This is the fourth hit in 1975 for Elton John. As with his other hits, this was written by Elton and his writing partner Bernie Taupin (lyrics).

Elton hasn’t performed  “Island Girl” since 1990. He may be concerned with the controversial lyrics about a Jamaican prostitute in New York City and a Jamaican man who wants to take her back to Jamaica. The video will help by displaying those lyrics.

The song was on the top of the Cash Box chart for two weeks (Nov. 2 – 15). It was at #1 on the Billboard chart for 3 weeks (Oct. 26 – Nov. 15).