The titular road is a reference to L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz film and book series.

I had to travel a long road and visit the school of hard knocks before I could come even close to achieving that goal.

It was one of John's biggest hits, and quickly surpassed his previous single, "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting", in both sales and popularity, following its release.

[9] "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" received generally positive response from music critics.

[2] Billboard stated that the song's "sonic impression is still strong and haunting" and the "blending of voices with strings on the bridges is beautiful," although the lyrics are sometimes difficult to understand.

[11] Cash Box described the song as "soft, melodic pop that’s going to impress folks all over again as to [John's] performing abilities," going on to say that "Bernie Taupin’s lyrics are again highly poetic and blend perfectly with Elton's music.

"[12] Record World called it "a gorgeous John-Taupin tune that rivals their very best compositions" with a "beautiful melody woven through a standout lyric.

1 on the RPM 100 national singles chart on 22 December 1973 and held the position for one week,[17] making it John's third No.

John's One Night Only: The Greatest Hits Live at Madison Square Garden featured this song performed as a duet with Billy Joel.