I think this a song of realization, specifically the brutal reality of New York or any major city. The realization of the fact that people are overrun by the power of money and selfishness. I feel that the rose trees are symbolic for the growing of relationships, which would explain "I thank they Lord there's people out there like you" showing the appreciation for whomever he speaks of. I think the chorus shows what these people are missing, "turn around and say good morning to the night" shows how these people are letting life pass them by, and "for unless they see the sky, but they can't and that is why, they know not if it's dark outside or light" shows that they don't even know what they're missing. And the major point of what they are missing is the rose trees, friends, lovers, whatever Taupin means by the rose trees. Then finally the last verse just solidifies everything by talking about the rich man riding the subway and the hobo being left behind, shows the lack of compassion these mona lisas and mad hatters have. But the people (or rose trees) that "I have found" are not like that, and "I thank the Lord." Little lengthy, but I wanted to get everything across.
I think this a song of realization, specifically the brutal reality of New York or any major city. The realization of the fact that people are overrun by the power of money and selfishness. I feel that the rose trees are symbolic for the growing of relationships, which would explain "I thank they Lord there's people out there like you" showing the appreciation for whomever he speaks of. I think the chorus shows what these people are missing, "turn around and say good morning to the night" shows how these people are letting life pass them by, and "for unless they see the sky, but they can't and that is why, they know not if it's dark outside or light" shows that they don't even know what they're missing. And the major point of what they are missing is the rose trees, friends, lovers, whatever Taupin means by the rose trees. Then finally the last verse just solidifies everything by talking about the rich man riding the subway and the hobo being left behind, shows the lack of compassion these mona lisas and mad hatters have. But the people (or rose trees) that "I have found" are not like that, and "I thank the Lord." Little lengthy, but I wanted to get everything across.