Elton John: 10 Best Classic Rock Songs
7. The Bitch Is Back
Bernie Taupin’s ex-wife Maxine Feibelman was famously the inspiration behind one of John’s most beloved ballads, Tiny Dancer. What you might not know is that she also inspired this exhilarating glam rocker, the title a phrase she used when Elton was in a foul mood.
This piano rocker is underpinned by Tower of Power providing the distinctive, clipped horns. Dusty Springfield also features on backing vocals.
The word Bitch appears 42 times on the track and while everyone from Missy Elliot to Meredith Brooks have used the word in song titles since, in 1974 it was considered controversial. These days it’s more shocking hearing Elton boast about sniffing glue, like a glam rock Joey Ramone.
Some radio stations into ally refused to play the track but most relented when the song became a hit. Some songs are just too irresistible to suppress.