“Take me to the pilot of your soul…”

I always liked this song, but in many ways it makes no sense whatsoever.  The lyrics speak of danger, fearlessness, and betrayal, but the lyricist himself, Bernie Taupin, said even he didn’t know what the lyrics really meant.  Apparently, he threw some words together and thought they sounded good.

Recorded in 1970 by Elton John, the song has often been performed by John at his live shows. In 2005, Elton John said of Take Me to the Pilot, ” …  in the early days, there were a lot of inquiries about ‘What does this song mean? What does that song mean?’ and in the case of ‘Take me to the pilot/Lead me through the chamber/Take me to the pilot/I am but a stranger’, I have no idea! You’re on your own, I tell you.”

I know there are many songs from which to choose that would fit this week’s theme, but for some unknown reason I picked this one…

If you feel that it’s real I’m on trial
And I’m here in your prison
Like a coin in your mint
I am dented and I’m spent with high treason

Through a glass eye your throne
Is the one danger zone
Take me to the pilot for control
Take me to the pilot of your soul

Take me to the pilot
Lead me through the chamber
Take me to the pilot
I am but a stranger

Take me to the pilot
Lead me through the chamber
Take me to the pilot
I am but a stranger

Na na na, na na na, na na na na na na na na
Na na na, na na na, na na na na na na na na

Well I know he’s not old
And I’m told, and I’m told he’s a virgin
For he may be she
What I’m told; and I’m never, never for certain

Through a glass eye your throne
Is the one danger zone
Take me to the pilot for control
Take me to the pilot of your soul

Take me to the pilot
Lead me through the chamber
Take me to the pilot
I am but a stranger

Take me to the pilot
Lead me through the chamber
Take me to the pilot
I am but a stranger

Na na na, na na na, na na na na na na na na
Na na na, na na na, na na na na na na na na

Songwriters: Bernie Taupin / Elton John

(Take Me to the Pilot lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group)

Thanks to This Thing Called Life One Word At a Time for hosting this challenge every week. It’s so much fun!