
Elton John's song Candle in the Wind is a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, referencing her real name, Norma Jeane, and speaking to her directly. The song explores themes of fame, loneliness, and the fragility of life, with the candle serving as a metaphor for something that burns bright but can be easily extinguished. The song gained further significance when John modified the lyrics as a tribute to Princess Diana following her tragic death in 1997. Interestingly, the phrase 5000 candles in the wind was used in the show Parks and Rec, sparking discussions about which version of the song is preferred.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the song | 5000 Candles in the Wind |
| Songwriters | Andy Dwyer, Mark Rivers |
| Singers | Mouse Rat |
| Inspiration | Elton John's Candle in the Wind |
| Context | Memorial song for Li'l Sebastian, a miniature horse who recently died |
| Appearance | Parks and Recreation episode "Li'l Sebastian" |
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What You'll Learn

'5000 Candles in the Wind' is a memorial song for Li'l Sebastian
"5,000 Candles in the Wind" is a memorial song for Lil Sebastian, a miniature horse and Pawnee legend from the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana, in the TV show Parks and Recreation. The song was performed by Mouse Rat, Andy Dwyer's (Chris Pratt) band on the show. It was written by Mark Rivers, who also played Andy's drummer onscreen.
The song is a play on Elton John's "Candle in the Wind", with Andy saying, "What's better than a candle in the wind? 5,000 candles in the wind". The song is about Lil Sebastian's death and includes lyrics such as "Bye bye Li'l Sebastian/Miss you in the saddest fashion/Bye bye Li'l Sebastian/You're 5,000 candles in the wind".
The song appeared in the Parks and Recreation episode "Li'l Sebastian", which focused on the town's grief over the miniature horse's passing. The episode included a performance of the song by Mouse Rat, which has become a fan-favourite moment from the show.
The song has taken on a life of its own outside of the show, with fans of Parks and Recreation recognising the emotional impact of the song. It has been described as absurd yet nostalgically moving, and has become a memorable aspect of the show's legacy.
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The song was written by Andy Dwyer, played by Chris Pratt
"5,000 Candles in the Wind" is a song by the fictional band Mouse Rat, from the TV show Parks and Recreation. The song was written by the character Andy Dwyer, who is played by the actor Chris Pratt.
In the show, Andy Dwyer is a shoeshiner who joins the band Mouse Rat as a guitarist and vocalist. The song "5,000 Candles in the Wind" is featured in the episode "Li'l Sebastian," where it serves as a memorial song for a miniature horse that recently died. The song is a play on Elton John's "Candle in the Wind," with Andy's character suggesting that "5,000 candles in the wind" are better than one.
The song has become a beloved and memorable part of the show, with fans often referencing the chorus: "Bye bye, Li'l Sebastian/Miss you in the saddest fashion/Bye bye, Li'l Sebastian/You're 5,000 candles in the wind." The song even inspired an "Awesome Album" by Mouse Rat, further engaging the show's fans.
Chris Pratt, the actor who portrays Andy Dwyer, is known for his charming and comedic performances. His character, Andy Dwyer, is a fan favorite, and his musical contributions to the show, including "5,000 Candles in the Wind," have left a lasting impact on viewers.
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It was performed by Mouse Rat
"5000 Candles in the Wind" is a song by the fictional band Mouse Rat, which appeared in the TV show Parks and Recreation. The song was written by Andy Dwyer, the band's frontman, and performed by Mouse Rat in the episode "Li'l Sebastian". It serves as a memorial song for Li'l Sebastian, a miniature horse and Pawnee legend, who recently passed away.
The song is a play on Elton John's "Candle in the Wind", with Andy Dwyer's character quipping, "What's better than a candle in the wind? 5000 candles in the wind". The song is described as being 5000 times sadder than the original, with lyrics that draw on the image of Li'l Sebastian in "horsey heaven", such as "You trade your legs for angel's wings" and "Humans cannot ride a ghost".
Mouse Rat, also known as Scarecrow Boat, Everything Rhymes With Orange, and several other former band names, is fronted by Andy Dwyer, a shoe-shine employee from the show. "5000 Candles in the Wind" is a track from their debut album, "The Awesome Album", and has become one of their most well-known songs. The song has been described as catchy, absurd, and nostalgically moving, with a chorus of "Bye Bye Li'l Sebastian/You're 5000 candles in the wind".
The song has resonated with fans of the show, with some commenting on the emotional impact of the episode and others expressing their desire for Mouse Rat merchandise. The band's songwriter, Mark Rivers, has also shared insights into the song's creation, noting that the mandate for "5000 Candles" was that it had to be the greatest song ever written.
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The song draws inspiration from Elton John's 'Candle in the Wind'
"5,000 Candles in the Wind" is a song by the fictional band Mouse Rat from the TV show Parks and Recreation. It appeared in the episode "Li'l Sebastian", serving as a memorial song for the character of the same name, a miniature horse who had recently died. The song is written and performed by Andy Dwyer, played by Chris Pratt.
The song draws inspiration from Elton John's "Candle in the Wind", with Andy stating in the episode, "What's better than a candle in the wind? 5,000 candles in the wind", after being asked to write a song like "Candle in the Wind". The lyrics of "5,000 Candles in the Wind" are described as being 5,000 times sadder than the original, with the chorus including the lines:
> Bye bye Li'l Sebastian
> Miss you in the saddest fashion
> Bye bye Li'l Sebastian
> You're 5,000 candles in the wind
The song has become a fan favourite, with its emotional and absurd lyrics striking a chord with viewers. It has been described as a "catchy, absurd, now nostalgically moving ballad", with its impact described as an "emotional wallop". The song has taken on a life of its own beyond the show, with audiences singing along at live performances.
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It is featured in the 'Parks and Recreation' episode 'Li'l Sebastian'
"Li'l Sebastian" is the sixteenth episode and season finale of the third season of the American comedy television series Parks and Recreation. The episode first aired on NBC in the United States on May 19, 2011. In the episode, the parks department prepares a funeral for Pawnee's famous miniature horse, Li'l Sebastian.
The episode features Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) and Ben (Adam Scott), who struggle to keep their workplace romance a secret. It also includes several major developments, such as Leslie being approached to run for political office and Tom's decision to quit his job to run an entertainment company.
The episode received highly positive reviews, with critics praising its combination of slapstick, authentic stakes, and the oddball history and commonalities that bond the folks of Pawnee.
The episode features the song "5,000 Candles in the Wind", written by Andy Dwyer (Chris Pratt) as a tribute to Li'l Sebastian. The song is performed by Andy's band Mouse Rat and appears in the episode as a memorial song for the miniature horse. It draws inspiration from Elton John's "Candle in the Wind", with Andy aiming to create a song that is 5,000 times better.
The song became an anthem for the show, popping up at various Pawnee events throughout the rest of the series. It even made an appearance in the show's reunion special, which was released during the quarantine era in 2020.
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Frequently asked questions
The song is a memorial for Li'l Sebastian, a miniature horse who recently died.
The song was written by Andy Dwyer, played by Chris Pratt, and performed by Mouse Rat, Andy's band in the show.
The song appeared in the Parks and Recreation episode "Li'l Sebastian".
The song draws inspiration from Elton John's "Candle in the Wind".
Some notable lyrics include "Bye bye Li'l Sebastian", "Miss you in the saddest fashion", and "You're 5000 candles in the wind".











































