Seems it never rains in Southern California. We've often heard that kind of talk before; one day it had a life-changing effect on Reginald Dwight.
In Watford, in the 1960's, most houses still had an outside loo and somebody had to supply them. Reg's mum and dad ran 'The Plough' pub, and hoped little Reggie would one day take over; but Reg had bigger dreams. He went into business with his pal Bernard - Reg designed and built conveniences, while his friend provided a cheap and lightweight waterproof roofing. The orders flooded in. Business boomed. But it wasn't enough for Reg....
Seems it never rains in Southern California. Reg heard Albert Hammond on the radio one day and decided it was time to expand. Bernard was less than keen - he liked Watford, he liked the rain, he liked 'The Plough', he wished Reg had listened to his old man. They rowed. Reg claimed he didn't need Bernard's lightweight waterproof roofing in a state where it never rained. He decided to fly away.
He got on board a westbound seven forty seven. Changed his name. Changed the firm's name to bring it in line with American phraseology. Started touting his goods. Soon he realised that many American homes had inside lavatories. Undeterred he sold his alfresco toilets as a novelty - something to compliment a garden party or BBQ; a quaint reminder to expats of austerities passed... then it started raining. Man, it started raining.
Reg's toilets had a built-in obsolescence - they were attractive enough, but any businessman will tell you there's no point making something that'll last forever. Back in Blighty the old loos were crumbling away and there was no-one around to replace them. Things got so bad that fathers would urinate in the street - a protest at having to 'go' outside without the proper convenience. Bernard, watching from his upstairs room, finally decided where his future lied: beyond this yellowed brick road. He called Reg. Reg was calling him. They got an 'engaged' signal for six years, until finally making contact once more: "Get on board a westbound seven forty seven....
Elton's Johns & Bernie's Tarpaulins conquered America, The U.K., The World....
Please don't tell 'em how you found me, don't tell 'em how you found me....
©EMI Music Publishing & B. Taupin.
and apologies.
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