John's lyricist, Bernie Taupin, faxed the lyrics to him in Paris, shortly after Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury had died the previous year.

That's why I used the idea of a father coming to terms with his son's status in life and his sexuality, but unfortunately understanding too late.

[2] A music video, directed by Gus Van Sant, was made for the song, but he was not the first director considered; David Hockney and Madonna had previously declined the offer.

It features a father reconciling with his son, who is dying from AIDS, interspersed with footage of John performing the song.

"The Last Song" was used during a closing montage at the end of the 1993 film And the Band Played On, which featured images of notable people who had contracted AIDS.