First Episode at Hienton
Encyclopedia
"First Episode at Hienton" is a song by Elton John
with lyrics written by Bernie Taupin
. It is the fifth track off his self-titled album
, released in 1970. The song tells the story of a man and a girl named Valerie who had an affair at either a hotel or an inn, and how they grew apart from each other; "The songs still are sung, it was fun to be young, I am who I am, you are who you are, Now Valerie's a woman".
The musical structure is, like many of the other songs on the album, basically Elton and the piano with the guidance of Paul Buckmaster
and his orchestration. The song also features a moog synthesizer
-solo, which is played by Diana Lewis.
In a 1973
interview, John said of the song:
I like writing songs like "First Episode at Hienton", which really doesn't have any shape or form, it just meandered with a general feel of wistfulness.
This song was also one of John/Taupin's early compositions, being performed as early as 1968.
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
with lyrics written by Bernie Taupin
Bernie Taupin
Bernard John "Bernie" Taupin is an English lyricist, poet, and singer, best known for his long-term collaboration with Elton John, writing the lyrics for the majority of the star's songs, making his lyrics some of the best known in pop-rock's history.In 1967, Taupin answered an advertisement in...
. It is the fifth track off his self-titled album
Elton John (album)
Elton John is the eponymous second album by English singer/songwriter Elton John, released in 1970. It was his first album, however, released in America, thus commonly assumed by many as his debut, as Empty Sky would not be released in the U.S. until 1975...
, released in 1970. The song tells the story of a man and a girl named Valerie who had an affair at either a hotel or an inn, and how they grew apart from each other; "The songs still are sung, it was fun to be young, I am who I am, you are who you are, Now Valerie's a woman".
The musical structure is, like many of the other songs on the album, basically Elton and the piano with the guidance of Paul Buckmaster
Paul Buckmaster
Paul John Buckmaster is a Grammy Award-winning English artist, arranger and composer.He began learning the cello at the age of 4 and graduated from the Royal College of Music at age 16....
and his orchestration. The song also features a moog synthesizer
Moog synthesizer
Moog synthesizer may refer to any number of analog synthesizers designed by Dr. Robert Moog or manufactured by Moog Music, and is commonly used as a generic term for older-generation analog music synthesizers. The Moog company pioneered the commercial manufacture of modular voltage-controlled...
-solo, which is played by Diana Lewis.
In a 1973
1973 in music
-January–April:*January 9 – Mick Jagger's request for a Japanese visa is rejected on account of a 1969 drug conviction, putting an abrupt end to The Rolling Stones' plans to perform in Japan during their forthcoming tour.*January 14...
interview, John said of the song:
I like writing songs like "First Episode at Hienton", which really doesn't have any shape or form, it just meandered with a general feel of wistfulness.
This song was also one of John/Taupin's early compositions, being performed as early as 1968.