🔘 Crocodile Rock – Single: Oct. 1972

In the colourful autumn of 1972, Elton John was firmly established as one of the brightest stars in pop and rock. With his flamboyant stage presence and gifted songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin, he released a fun, nostalgic rocker that paid playful homage to the 1950s and 1960s rock 'n' roll era. “Crocodile Rock” combined pounding piano, a catchy “la-la-la” chorus, and upbeat energy that made it an instant crowd-pleaser and a perfect singalong anthem.

Released on October 27, 1972, the single appeared on DJM Records under catalogue number DJS 275. Backed with “Elderberry Wine,” this 7-inch release became a major hit and helped build huge anticipation for Elton’s forthcoming album *Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player*.

Label: DJM Records

Catalogue Number: DJS 275

Format: 7" Vinyl Single (Push-Out/Solid Centre)

Released: October 27, 1972 (UK)

🔘 Track List

UK 7" Single — DJM – DJS 275 — 1972

A. Crocodile Rock

B. Elderberry Wine

Written by:

- Crocodile Rock: Elton John / Bernie Taupin

- Elderberry Wine: Elton John / Bernie Taupin

Produced by: Gus Dudgeon

Recorded: June–July 1972 at Château d'Hérouville, France

🔘 Key Highlights

• Released October 27, 1972

• Playful retro-style rocker with a massive, infectious chorus

• Elton John’s second Top 5 UK hit of 1972

• Chart debut: November 4, 1972

• Peaked at No. 5 in the UK

🔘 The Story

“Crocodile Rock” arrived as a joyful, tongue-in-cheek tribute to the rock 'n' roll records Elton grew up loving. Its simple, repetitive chorus and driving piano riff made it instantly memorable and hugely popular with audiences. Produced by Gus Dudgeon with bright, energetic arrangements, the track perfectly balanced Elton’s showmanship with catchy pop sensibilities.

The B-side “Elderberry Wine” offered a strong, soulful contrast with its bluesy feel and powerful vocal performance. The single performed very well in the UK and went on to become Elton’s first No. 1 hit in the United States early in 1973, marking a major milestone in his career during the peak of the glam and pop explosion.

🔘 Variants (UK)

• 7", 45 RPM, Push-Out Centre — DJM – DJS 275 — UK — 1972

• 7", 45 RPM, Solid Centre — DJM – DJS 275 — UK — 1972

• 7", 45 RPM, Demo — DJM – DJS 275 — UK — 1972

• Issued in standard DJM company sleeve

🔘 Chart Performance

UK — Official Singles Chart

Entered the chart on November 4, 1972 at No. 42, climbed steadily and peaked at No. 5. It spent a total of 14 weeks on the chart.

Total Weeks: 14

🔘 Context & Notes

• A-side: “Crocodile Rock” – upbeat, nostalgic rocker with a fun 1950s-inspired chorus and energetic piano.

• B-side: “Elderberry Wine” – soulful, blues-tinged track providing strong contrast.

• Production: Gus Dudgeon – delivering bright, polished production that enhanced the song’s catchy appeal.

• Sleeve notes: Standard DJM company sleeve.

• Historical placement: Released in the heart of the glam era, showing Elton John’s ability to blend retro influences with contemporary pop success.

• Reissues / compilation appearances: A staple on virtually every Elton John greatest hits album and *Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player* reissues.

🔘 Related Material

• Honky Cat (1972)

• Daniel (1973)

• Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player (1973)

• Rocket Man (1972)

🔘 Discography

Honky Cat – Single: 1972

Crocodile Rock – Single: 1972

Daniel – Single: 1973

Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting – Single: 1973

🔘 Mini‑Timeline

✦ June–July 1972 — Recorded at Château d'Hérouville, France

✦ October 27, 1972 — UK single released

✦ November 4, 1972 — Enters UK Singles Chart

✦ December 1972 — Peaks at No. 5

✦ Early February 1973 — Completes 14-week chart run

🔘 Glam Flashback

With a pounding piano, a cheeky la-la-la chorus and plenty of flair, Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock” brought retro rock 'n' roll joy to the glitter-soaked charts of 1972.

#ReleaseChronicle #EltonJohn #CrocodileRock #1972 #DJM

🔘 Sources

Primary reference sources: DJM Records, Discogs, Official Charts Company, contemporary music-press documentation, archival references.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKqE6mJHaEM