Elton John celebrated his birthday yesterday (March 25), and he marked the day by sharing the first song he ever co-wrote with longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin.

Embedded below is “Scarecrow.” Per the song’s YouTube description, “Written before they had even met, Scarecrow was in the bundle of words that Ray Williams presented to young Reg Dwight. Referenced in the lyric to Curtains (‘I used to know this old scarecrow. He was my song / My joy and sorrow’).”

Elton John – Scarecrow (Piano/Tambourine Demo / Lyric Video)

We’re going back right to the very beginning of Elton & Bernie’s collaborative career with this, the first music that Elton applied to Bernie’s lyrics. Writt…

“Scarecrow” is featured on the box set ‘Jewel Box,’ which was released in November 2020 and spans John’s career from 1965 to 2019. In total, the box set features 148 songs all curated by Sir Elton ranging from rare b-sides and other deep cuts. All tracks from the box set are now available for streaming on all major digital platforms here.

Elton John: His 40 Greatest Songs