We review Elton John in Knoxville using (almost) only his lyrics. Can you spot the songs?

When the spotlight’s done hitting and the electric music fades — after the curtain calls and bows — you are going to regret staying on the farm, listening to your old man or to anyone else who said Elton John was a concert you could miss. Those in attendance at Thompson-Boling Arena saw the piano man make his final stand in Knoxville, and I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words a recap of Friday night's show.

(I know it’s not much, but it’s the best I could do)

You’ve read it in the magazines. But for those who want to know what the papers say about his live show, here goes. Elton's sixth performance in Knoxville was far from simple and, now that it’s done, he is still standing better than ever — which says a lot for a musician with 60 years on stage.

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I made my way to the box office, walking down wet Knoxville streets, with rain on the windows and wind in the trees. Some arrived with E-tickets and began filling inside 90 minutes before the show, not knowing Elton was still in Atlanta at 6:15 p.m. due to plane troubles (take me to the pilot — I’d like to thank him for the timeless flight).

There was no opening act, but you don’t need to hear another voice. Seeing the legendary musician live in modern times is more than enough.

When the concert’s open chord of “Bennie and the Jets” rang out that all was well, it was clear to the thousands of excited eyes and gleaming white teeth in attendance that the half ecstatic and half dejected rocket man is still larger than life.

So large in that moment he could have covered the Smoky Mountains with the palm of his hand. It’s hard to believe things would only get better.

Whether you were stone-cold sober or high as a kite by then, each song felt like a gift — an enchanted moment only he could offer.

How do you think he does it? What makes him so good? Ever since I was a young boy, I’ve had time on my hands to listen to his love songs, sad songs, children’s songs and songs with no title. To hear them crackle on the speakers is great, but there ain’t nothing like the real thing.

The crowd felt like electricity and, while a few people were sitting doing nothing, most were desperate to dance – to shake it loose together with electric boots, dresses tight and clothes attracting everyone with an extravagant Elton sense of style.

We knew the end would come and, at the finish line, Elton closed with "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." Fans wished they could just turn back a page, as the moment felt more like farewell.

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After watching Elton waving goodbye on a platform that made him float, it was time to sit among red tail lights in the parking deck and reflect on how wonderful life is with him in the world. The fact that he might not be back in Knoxville is a sad, sad situation. But on the drive home, passing headlights on the highway, I realized that’s just the circle of life.

Oh, lawdy mama, what a Friday night.

Ryan Wilusz: Knoxville's downtown explorer and urban reporter
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Elton John in Knoxville: A concert review using (almost) all lyrics