Elton John Believes A 'Higher Power' Got Him Through His Life's Troubles: 'He's Been There All The Time'
By Favour Adegoke on December 12, 2024 at 5:30 PM EST
Sir Elton John is expressing his thanks to a "higher power."
In a new interview, the British singer offered his gratitude to a being he credited with helping him through depression, loneliness, and his drug addiction.
In the past, Elton John has discussed other personal struggles, including how he lost his sight in one eye due to a debilitating eye infection.
Elton John Credits A 'Higher Power' For Guiding Him Through Life
Speaking with Time magazine, John reflected on how he has overcome many of life's troubles over the years.
The 77-year-old, at different points in his life, had issues with drug addiction, depression, and a period of loneliness.
He now credits his triumph over these struggles to a "higher being," who he believes has watched over him throughout his life. He also admitted that while he sensed something greater was at work in his life, he simply hadn't "acknowledged" that presence before.
"I don't really believe in the biblical God too much, but I have faith," the "Your Song" singer told the outlet. "My higher power has been looking after me all my life; he's got me through drugs, he's got me through depression, he's got me through loneliness, and he got me sober."
John added, "He's been there all the time, I think. I just didn't acknowledge him."
Elton John Says He Made Terrible Decisions When He Was Addicted To Drugs
Today, John has been sober for several decades after being introduced to cocaine by his former lover and manager, John Reid.
Reflecting on that lifestyle, the singer admitted that turning to drugs initially helped him cope with his crippling shyness, but it eventually consumed him and led to "terrible decisions."
Among these was his tendency to pursue romantic relationships in unhealthy and destructive ways.
The songwriter shared, "I wanted love so badly, I'd just take hostages. I'd see someone I liked and spend three or four months together, and then they would resent me because they had nothing in their life apart from me. It really upsets me, thinking back on how many people I probably hurt."
Since overcoming his struggles with addiction, John has been deeply committed to helping others break free from its grip. Having witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of substance abuse, he now advocates avoiding all drugs, including legal marijuana.
He added, "I maintain that it's addictive. It leads to other drugs. And when you're stoned—and I've been stoned—you don't think normally,"
The Oscar Winner Still Hates Making Music Videos
Despite his extensive catalog of songs, John still dislikes making music videos and feels they are better suited for "good-looking people."
He shared, "I'm not very good at looking at myself. I don't think you ever lose that body consciousness. I just think it stays with you forever. But I am much better."
The Royal Academy of Music alum also greatly dislikes TV, claiming that it does more harm than good to an artist's career and personality.
"Being on TV all the time kills your career, kills your vibe, kills your charisma totally," John added.
These days, he would rather spend his time enjoying the little things of life and wouldn't mind not being able to play music again if it meant he would never be able to listen to it again.
Elton John Gave An Update About Losing His Eyesight
Back in July, John suffered the loss of his eyesight in his right eye due to an infection he contracted while abroad.
However, it wasn't until September that he disclosed the issue, sharing that he felt positive about the progress he had made in his healing and recovery.
Recently, he shared an update on his condition during an interview with ABC News, revealing that while there is hope for improvement, he is currently unable to create music.
He shared, "I'm kind of stuck at the moment…going into the studio and recording, I don't know, because I can't see a lyric for a start."
John added, "It's never fortunate for anything like this to happen. And it kind of floored me and I can't see anything, I can't read anything, I can't watch anything."
The Singer's Friends Are Concerned About Him
According to a source who spoke to The Sun, John's close circle believes his packed schedule is affecting him.
"Elton's friends are seriously concerned about how much he has taken on and believe it is having a major impact on his health," an insider said, per the Daily Mail. "Quite a few people who he is close to have now encouraged him to slow down because he has been busier than ever this year. He isn't getting any younger, and his health has been deteriorating in the past few years."
They added, "The whole point of his farewell tour was that he would be home more once it finished, but he is still working to an intense schedule. Something has to give."