Beyond the Yellow Brick Road

What better time to explore the Yellow Brick Road (click) than Elton John's 60th birthday. In Elton's bitter song, so harmonious, the yellow road is the road of howling celebrity dogs, of penthouses, of vodka tonics, the opposite of the John Denver Country Road. Elton longs for the horny toad and the farm--
Singing in Madison Square Garden, partying in style in New York, Elton certainly hasn't given up the howl of society dogs for the howl of the old owl in the woods. If there is anything beyond the yellow brick road for Elton, it seems to be the streets paved with gold.

W.W. Denslow's drawing of Scarecrow hung up on pole and helpless, from first edition of book, in 1900


The Yellow Brick Road for me has always been more than Hollywood and fantasy land. Over the rainbow, curving back upon itself, rather than going straight; twisting, turning, it has no automobiles, and takes us into the world of wizards and witches. Those in a hurry use magic to get wherever they are going. But it is best to linger, to meet the others who wander this enchanted way.
The yellow brick road leads into Pan's Labyrinth, (read the review) removed from but not immune to the horrors of Fascist Spain. It leads to danger, down the rabbit hole, into the forest of Hansel and Gretel, or the forest of Red Riding Hood. Perhaps this is where Elton's old Owl howls best.

Sir Elton (right) and his partner David Furnish wore lavish costumes to a pantomime-themed party to celebrate Matt Lucas' civil partnership to TV producer Kevin McGee in 2006.

I'd not say Goodbye to that Yellow Brick Road so quickly. Its scarecrows and cowardly lions are our best hope of reaching the Emerald City.




Amazing Trails,

Jameson