As usual with Taupin, the lyrics are a complex riddle, involving 's dynamic String Arrangement .
The song describes a family living with mental illness. The first line is the first clue to Taupin's riddle. "Levon wears his war wound like a crown" refers to being used as a "pawn" in warfare, and receiving a head injury. His son, irreverently named " Jesus ", is growing apart from his father, who seems to fixate on religious and status symbols. The song's refrain, "He shall be Levon" contains a subtle pun which John's phrasing carefully obscures: "He shall believe on".
"Levon" has since been remade by several artists, including Bon Jovi and Billy Klippert . It was also taken on by Taylor Hicks on the fifth season of '' American Idol '' and was one of the most praised performances of that season.
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