The Bitch Is Back! Song of the Day - June 1st

“I can bitch, I can bitch 'cause I'm better than you
It's the way that I move, the things that I do, oh-oh-oh.”

Welcome to Pride Month 2023!!

The Bitch is BACK, baby!

What better way to kick off our month-long, song-of-the-day celebration than with, “The Bitch,” himself, 

SIR Elton John!

Fabulous. Flamboyant. Phenomenal. Arguably the greatest performer and recording artist of all time. And one of the most important queer icons, figures, and inspirations across the generations. 

Elton’s music is simply transcendent. 

He’s Daring. Groundbreaking. And so captivating that he has mesmerized and transported fans and audiences worldwide into a realm in which all are loved, celebrated, and safe to be exactly who they are - in every beautiful way imaginable.

The track that Elton refers to as his personal theme song came together in good humor one day when he was in a particularly foul mood, and Bernie’s (Taupin) wife, Maxine, saw him coming and said, “Uh-Oh, the bitch is back.” Bernie was so amused by the phrase that he wrote the legendary track, which in turn, of course, Elton put to music.

“The Bitch Is Back” is infamous for being the first single released with the word “bitch” in the title, and upon release in 1974, stations were anxious to put the song into rotation. Some refused to play it initially. Some tried to edit the bitches out - haha, but we all know that ain’t happening (and since Elton says it 42 times in the song, it sounded absolutely ridiculous without the bitches.)

Elton’s groundbreaking personal anthem opened up the door in such important ways for queer artists (and all artist in general!) to express themselves with freedom and abandon in their music. The song obviously became a smash hit, rising to number four on the charts, and continued Elton’s unprecedented run of top-10 smashes throughout the mid 70s.

Each day, throughout the month of June, we’re going to highlight a song, and artist, with our song-of-the-day selection as a part of our celebration of all things queer and beautiful!

Stay tuned here each day this month for a little slice of Pride - ‘cause the Bitch is back baby, stone cold, sober, matter of fact! And the party is here on Ascent, all month long.

Much love, all!