Bennie And The Jets

Elton John's 'Bennie And The Jets' is a satirical take on the music industry, particularly the glam rock era of the 1970s. The song's lyrics invite the listener into a world of sensationalism and fashion, where the titular character, Bennie, and her band, The Jets, are the epitome of this extravagant lifestyle. The opening lines, 'Hey, kids, shake it loose together,' suggest a call to the youth to join in on this new and exciting music scene that's powerful enough to 'change the weather.' The 'electric music' and 'solid walls of sound' are indicative of the loud, energetic, and synthesized music that characterized the glam rock movement.

The chorus, mentioning 'Candy and Ronnie,' refers to fans or observers who are captivated by Bennie and her band's outlandish appearance and behavior, described as 'weird and wonderful.' Bennie's 'electric boots' and 'mohair suit' are iconic glam rock attire, symbolizing the flamboyant fashion that was as much a part of the performance as the music itself. The repetition of 'Bennie and the Jets' throughout the song emphasizes the band's pervasive influence and the almost hypnotic effect they have on their audience.

The song also touches on themes of youth rebellion and the generation gap. The line 'We shall survive, let us take ourselves along where we fight our parents out in the streets to find who's right and who's wrong' speaks to the disconnect between the older generation and the youth, who were often seen as challenging societal norms through their music and fashion choices. Elton John, through this song, captures the spirit of a generation seeking identity and freedom of expression in the face of traditional values.