Marconi plays the mamba...

[Jolly]

One of Taupin's #1 records you may not associate with him...

As for the thread title, the lead singer called Taupin when the song topped the charts and this was part of the conversation...

Referring to the line most often used to argue the song’s flaws, Thomas remembered calling Taupin the night the song reached No. 1: “I asked him a question, ‘Bernie, now more than ever people are going to ask me, what does “Marconi plays the mamba” mean? He instantly replied, ‘I have no fucking idea, mate, but it sounds good doesn’t it?’”

https://ultimateclassicrock.com/starship-we-built-this-city/

[Mik]

Just looked at the lyrics for the first time. What a mess. I'm one of those that held them to a higher standard based on their legacy. Ugh.