Why did Elton John write the song Philadelphia Freedom for Billie Jean King and her tennis team?
Here’s the story behind the Philadelphia Freedom lyrics: “The first song wrote consciously as a single, is a tribute to Elton’s friend Billy Jean King and her tennis team, the Philadelphia Freedoms. Elton had told her he would have Bernie write lyrics for her, capting the idea of winning despite all odds, and she thought “No way!”. Elton, who met Billy Jean and Jimmy Connors in 1973, had been allowed to play against her on court and the song should be in return for that. But he did it and asked to Bernie. “I said to Bernie: could you write a song called Philadelphia Freedom for me? Thank you, Elton”. “I can’t write a song about tennis” protested Bernie. And he did it. “It’s not exactly the easiest title to deal with” added Bernie. Bernie claims that lyrics mean nothing. Billy Jean explained “Elton was so nervous when he play me the song, but I loved it… it was so thoughtful, it meant a lot”. The friendship reminds over the years. “I beat Billy Jean at tennis once” Elton recalled. “I
