Tyler Brooks
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. John's lyrics paint a picture of Monroe's struggles, the media's treatment of her, and the untimely fading of her light. The chorus, And it seems to me you lived your life / Like a candle in the wind, captures the emotional essence of a bright life cut short. Interestingly, John reworked the song in 1997 as a tribute to Princess Diana following her tragic death, though he has never performed this version again. Beyond the original and the Diana renditions, a parody titled 5000 Candles in the Wind from Parks and Rec offers a playful twist on the iconic melody.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of times better than a candle in the wind | 5000 |
| Artist | Elton John |
| Originally written for | Marilyn Monroe |
| Rewritten for | Princess Diana |
| Lyrics changed by | Elton John and Bernie Taupin |
| Theme | Fame, loneliness, and how quickly life can change |
| Symbolism of a candle in the wind | Something that burns bright but can go out quickly |
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What You'll Learn
The song's reference to Marilyn Monroe
"Candle in the Wind" is a song by Elton John, originally written to honour Marilyn Monroe. The song was later rereleased with new lyrics as a tribute to Princess Diana after her death in 1997. The original song, referencing Monroe, speaks to the idea of the actress dying young and being dehumanized by the media as just a sex symbol. Monroe, often referred to as the "blonde bombshell", was an American actress, model, and singer who became the most famous of Hollywood starlets. She died at a young age, passing away in 1962 at just 36 years old.
The song "Candle in the Wind" uses the metaphor of a candle in the wind to represent something fragile, susceptible to outside forces, and easily snuffed out. This reflects the tragic and untimely death of Marilyn Monroe, who may have felt helpless in the face of the challenges she faced. The song aims to humanize Monroe, whose persona and iconic status often overshadowed the real person she was.
The lyrics of the song, in the version referencing Monroe, capture the vulnerability of the character being sung about. The song expresses the idea of never knowing "who to cling to when the rain set in," conveying a sense of loneliness and uncertainty. This interpretation of the song's character aligns with the public perception of Monroe's life, which was marked by a search for accomplishment and personal struggles.
The reference to a candle in the wind in the song has taken on a life of its own, with some interpreting it as a symbol of strength and resilience. In this interpretation, the candle represents the fragility of life, but also the potential for it to be extinguished too soon. This dual interpretation of the metaphor adds depth to the song's message and allows for a more nuanced understanding of the life and legacy of Marilyn Monroe.
The impact of "Candle in the Wind" and its reference to Marilyn Monroe have resonated with audiences and artists alike. The song has sparked discussions about the complex nature of fame, the vulnerability and strength inherent in humanity, and the way icons like Monroe can be both revered and reduced to a single aspect of their persona.
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The song's reference to Princess Diana
"Candle in the Wind 1997", also known as "Goodbye England's Rose", is a song by British musician Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin. It is a new version of their 1973 song "Candle in the Wind", which was a tribute to Marilyn Monroe. John and Taupin adapted the lyrics to suit the circumstances of Princess Diana's life and death. The opening lines, "Goodbye Norma Jean / though I never knew you at all", were adapted to "Goodbye England's rose / May you ever grow in our hearts". The song was released in September 1997, a month after Diana's death, and peaked at No. 1 in the United Kingdom and several other countries. It became the fastest-selling single in the UK, selling 658,000 copies on its first day of release and over 1.5 million in its first week. All artist and composer royalties and record company profits were donated to Diana's charities via the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. The song has sold over 33 million copies worldwide.
John performed the song only once, at Princess Diana's funeral in Westminster Abbey on 6 September 1997. He has not performed this version live since and it has not appeared on any of his subsequent compilation albums, which instead use the original version. John has repeatedly turned down requests to perform the revised version, even for the memorial Concert for Diana in July 2007, having vowed never to perform it again unless asked by Diana's sons.
In his autobiography, John says he had a phone call from Richard Branson who said that many of those writing in the book of condolence at St James's Palace were quoting the lyrics of "Candle in the Wind". Branson asked John if he would rewrite the lyrics and sing them at the funeral. John believed that Branson had been contacted by the Spencer family. John contacted Taupin, asking him to revise the lyrics of their original song to honour Princess Diana.
The lyrics of the 1997 version of "Candle in the Wind" as a tribute to Princess Diana have been described as "deep, personal and touching". The song's reference to Diana is in the context of her tragic and untimely death in a car crash in Paris in August 1997, which shocked John as he and the Princess were very good friends. The song is a sympathetic portrayal of her life and a tribute to her legacy.
