, Doused in Pink, I do deClaire, Mummabstylish, Style Splash and Elegantly Dressed and Stylish. Please check out these wonderful ladies and their blogs! I also am a co-host for Ageless Style on the third Thursday of the month and Songful Style on the last Monday of the month. I co-host Traffic Jam Weekend every Thursday with Melynda, Lisa, and Sue. I also host Final Fridays on the last Friday of the month as well as 10 on the 10th on the 10th of the month! I do hope you’ll check out all of these blogs and link parties!

And, now, it’s your turn!

Please link up your favorite posts, DIY, baking, gardening, fashion…you name it…as long as it’s family friendly! Link up with me, visit a couple of others, and leave a comment or two! No worries if you don’t have a blog, just look around! You may find a new blog just waiting for you!

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