this is one of the more scathing attacks on
the music industry that you're likely to hear. Both Elton John and his lyricist
Bernie Taupin were on board with the concept that record executives were
"vultures," "dogs" and "vampires." Much of the
Captain Fantastic And The Brown Dirt Cowboy found John and Taupin dealing with
the fallout from their fame while dutifully delivering a hit single:
"Philadelphia Freedom." Elton explained that their beef was with
record executives who wanted to profit from their success, but didn't want to
make any effort to help them get there. He gave an example of executives who
would show up at ceremonies and present Gold Records, but had no interest in
the music.
"Dogs In The Kitchen" was a poem
that Bernie Taupin wrote attacking corporate greed in the entertainment
industry.
Though the lyrics were included in the scrapbook that was part of
Captain Fantastic's lavish packaging, it doesn't seem that Elton wrote any
music to accompany it and the song was never recorded.
"Dogs In The Kitchen"
All our innocence gave way to lust
As the peacock spread its fan,
And they taught us how to crack the whip
While the business men got tanned.
In the months that passed the agents cried
And the flunkeys all got paid,
While the fortune seekers pale limp wrists
Showered us with bright bouquets.
Like soldiers on the road to battle
Poor boys fight to stay alive,
Take a roller coaster or the wheel of fortune
Just be sure that you can land it on the other
side.
Uncage us where restless, snarled the dogs in
the kitchen.
Howling in the heatwave, riding the bitchin'
ladies.
Who got the first bite on its greasy bone,take
my advice kid
Tear off the white meat, leave the fat back at
home.
Empty-eyed sould with expense accounts
Take a luncheon eating humble pie
While the vultures belch in their swivel chairs
And the vampires all wear ties.
From the lips of a sweet young starlet
Amber eyes and sex appeal,
Or a swan song sung by some finger-snapping kid
In a cummerbund and cuban heels.
Though the team survived, the glass house
cracked
And the martyrs all got stoned
But a friend outside slipped a file in
While the jailler slept at home.
