About the song
Released in 1972 on the album Honky Château, “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” stands as one of Elton John’s most emotionally resonant deep cuts. Unlike the radio-friendly anthems that defined much of his early career, this song offers a more introspective, heartfelt reflection on life in New York City, capturing both its magic and its harsh realities. Written by Elton John and longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, the song remains a favorite among devoted fans and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.
A Reflection on New York City and Disillusionment
The inspiration for “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” came from Bernie Taupin’s first impressions of New York City, a place he had romanticized but found far more complex and unforgiving than expected. The song contrasts glamor and hardship, beauty and chaos, portraying the city as a place where dreams and harsh realities exist side by side. The title itself is a poetic juxtaposition, referencing Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic “Mona Lisa”—a symbol of art, sophistication, and mystery—against the whimsical yet unstable world of the Mad Hatter from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
The lyrics are filled with a sense of loneliness and bittersweet realization, capturing the disillusionment that often comes with chasing dreams in a big city. Taupin’s words convey the struggles of ordinary people trying to survive in a place that doesn’t always live up to its promises. But amid the sadness, there’s also gratitude and resilience, as expressed in the line:
“And I thank the Lord for the people I have found.”
Musical Composition: Stripped-Down and Soulful
Unlike the grand, orchestral arrangements found in many of Elton John’s hits from the era, “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” is a stripped-down, piano-driven ballad. The song showcases one of Elton’s most tender and emotive vocal performances, with his voice carrying both melancholy and quiet hope. The gentle strumming of an acoustic guitar adds warmth, while the song’s subtle gospel influences give it a soulful, hymn-like quality.
Though it was never released as a single, the song has remained a fan favorite, often performed during Elton John’s live concerts. Its understated beauty and deeply personal lyrics make it one of the most emotionally profound pieces in his catalog.
Cultural Impact and Enduring Legacy
Over the years, “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” has been embraced as one of Elton John’s most poignant and underrated songs. It gained renewed attention when it was featured in the 2000 film Almost Famous, introducing it to a younger generation. Elton himself has cited it as one of his favorite songs, returning to it in live performances and even revisiting it with a sequel, “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters (Part Two),” in 1988.
The song’s timeless themes of disillusionment, survival, and gratitude continue to resonate, making it especially relevant in today’s fast-paced, often unforgiving world. It serves as a reminder that while cities like New York can be cold and isolating, they are also places where meaningful connections and moments of beauty can still be found.
For fans of Elton John, this song represents his ability to transcend commercial pop and deliver something deeply personal—a ballad that speaks to the soul, capturing the heartbreak and hope that come with chasing dreams.
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Lyrics
And now I knowSpanish Harlem are not just pretty words to sayI thought I knewBut now I know that rose trees never growIn New York CityUntil you’ve seen this trash can dream come trueYou stand at the edge while people run you throughAnd I thank the LordThere’s people out there like youI thank the Lord there’s people out there like youWhile Mona Lisas and Mad HattersSons of bankers, sons of lawyersTurn around and say good morning to the nightFor unless they see the skyBut they can’t and that is whyThey know not if it’s dark outside or lightThis Broadway’s gotIt’s got a lot of songs to singIf I knew the tunes I might join inI’ll go my way aloneGrow my own, my own seeds shall be sown, in New York CitySubway’s no way for a good man to go downRich man can ride and the hobo he can drownAnd I thank the Lord for the people I have foundI thank the Lord for the people I have foundWhile Mona Lisas and Mad HattersSons of bankers, sons of lawyersTurn around and say good morning to the nightFor unless they see the skyBut they can’t and that is whyThey know not if it’s dark outside or lightAnd now I knowSpanish Harlem are not just pretty words to sayI thought I knewBut now I know that rose trees never growIn New York CitySubway’s no way for a good man to go downRich man can ride and the hobo he can drownAnd I thank the Lord for the people I have foundI thank the Lord for the people I have foundWhile Mona Lisas and Mad HattersSons of bankers, sons of lawyersTurn around and say good morning to the nightFor unless they see the skyBut they can’t and that is whyThey know not if it’s dark outside or lightThey know not if it’s dark outside or light