It was just announced that Matt Bissonette is joining the Elton John Band as his new bassist. And though I sincerely welcome Matt and look forward to seeing Elton and the Band in Tampa on September 14, it is, of course, tragic circumstance that brings this announcement.
I’ve been meaning to do this since I heard the sad news, so this one’s for you, Bob Birch.
One of his favorite songs was Blues for Baby and Me…and it’s one of my favorites, too. I remember listening to this over and over again when I was in high school. For a teenage girl, it’s certainly a romantic idea, isn’t it, to head out on your own with your (forbidden) love? Just don’t tell my daughter that!
And it’s all over now
Don’t you worry no more
Gonna go west to the sea
The greyhound is swaying
And the radio is playing
Some blues for baby and me
And the highway looks like it never did
Lord it looks so sweet and so free
And I can’t forget that trip to the west
Singing blues for baby and me
I’ve always loved the way this song makes you sway, just like the Greyhound bus.
I’d also like to share an interview with Bob Birch that was done for eltonjohnallsongslist a few years back, which gave me the idea for this post. When asked if there were any songs Bob would like to include on the next tour set list, he answered:
A: “Elton picks the songs he wants to play. Every fan has their own idea of what songs they want to hear, but the fans have to remember that 80% of the audience want to hear the hits. I would like to play “Blues For Baby and Me.”
So now we’re playing it for you, Bob. I know that, from here on out, I will always think of Bob when I hear this song. May you rest in etermal peace.
Blues for Baby and Me (Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player – 1972)
The Captain and the Kim 