"Skyline Pigeon" is a ballad composed and performed by English musician Elton John with lyrics by Bernie Taupin.
The lyrics of the song are metaphorical – describing a pigeon that is flying high and free having been released from a metal cage by a human hand.
In 1972, John re-recorded the song with his band (Dee Murray, Nigel Olsson and Davey Johnstone) during the sessions for Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player.
According to John' official website, the 1972 recording of "Skyline Pigeon" was particularly popular in Brazil, where it was used on the soundtrack of the television soap opera Carinhoso.
The song was performed live in various eras and venues throughout John's career, mainly in Britain, and frequently during his solo shows and pairings with the percussionist Ray Cooper.
It was also released on Volume 1 of two EltonJohn.com limited-edition CDs recorded live in Madison Square Garden, as part of a series of solo performances John gave in October 1999.