American Triangle
Elton John
Songs From The West Coast, © 2001
Music by Elton John / Lyrics by Bernie Taupin
A moving tribute to Matthew Shepard, the
openly gay
The title of this song refers to the victim
and his two assailants but might also be an allusion to the Pink Triangle which
was the Nazi symbol of hate and intolerance used to identify homosexuals. The
artist sings, "...I've seen a scarecrow wrapped in wire Left to die on a
high ridge fence..." This horrible image of a seemingly lifeless body
draped over a fence also inspired the title of another tribute song,
"Scarecrow" by Melissa Etheridge.
When asked about the inspiration for this
song lyricist Bernie Taupin stated, "Hate and injustice is a subject
matter that I approach often, it's a natural tendency of mine...Bigotry affects
not just the victim but also the perpetrators, everybody loses. Hate is inbred
and sad to say that in the case of Matthew Shepard we have a perfect example of
all of the above."
This tragic tale is also a story of hope and
provides an opportunity to promote change as it reveals the importance of love
and compassion and the healing power of mercy and forgiveness. As Margaret Mead
once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed
citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Source:
CNN.com
"Judge may bar 'gay panic' defense in
Elton John Music and Lyric Resources:
The Official Elton John Web
Site
Referenced and Related Works:
Dennis Shepard's Statement to the Court - 11/4/99
Countee Cullen's "The Incident"
Langston Hughes' "I Dream A World"
Lucille Clifton's "Jasper, Texas, 1998"
Jose Marti's "I Cultivate A White Rose"
Matthew Shepard Foundation
( external page )
Stop The Hate! ( external page )
Stop Hate 2000 ( external page )