"Sixty Years On" is a song by Elton John, which first appeared on his self titled album, Elton John. The lyrics were written by long-time writing partner Bernie Taupin, and the music by John.
The original recording for Elton John and a recording from Elton John's 1987 live album Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra are heavily orchestrated and the song is traditionally played in concert with orchestral backing. However, the recording which appeared on John's 1970 live album, 17-11-70, and performances on John's Rocket Man Solo Tour have proven that the song can be played with minimal instrumentation.
The song tells the story of a handicapped war veteran who lives alone with a dog. He is unwilling to live in such conditions.
John used the song to open his show at Madison Square Garden on 25 March 2007. The show was performed on, and in dedication, of his sixtieth birthday. The performance was also Elton John's record breaking sixtieth performance at Madison Square Garden.
