This song hits me hard every time. Brings me to tears. “Empty Garden (Hey Hey Johnny)” is Elton John’s 1982 tribute to John Lennon. Bernie Taupin wrote the lyrics after Lennon’s murder in December 1980. Elton set them to music for the album Jump Up!. The two men were friends; Elton is godfather to Sean Lennon, and they had collaborated on “Whatever Gets You Thru the Night.” Lennon joined Elton onstage at Madison Square Garden on 28 November 1974—Lennon’s last major concert appearance. The title and the garden image point to that venue and to the absence left behind. “Johnny” is Lennon. The line “Can’t you come out to play?” echoes Lennon’s “Dear Prudence.” Elton has said he initially resisted writing a tribute song, fearing it would feel clumsy, until he saw Taupin’s words. He has rarely performed the song live since the 1982 tour because it brings back the memory of the murder.