In honor of Sir Elton Hercules John 78th birthday on March 25, 2025, we thought we’d take a look at five of his songs that have received the most YouTube streams. We’ve had a great time covering the singer in the past, including Bill Newcott’s review of John’s 2024 documentary, Never Too Late), so sit back for a another journey with the Rocket Man. Fair warning: Singing along is probably inevitable and random trivia tidbits are likely.
#5: “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues”
Album: Too Low for Zero
Uploaded to YouTube by Elton John
With more than 82 million views, “Blues” features John in his trademark fashionable glasses, singing by himself before morphing into a singer at a 1950s sock hop. His gold jacket and pompadour are reminiscent of vintage Elvis and, much like the crooning king, John tugs at our hearts with lyrics penned by longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, including “I simply love you / more than I love life itself.”
Bonus: Stevie Wonder on harmonica and a swoon-worthy lovers’ reunion at the end of the video.
#4: “Rocket Man (I Think It’s Going to Be a Long, Long Time)”
Album: Honky Chateau
Uploaded to YouTube by Elton John
The video for “Rocket Man” is unlike any others on this list. Iranian filmmaker Majid Adin delivers an artful masterpiece with more than 160 million views, an animated rendering sponsored by YouTube in their search for artists to reinterpret some of John’s songs. The poignancy and recurrent theme of loneliness in Taupin’s lyrics complement the ache in a video that could easily become a longer film.
Bonus: Honky Chateau features a song called “Hercules.”
#3: “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” (Live) — Duet with George Michael
Album: Duets (originally released on John’s album, Caribou)
Uploaded to YouTube by georgemichael
The powerhouse vocals on this duet deserve even more than the 188 million views the video has garnered. It’s hard to believe the performance is nearly 35 years old; it was recorded during the UK leg of Michael’s “Cover to Cover” tour in 1991. The crowd’s excitement is electric.
Bonus: John and Michael first performed the song together at Live Aid in 1985.
#2: “I’m Still Standing”
Album: Too Low for Zero
Uploaded to YouTube by Elton John
There’s a good chance some of the 239 million views of the video were purely for the enjoyment of classic 1980s kitsch, from the bright colors to seemingly omnipresent athletic wear and, oh yes, a nice sunny beach. (See also: David Lee Roth, “California Girls,” et al.) John strides past body-painted, lip-syncing friends, showcasing carnival barker chic and delivering both sass and strength with his pop-rock pep talk.
Bonus: A motivational message is more fun when it’s accompanied by sunshine and fun sunglasses.
#1: “Sacrifice”
Album: Sleeping with the Past
Uploaded to YouTube by Elton John
With 792 million views, 1989’s “Sacrifice” takes the top spot for most popular YouTube stream. While the original song is great, its video might have attracted listeners who heard John sing with Albanian singer/songwriter Dua Lipa on “Cold Heart,” a 2021 release whose samples include “Sacrifice” and “Rocket Man.” The ballad is wistful and proof positive that John’s “sad songs… say so much.”
Bonus: Singer/songwriter Chris Isaak appears as the husband in the video.
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Comments
Everyone probably has an Elton John favorite song list, and here’s my Top Ten (admittedly 1970s heavily laden):
1) Philadelphia Freedom 2) Levon 3) Tiny Dancer 4) Goodbye Yellow Brick Road 5) Tiny Dancer 6) Crocodile Rock 7) Don’t Go Breaking My Heart 8) Mama Can’t Buy You Love 9) Your Song 10) Whatever Gets You Thru The Night
Of course I’ve got my own spin on John’s turntable favorites. These in varying order depending on which one the brain wants to hear, and when. 1: Ego (’78). 2: Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting (’73). 3: Daniel (’72). 4: Crocodile Rock (’72). 5: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (’73). 6: Blessed (’95). 7: Sad Songs Say So Much (’84).
Then there’s the rare duet with John Lennon, ‘Whatever Gets You Thru The Night’ (’74) that’s incredible. I can separate their voices while listening, but it’s better not to. More from these 2 would have been wonderful. The ’80s should have been Lennon’s decade for solo and collaborative work with many new artists, had the fates allowed.
Dua Lipa was born in London, not Albania.
Tiny Dancer is my favorite. I love all his work.
Fascinating to see YouTube’s take on Elton’s top hits! While ‘Rocket Man’ and ‘Tiny Dancer’ rightly dominate, I’m pleasantly surprised by ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’s’ strong showing—that piano outro deserves every view. The list confirms his timeless appeal across generations, though I’d argue ‘Levon’ and ‘Mona Lisas’ are criminally underrated deep cuts!