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18 March 2023

Sacrifice by Sir Elton John


When I was an A/L student in 1994, I attended an English Union session at Revatha College-Balapiitya, where Vinoth de Silva performed a song that would become one of my favorites. The way I heard it was "CO CO hawa" instead of "Cold, cold heart," which I only realized after reading the lyrics.

Later on, I saw the song on TNL channel's music TV program and a variety show on ITN hosted by the legendary Kumar de Silva. The version I saw on ITN was likely the one where Sir Elton John sang and played the piano himself. Even though I didn't fully understand the lyrics at the time, the music arrangement and Elton's voice were amazing. When I looked up the word "sacrifice" in an English-Sinhala dictionary, the definition was out of context.

I also saw a video where a lovely couple acted out the song, which had a sad ending as they broke up. Despite the ending, the music and acting were heart-touching, and the song has always been in my top ten English songs to listen to.

Elton John came back into the spotlight when he performed "Candle in the Wind" at Princess Diana's funeral, which was also a touching and heartbreaking song for me.

The lyrics of the Song as follow

It's a human sign
When things go wrong
When the scent of her lingers
And temptation's strong.

Into the boundary
Of each married man
Sweet deceit comes calling
And negativity lands.

Cold, cold heart
Hard done by you
Some things look better, baby
Just passing through.

And it's no sacrifice
Just a simple word
It's two hearts living
In two separate worlds.

But it's no sacrifice
No sacrifice
It's no sacrifice at all.

Mutual misunderstanding
After the fact
Sensitivity builds a prison
In the final act.

We lose direction
No stone unturned
No tears to damn you
When jealousy burns.

Cold, cold heart
Hard done by you
Some things look better, baby
Just passing through.

And it's no sacrifice
Just a simple word
It's two hearts living
In two separate worlds.

But it's no sacrifice
No sacrifice
It's no sacrifice at all.

Cold, cold heart
Hard done by you
Some things look better, baby
Just passing through.

And it's no sacrifice
Just a simple word
It's two hearts living
In two separate worlds

But it's no sacrifice

No sacrifice
It's no sacrifice at all

No sacrifice at all

No sacrifice at all
No sacrifice at all.

If you're an Elton John fan, you probably know his hit song "Sacrifice." This article will discuss the story behind the song and its lyrics. 

The song is about the sacrifices we make in relationships, particularly in romantic relationships. The scenario of the song is a man who is struggling with the temptation to cheat on his partner, and he reflects on the sacrifice he would have to make to resist that temptation and remain faithful. Throughout the song, Elton John sings about the difficulty of staying faithful when faced with temptation, but also recognizes the value of the relationship and the importance of not sacrificing it for a moment of pleasure.

Throughout the song, Elton John sings about the "boundary of each married man" and how "sweet deceit comes calling" when temptation is strong. He acknowledges the difficulty of staying faithful when faced with such temptation, but also recognizes the value of the relationship and the importance of not sacrificing it for a moment of pleasure.

The song "Sacrifice" by Sir Elton John does not explicitly state whether the couple in the scenario are reunited or not. The song is more about the internal struggle of the man in the scenario and the sacrifices he has to make to resist temptation and stay faithful to his partner.

However, it is also possible that the ending is meant to be more open-ended and that the final message of the song is that sacrifices in relationships are ultimately necessary, regardless of whether or not the couple is reunited. Ultimately, the interpretation of the song's meaning and ending is up to the listener.

The phrase "No stone unturned" I could not properly understood by for long time , its mean  to make every possible effort to find or accomplish something. It suggests a thorough and exhaustive search or investigation where no possible lead or avenue is left unexplored.

The phrase is often used to convey a sense of determination and persistence in trying to achieve a particular goal or to solve a problem. It implies that the person making the effort is willing to leave no possibility unexamined and to use all available resources to accomplish their objective.

The phrase "No stone unturned" in the lyrics of the song means to make every possible effort to find or accomplish something. It suggests a thorough and exhaustive search or investigation where no possible lead or avenue is left unexplored. In the context of the lyrics of "Sacrifice," the phrase suggests that the man in the scenario is willing to go to great lengths and leave no possibility unexplored in order to save his relationship and resist the temptation to cheat on his partner..

The phrase "Sensitivity builds a prison" means that when someone is overly sensitive, they can become trapped or confined by their own emotions. This can lead to them feeling isolated or confined, as if they are trapped in a metaphorical "prison" created by their own emotions. In the context of the lyrics of "Sacrifice," the line "Sensitivity builds a prison in the final act" suggests that the man in the scenario is feeling trapped..

Overall, the line highlights the idea that emotions can be powerful and overwhelming, and if they are not managed properly, they can become a source of confinement or limitation for the person experiencing them.

"Cold, cold heart
Hard done by you
Some things look better, baby
Just passing through"

These lines suggest that the person being addressed in the song has a "cold heart" and has treated the singer poorly, causing him pain and suffering. Despite this, the singer suggests that "some things look better" and that the difficult times they are going through are only temporary, or "just passing through".

The phrase "cold heart" typically means that someone is unfeeling or lacks empathy, suggesting that the person being addressed has not shown the singer the love and affection he desires. The phrase "hard done by you" suggests that the person being addressed has done something to cause the singer to feel wronged or mistreated.

Overall, the lines convey a sense of hurt and frustration on the part of the singer, who is struggling with the difficulties of a relationship with someone who has treated him poorly. At the same time, there is a sense of hope that the difficult times will eventually pass and that things will get better.

The chorus of the song emphasizes the idea that remaining faithful is not a sacrifice, but rather a simple word that represents two hearts living in two separate worlds. The message of the song is that maintaining a strong, healthy relationship requires sacrifice and commitment, but it is ultimately worth it in the end.

The song does end on a somewhat ambiguous note, with the repetition of the line "No sacrifice at all" suggesting that the sacrifices made in relationships are ultimately not sacrifices, but rather necessary actions to maintain a strong and healthy relationship. This could be interpreted as a hopeful message that the man in the scenario will be able to resist temptation and stay faithful to his partner, and that they will be reunited as a result. However, it is also possible that the ending is meant to be more open-ended and that the final message of the song is that sacrifices in relationships are ultimately necessary, regardless of whether or not the couple is reunited. Ultimately, the interpretation of the song's meaning and ending is up to the listener.

The song "Sacrifice" by Sir Elton John is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today. Whether you interpret the song as a hopeful message about the power of love or a cautionary tale about the sacrifices required in relationships, the lyrics and melody are sure to move you.

Jaya

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