Empty Garden (Hey, Hey Johnny)

Elton John's "Empty Garden (Hey, Hey Johnny)" is a poignant tribute to John Lennon, who was tragically murdered in 1980. The song metaphorically refers to Lennon as a gardener, which symbolizes his role as a nurturer of peace and love. The 'empty garden' represents the world without Lennon's presence, feeling the loss of his influential spirit. The lyrics express a deep sense of loss and the impact that one person can have on the world.

The song's narrative unfolds as a series of questions and reflections on the absence left by Lennon's death. The 'New York sunset' alludes to the city where Lennon lived and died, and the 'empty garden' suggests a place that was once full of life but is now desolate. Elton John's repeated knocking and calling for 'Johnny' to come out to play is a heart-wrenching metaphor for the desire to bring back someone who is irreplaceably lost. The mention of 'no one answers' underscores the permanence of Lennon's absence.

The emotional weight of the song is carried by the imagery of a garden that no longer grows, symbolizing the end of an era of creativity and advocacy for peace. The reference to 'one insect' causing so much damage is likely a metaphor for the senselessness of Lennon's assassination. The song is not only a personal expression of Elton John's grief but also a reflection of the collective mourning of music fans and peace activists around the world.