Bernie Taupin (born May 22, 1950) is a lyricist famous for his collaboration with Elton John.

Taupin was born in Anwick, a village outside Sleaford, Lincolnshire, in the United Kingdom. His family moved while he was young, and he grew up in another Lincolnshire village, Owmby-by-Spital, where his father managed a farm. He went to school in nearby Market Rasen, where he used to go out drinking with his friends. He was something of a tearaway when he was young and was not a diligent worker at school, though he showed an early flair for writing.

Many of his early lyrics look back to his rural upbringing, though from the beginning he showed an interest in the USA and American culture.

In 1967, he answered an advertisement for a lyric-writer printed in the New Musical Express which began the famous and well-loved team of John/Taupin. John and Taupin have collaborated on over 30 albums. Taupin's lyrics include such memorable tunes as "Candle in the Wind," "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me," and 1969's "Your Song," his and John's first hit.

Taupin has written a book The One Who Writes the Words for Elton John, and has recorded two works for aural medium. These days he lives on a ranch in southern California and has taken to painting, although he is still actively involved in music.

External link

• Taupin's official site