Madman Across the Water is the fourth studio album by British singer/songwriter Elton John, released in 1971. The title song, "Madman Across the Water", was set to be released on Elton John's previous album Tumbleweed Connection. However, it was set aside and would eventually serve as the title track of this album. Previous versions of the song (from the Tumbleweed era) can still be found, specifically on the remastered Tumbleweed Connection CD. When it was released in 'The Classic Years' collection, it was the first album not to feature any bonus tracks. One known track recorded at the time, "Rock Me When He's Gone", was released on "Rare Masters" a few years before. The song was written for and recorded by one of John's long-time friends, Long John Baldry. Interestingly, this was John's lowest charting album in the UK, only reaching 41 several months later when follow-up Honky Ch?teau proved to be a return to form commercially. Success was more swiftly-earned in the U.S., where Madman Across the Water managed to reach 8 in early 1972 on the Billboard 200;sountblount. Madman Across the Water, subject to later release in different form, has become an enduring John great, a behemoth..."Take my word, I'm a mad man don't you know." It has flourished as an artistic piece despite its humble notions.