The Bitch Is Back

Elton John and Bernie Taupin crafted a hard rock anthem that skewered the artist's own celebrity lifestyle in "The Bitch Is Back." Released as the second single from the 1974 album Caribou, the track showcases John driving his piano with a raw, aggressive energy that defined the era. The song reached number one in Canada and peaked at number four on the US charts, proving its broad appeal beyond just radio play.

The lyrics describe a woman who is stone-cold sober and bitter, a characterization John admitted reflected his chaotic behavior during his mid-1970s peak. Gus Dudgeon handled production duties, ensuring the sound remained punchy and direct while avoiding the softer ballad style of John's earlier work. This shift marked a deliberate turn toward harder rock textures that would define the rest of the decade for the musician.

Cultural resonance has kept the track relevant for decades. In April 2024, outlets unearthed footage of John performing the song live at Dodger Stadium in 1974, where he appeared dressed as a hornet. Billy Porter later performed a rendition on PBS's Gershwin Prize program in 2024, highlighting its enduring relevance in musical theater and pop culture. A famous television moment also saw Joan Rivers singing alongside John and Cher, an event commemorated in retrospectives years later. [edit]