The Bitch Is Back

On Caribou. Single released in September 1974. Peaked at #4. Taupin's first wife, Maxine, hatched the phrase "the bitch is back" in reference to Elton and his mood swings. Initially, MCA Records was concerned about the track's potentially offensive title. Some radio stations, especially in the South, were cold to the single and bleeped out the word "bitch." MCA's concern prompted a confusing initial push to promote "Cold Highway," the B-side, as the single.