# Bernie Taupin Wrote This No. 1 Hit in 1985 (And It Wasn’t an Elton John Song)

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/bernie-taupin-wrote-this-no-1-hit-in-1985-and-it-wasnt-an-elton-john-song/
- Published: 2026-07-27T23:00:00+00:00
- Original publisher: American Songwriter
- Original article: https://americansongwriter.com/bernie-taupin-wrote-this-no-1-hit-in-1985-and-it-wasnt-an-elton-john-song/
- Topics: Art, Culture, Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Bernie Taupin wrote the 1985 No. 1 hit 'We Built This City' by Starship, extending his reach beyond his famous Elton John collaborations
- The song evolved from a darker critique of LA's dying live music scene into a more commercial pop anthem
- Taupin expressed no regrets despite later criticism that the track was too polished for an anti-commercial message

## Summary

Bernie Taupin is chiefly recognized as the lyricist behind Elton John's catalogue of classics, yet his songwriting extended beyond that partnership. In 1985, he co-wrote "We Built This City" with Starship, which became a major commercial success and demonstrated his range across different artists and musical styles.

The track underwent substantial transformation from its original conception. Taupin's initial version was a darker commentary on how Los Angeles nightclub culture was disappearing and live musicians had nowhere to perform, but the final released version became a catchier, more mainstream pop hit. Some observers later disputed whether such a polished song could authentically critique commercialism, though Taupin dismissed such criticism and stated he maintains no regrets about the work.

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