About the song
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” is a delightful duet performed by Elton John and Kiki Dee, released in the summer of 1976. This catchy and light-hearted tune became an instant hit, marking a significant moment in both artists’ careers. Written by Elton John and his long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin under the playful pseudonyms “Ann Orson” and “Carte Blanche,” the song was designed as a loving tribute to the Motown duets of the 1960s, especially those by Marvin Gaye and his various partners such as Tammi Terrell and Kim Weston.
The origins of the song reveal an interesting backstory. Initially, John and Taupin intended to record the duet with the iconic Dusty Springfield. However, due to Springfield’s ill health at the time, the offer was withdrawn, and Kiki Dee stepped in to create what would become a defining moment in her career. Kiki Dee, a talented singer in her own right, had already made a name for herself but found new heights of fame with this collaboration.
When “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” was released, it was not tied to any specific album, which was unusual for Elton John’s singles during the 1970s. Despite this, the song soared to the top of the charts, becoming the first number-one hit in the UK for both John and Dee. It dominated the UK Singles Chart for six weeks and also became a massive success in the United States, where it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks. The song’s infectious melody and playful lyrics quickly made it a favorite, leading to its certification as platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Critical reception to the song was mixed at the time. Some critics in the UK expressed mild disappointment, noting that while the duet showcased the vocal talents of both John and Dee, the song itself was not as memorable as expected from such accomplished artists. However, in the United States, the song was praised for its simplicity and charm, with publications like Cash Box and Record World highlighting the excellent harmonies and the appealing arrangement.
The success of “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” extended beyond the charts. The song became a staple of pop culture, with memorable performances that solidified its place in music history. In 1977, Elton John performed the song with Miss Piggy on “The Muppet Show,” adding a humorous twist to the already beloved track. The song was also part of John’s set at the historic Live Aid concert in 1985, where he performed it with Kiki Dee in front of a massive audience at Wembley Stadium.
Over the years, the song’s popularity has endured, and it reached a significant milestone in 2013 when it surpassed one million sales in the UK, nearly four decades after its original release. The B-side of the single, “Snow Queen,” which had been a rarity for years, was finally made widely available on CD in 2019, much to the delight of fans and collectors.
“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” remains a timeless duet that continues to bring joy to listeners, showcasing the incredible chemistry between Elton John and Kiki Dee. It is a song that captures the essence of the 1970s pop scene, blending nostalgia with a sense of fun, and it stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of both artists.
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Lyrics
Don’t go breaking my heart
I couldn’t if I tried
Honey if I get restless
Baby you’re not that kind
Don’t go breaking my heart
You take the weight off of me
Honey when you knock on my door
Ooh, I gave you my key
Woo hoo
Nobody knows it
When I was down
I was your clown
Woo hoo
Nobody knows it
(Nobody knows… it)
Right from the start
I gave you my heart
Oh-oh I give you my heart
So don’t go breaking my heart
I won’t go breaking your heart
Don’t go breaking my heart
Nobody told us
‘Cause nobody showed us
Now it’s up to us babe
Whoa I think we can make it
So don’t misunderstand me
You put the light in my life
Oh, you put the spark to the flame
I got your heart in my sight
Woo hoo
Nobody knows it
But when I was down
I was your clown
Woo hoo
Nobody knows it
(Nobody knows… it)
Right from the start
I gave you my heart
Oh-oh
I give you my heart
Don’t go breaking my heart
I won’t go breaking your heart
Don’t go breaking my heart
Woo hoo
Nobody knows it
(Woo hoo) When I was down
(Woo hoo) I was your clown
(Woo hoo) Right from the start
(Woo hoo) I gave you my heart
Oh-oh I give you my heart
Don’t go breaking my heart
I won’t go breaking your heart
(Don’t go breaking my)
(Don’t go breaking my)
Don’t go breaking my heart
I won’t (aaah) go breaking your heart
Don’t go breaking my heart
(Don’t go breaking my)
I won’t (aaah) go breaking your heart
Don’t go breaking my heart
(Don’t go breaking my)
I won’t (aaah) go breaking your heart
Don’t go breaking my heart
(Don’t go breaking my)
I won’t (aaah) go breaking your heart
Don’t go breaking my heart
(Don’t go breaking my)
I won’t (aaah) go breaking your heart
Don’t go breaking my heart
(Don’t go breaking my)
I won’t (aaah) go breaking your heart
Don’t go breaking my heart
(Don’t go breaking my)
I won’t (aaah) go breaking your heart
Don’t go breaking my heart