"Sacrifice" is a song by English musician Elton John, written by John and Bernie Taupin, from John's 22nd studio album, Sleeping with the Past (1989). It was first released in October 1989 as the second single from the album. It achieved success in 1990, particularly in France and the United Kingdom, becoming John's first solo chart-topper in both nations. The song describes how hard it is to stay faithful and devoted in a marriage, challenging the mantra that a successful union requires sacrifice.[4] Due to the song's success, John has played this song in various locations in the 32 years since it was released.[5]
Chart performance
"Sacrifice" was initially released as a single in 1989 but stalled at number 55 in the UK and at number 18 in the US in March 1990. In mid-1990, English DJ Steve Wright began playing the song on BBC Radio 1, soon followed by many more radio DJs. The song was then re-released as a double A-side single, along with "Healing Hands", and reached number one in the UK in June 1990. Thus, it became John's first solo number-one single in the UK Singles Chart, remaining on the top spot for five weeks. With this re-release, Elton John also got his first number one in France and stayed on the chart for 26 weeks.
Music video
The accompanying music video for "Sacrifice" was directed by Alek Keshishian and starred supermodel Yasmeen Ghauri and singer-songwriter Chris Isaak.[6] The video, which follows the song's lyrics, portrays a man and woman having problems in their relationship after being married and raising a daughter. After they go their separate ways, the man raises his daughter alone.[7]
* Sales figures based on certification alone. ^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Samples
This song, along with other Elton John songs "Rocket Man", "Kiss the Bride" and "Where's the Shoorah?", was sampled in the 2021 collaboration between John and Dua Lipa titled "Cold Heart".[47]
References
^"New Singles". Music Week. 21 October 1989. p. 41.
^Sacrifice (US & Canadian cassette single). Elton John. MCA Records. 1989. MCAC-53750.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Sacrifice (German mini-CD single liner notes). Elton John. The Rocket Record Company. 1989. 876 412-3.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Sacrifice (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Elton John. The Rocket Record Company. 1989. EJS 20 12, 876 331-1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Sacrifice (UK CD single liner notes). Elton John. The Rocket Record Company. 1989. EJSCD 20, 876 331-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Sacrifice / Healing Hands (UK 7-inch single sleeve). Elton John. The Rocket Record Company. 1990. EJS 22, 875 808-7.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Sacrifice / Healing Hands (UK cassette single sleeve). Elton John. The Rocket Record Company. 1990. EJSMC 22, 875 808-4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Sacrifice / Healing Hands (UK 12-inch single sleeve). Elton John. The Rocket Record Company. 1990. EJS 2212, 875 809-1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
^Sacrifice / Healing Hands (UK CD single liner notes). Elton John. The Rocket Record Company. 1990. EJSCD 22, 875 809-2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)