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Jim - Dunedin, FL Elton's lyricist Bernie Taupin wrote this song as a love letter to his wife at the time, Toni Russo, who is the sister of the actress Rene Russo. In the album credits, Bernie wrote, "Hey Toni, this one's for you." >>

Discussing the meaning of the song, Bernie Taupin said: "I wrote this in Montserrat, an island that, tragically, no longer exists. Basically, it's a letter home with a small tip included about making the most of time, not wishing it away just because you can't be with the one you love. Time is precious; read books, paint a picture, bake a cake. Just don't wallow, don't be content."

Too Low for Zero was the first Elton John album since Blue Moves in 1976 with Bernie Taupin as the exclusive lyricist. During their time apart, each had success working with other artists. Taupin collaborated with Alice Cooper, and Elton turned to Gary Osbourne for lyrics.

This song contains one of the few lyrics that Bernie Taupin regrets. He said: "The whole 'loving you more than I love life itself' is something I would never say now. It's kind of a crass sentiment and totally false. It's quite another thing to love someone deeply with your whole heart without stooping to this kind of lie. I loathe giving songwriting advice, but were I pushed, I'd say, 'Never say you love someone more than life or that you'd die for someone in a song.' It's just such a disservice to your own spirit. I'd like to think that I'd lay down my life for my children, but until you're faced with the reality, it's kind of a moot point. Rambling, I know, but relative nonetheless."

The Too Low For Zero album has special meaning for Elton, as it reunited him with Taupin and is also where he met his first spouse, Renate Blauel, who was an engineer on the sessions. Elton cites this song as his favorite from the set, telling Rolling Stone, "It's just a great song to sing. It's timeless."