Philadelphia Freedom (song) honour Billie Jean King, and so asked Taupin to write a song called "Philadelphia Freedom" as a homage to her tennis team, the Philadelphia Freedoms. In "His Song: The Musical History of Elton John", Elizabeth Rosenthal recounts that Taupin said, "I can't write a song about tennis," and did not. Taupin maintains that the lyrics bear no relation to tennis, Philly Soul, or even flag-waving patriotism. Nonetheless, the lyrics have been interpreted as patriotic and uplifting, and even though it was released in 1975, the song's sentiment, intentionally or not, meshed perfectly with an American music audience gearing up for
Friends (Elton John song) Friends (Elton John song) "Friends" is an international hit song composed and performed by English musician Elton John with lyrics by his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin. It was John's third U.S. hit, and his second to reach Top 40. "Friends" was not the follow-up single to "Your Song," but was rather the title track and theme song from the movie "Friends" starring Sean Bury, and was included on the soundtrack. It was the only hit single from the LP. The song rose to number 34 on the U.S. "Billboard" Hot 100 and number 17 on the "Cash Box" Top 100.