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The song's message about the fragility of life
Elton John's "Candle in the Wind" is a song about the fragility of life and how quickly it can be extinguished. The song was originally written as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, reflecting on her struggles, how the world treated her, and how her light was snuffed out too soon. The lyrics "you lived your life like a candle in the wind" capture the idea that Monroe's life, like a candle, burned bright but could be easily extinguished by the forces around her.
The song's chorus, with its repeated reference to a candle in the wind, emphasizes the idea that life is fragile and can be abruptly cut short. This theme resonates beyond Monroe's story, as it explores the universal experience of dealing with fame, loneliness, and loss. The song serves as a reminder that life can be unpredictable and fragile, especially when lived in the public eye.
The vulnerability and humanity of Monroe are also highlighted in the song. Despite the fame and glamour associated with her movie star persona, John's lyrics recognize her struggles and the way she was treated by the media, even after her death. The verse "goodbye, Norma Jeane," uses Monroe's birth name, adding a personal and emotional touch, as John bids farewell to the real person behind the celebrity facade.
"Candle in the Wind" was later adapted by Elton John as a tribute to Princess Diana after her tragic death in 1997. While the song took on a new context, the underlying message about the fragility of life remained. John's performance of this version at Diana's funeral was particularly poignant, and he has never performed this version of the song again, despite numerous requests.
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The song's message about fame and loss
Elton John's "Candle in the Wind" is a song about fame, loneliness, and the fleeting nature of life. Originally written as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, the song explores her struggles, rise to fame, and tragic early death. The song's opening line, "Goodbye, Norma Jean," refers to Monroe's real name, setting a personal and emotional tone as John speaks directly to her, despite never having met her.
The song's chorus contains the powerful image of a candle in the wind, symbolizing someone whose life burned brightly but was extinguished too soon. This metaphor captures the fragility and ephemerality of life, especially when lived in the public eye. John sings, "And it seems to me you lived your life / Like a candle in the wind," drawing a direct connection between Monroe's fame and her untimely death.
The song also addresses the idea of being trapped in a cycle of expectations and the pressure and loneliness that can come with fame. Despite her superstar status, Monroe struggled with feeling alone and vulnerable, as illustrated in the line, "Never knowing who to cling to / When the rain set in." The media's treatment of her, both in life and death, is also criticized, highlighting the personal cost of fame and the way the press can dehumanize and hound public figures.
Through Monroe's story, John explores universal themes of loss, fame, and identity, reminding listeners of the influence someone can have even after their death. The song serves as a reflection on how we, as humans, deal with these universal experiences and the impact they have on our lives.
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Elton John's performance of the song
Elton John's performance of "Candle in the Wind" at Princess Diana's funeral in 1997 was a memorable and poignant moment. John's powerful delivery of the song, accompanied only by his piano playing, captured the grief and emotion of the moment. The song, a tribute to Diana with rewritten lyrics, struck a chord with people around the world and became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
The original "Candle in the Wind," written by John and Bernie Taupin in 1973, was a sympathetic portrayal of Marilyn Monroe's life and the vulnerabilities of fame. With the opening line "Goodbye, Norma Jean," referring to Monroe's real name, the song was a reflection on her untimely death and the media's dehumanizing portrayal of her as a sex symbol.
In 1997, following Princess Diana's tragic death in a car accident, John was asked to rewrite the lyrics and perform the song at her funeral. The new version, known as "Candle in the Wind 1997" or "Goodbye England's Rose," adapted the lyrics to honour Diana's life and her impact on the nation. The opening lines were changed to "Goodbye England's rose / May you ever grow in our hearts," capturing the sentiment of a country in mourning.
John's performance at Westminster Abbey on 6 September 1997 was an emotional and moving tribute to Princess Diana. The stripped-back arrangement, featuring only John's piano playing and his heartfelt vocals, created an intimate and solemn atmosphere. The song's lyrics, with their themes of fragility and the fleeting nature of life, resonated deeply with those in attendance and the millions watching worldwide.
The impact of John's performance extended beyond the funeral. "Candle in the Wind 1997" topped the charts in multiple countries, including the UK and the US, and became a global phenomenon. It broke records, selling 33 million copies and becoming the second-best-selling single in the world, according to Guinness World Records. The song's success not only highlighted the world's admiration for Princess Diana but also cemented John's place in musical history once again.
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Frequently asked questions
According to a Reddit thread, 5000 candles in the wind are better than one. This lyric is from a song by Elton John, which was originally written as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe.
A candle in the wind represents something fragile, susceptible to outside forces, and easily snuffed out.
"Candle in the Wind" is a song about fame, loneliness, and the fragility of life. It talks about Marilyn Monroe's struggles and how the world treated her. The song's message still resonates with many people today as it highlights how we all deal with loss and fame.
