"Sugar Bear" used to annoy me until I found out what the song was about. In 1969, Elton was denying his homosexuality and was about to marry Linda Woodrow. He considered suicide as a way out. Bernie Taupin apparently talked him round - and saved his life. So here he is, still standing - or at least sitting - in front of countless people in New York's Central Park, very much alive. This song used to give great comfort to us blokes who managed to escape the ol' ball-and-chain entrapment. I, myself, recall a few close calls, a few tears and several celebratory shandies with mates. This song is a redemption. It's about being yourself, being true, and not changing to fit in. It's about not being trapped in the conformist ratrace. It's about a friend when you need it. Funnily enough, although this is an homosexual story, it's still the most masculine, heroic, real mates song ever.
24