“Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” by Elton John

On “Saturday Night’s Alright”, Elton John describes an experience in his youthful age where he was mainly interested in having fun at bars, getting drunk and finally getting into some fights. 

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Elton John's Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting) at Lyrics.org.

His desire for these things are usually associated with youthful curiosity and excitement. However, the singer also suggests that he craves for such things as a result of his upbringing. John begins by looking out for his mates to accompany him get his belly filled with booze. He then makes a reference to his father who is a notable drunkard and his mother who does not really care about this behavior. His father’s lifestyle could have possibly triggered his new habit.

In the chorus, we see the singer rebel against any form of authority, while sending a caution to adults not to correct them anymore. Young guys in his days usually visited pubs on Saturdays to get intoxicated and then get into fights, and this is exactly what the singer feels comfortable doing. He also wants to get a girl that very night and describes himself as one of the typical bad boys with leather jackets and motorbikes who refuse to succumb to any authority. He further states that his best friend floats in glass, signifying his love for alcoholism and delinquent behavior.

All in all…

“Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” tells the tale of the narrator’s rebellious youth as well as his love for alcohol.

Lyrics of "Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting)"

Facts about “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)”

  • “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” was written by Elton John together with his regular songwriting collaborator, Bernie Taupin.
  • Gus Dudgeon, who has produced several hit songs for John, produced this classic.
  • On 16th July 1973, John issued “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” as the first single from his seventh studio album, named, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”.
  • The song did not only feature on John’s 7th studio album, but it also appeared on a host of his compilation albums, including Elton John’s Greatest Hits of 1974
  • The track was used in Ricky Gervais’ comedy drama movie of 2010, titled, “Cemetery Junction“.
  • During live performances of this track, John often allowed fans to join him on stage. However, he aborted this practice in March 2018, after being harassed by an anxious fan, resulting in John leaving the stage. He returned back on stage and stated that “No more coming on stage on ‘Saturday Night.’ You f—-d it up.”
  • This classic rock single appeared in the 2017 comedy movie, “Kingsman: The Golden Circle“.
  • Even though “Saturday Night’s Alright” was not the best charting single of John, it managed to peak at No.7 in the UK. In America, it reached No.12.

Cover Versions and Samples of “Saturday Night’s Alright”

“Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” has been covered by a number of high profile artists. They include:

  • American metal band, Flotsam and Jetsam (in 1988)
  • The Who (in 1991)
  • Verbal Abuse (1986)
  • W.A.S.P. (in 2000)
  • Fall Out Boy (in 2014)

In 1979, Italian singer Umberto Tozzi incorporated samples of this classic rock tune in his track titled, “Gloria”. Australian guitarist, Tommy Emmanuel also added samples of the tune in his 1995 song, “Classical Gas”.

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