Context

This line was sung by Elton John in the song "Philadelphia Freedom," written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin (1975). It was released as a single and wasn't included on an album until Elton John's Greatest Hits Volume II (1977).

This lovely little ditty was written for Sir Elton's friend, tennis player Billie Jean King.

King was an amazing tennis player. Like, Serena Williams amazing. She played in an epic "Battle of the Sexes" match on September 20th, 1973, against Bobby Riggs, and she won, turning the tables on what had been a man's world.

Sir Elton met King at a party in 1973, and they struck up a friendship. In 1974, while they were headed to a concert, Sir Elton told King he wanted to write a song for her. Since King had played on the Philadelphia Freedom tennis team, the title just kind of fell into place, although the song isn't actually about tennis. Oh, well. King clearly didn't mind since she and Elton John are still friends today.

Where you've heard it

The real tennis team is still kicking, and there was a soccer team sporting the same name from 1990-2007. And maybe you've heard the Hall & Oates version of the song.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

It's pretty cool to have an anthem to your city. Just maybe don't sing this outside of Philadelphia.