Thanks for the quick responses, so far.

Richard - What I was trying to find out was, in effect, if there IS a traditional meaning - which is why I pointedly directed the thread to Brits. For instance, does the phrase "pines ... falling everywhere" have a meaning immediately obvious to those on the far side of the water (from where I'm sitting)? Likewise, is it self-evident over there what (conkers, pine cones?) the children would be fighting for? As for asking Taupin or Elton John, I will ask them next time I see them, but I thought I might get a quicker and as good a response here.