Brooke Martin
Candle in the Wind is a song by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. The song was originally written as an ode to Marilyn Monroe, with lyrics that describe the fragility of life and the impact of fame. The metaphor of a candle in the wind captures how a person's life can be easily blown out, just as a candle's flame is vulnerable to the wind. The song was later repurposed with new lyrics by Taupin for Princess Diana's funeral in 1997.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Songwriters | Elton John and Bernie Taupin |
| Song inspiration | Taupin's fascination with the concept of "candle in the wind" and Marilyn Monroe |
| Lyrics | "You took my sadness out of context", "I'm the bolt, the lightning, the thunder", "Catch a wave and take in the sweetness, Think about it, the darkness, the deepness, All the things that make me who I am" |
| Theme | Fragility of life, fame, adulation, fandom |
| Vulnerable character | "Never knowing who to cling to when the rain set in" |
| Interpretations | A candle in the wind represents something meek, feeble, and easily snuffed out |
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What You'll Learn
The song's metaphor
The song "Candle in the Wind" uses a candle as a metaphor to pay tribute to someone whose life has burned brightly but has been extinguished too soon. The original version was written as a dedication to Marilyn Monroe, a famous actress who rose to stardom in the 1950s and became an enduring icon of popular culture. However, the song has also been interpreted as a more general reflection on fame and its fleeting nature.
The candle represents a life full of potential and beauty, but one that is fragile and vulnerable to being snuffed out. Just as a candle's flame can be easily extinguished by a gust of wind, the song laments how a life can be cut short in its prime, leaving behind a trail of what might have been. This sense of fragility and loss is heightened by the image of a candle melting away, its light gradually fading until it is gone.
The metaphor also conveys a sense of loneliness and isolation. A single candle in the darkness can represent a solitary figure, someone who may have felt alone even in the glare of the spotlight. This image captures the idea that fame and success do not necessarily bring happiness or protect one from the struggles and sorrows of life. Instead, they can sometimes heighten a sense of exposure and vulnerability.
Additionally, the song's imagery suggests a life that has burned intensely, perhaps consumed by the very passions and desires that fueled its brilliance. Just as a candle's flame consumes the wax, leaving behind only ash and a faint trace of smoke, the life described in the song has burned with a fierce intensity that ultimately leads to its premature end.
Overall, the candle metaphor in "Candle in the Wind" serves as a poignant and powerful way to honor a life that has been cut short. It captures the fragility and brilliance of a life that shone brightly but briefly, leaving a lasting impression despite its untimely end.
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The inspiration behind the lyrics
Bernie Taupin, the lyricist of "Candle in the Wind," revealed that the title of the song was inspired by Russian writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's play of the same name. Taupin also mentioned that the concept of "candle in the wind" was first used by industry producer Clive Davis to describe Janis Joplin, conveying the idea of someone's life being fragile and easily extinguished. Taupin elaborated on his fascination with how fame affects ordinary people and the fanaticism of fandom, a theme that recurs in many of his songs.
Montgomery Clift, an actor who died young, was another source of inspiration for Taupin. However, he recognized that a more well-known icon was needed to capture the public's imagination. Thus, Marilyn Monroe became the muse for the original version of the song. Taupin perceived Monroe as a fragile character, embodying the image of a "candle in the wind", vulnerable to the winds of fate and public adulation.
The song took on new meaning after the tragic death of Princess Diana in 1997. Taupin rewrote the lyrics for her funeral, reflecting on her life and the impact she had on the world. The reworked version emphasized the fragility of life and how even those who shine a light in the darkness can be blown out too soon.
The interpretation of the lyrics varies, with some seeing it as a metaphor for the fragility of life and how easily it can be "blown out." Others view it as a commentary on fame and how it affects ordinary people, with the "candle in the wind" representing someone vulnerable to the pressures and adulation that come with celebrity.
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The song's original subject
"Candle in the Wind", written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, was originally inspired by the life of Marilyn Monroe. Taupin, a long-standing fan of Monroe, was struck by her widely accessible persona that seemed to transcend barriers. The song explores the theme of fame and how it affects people's perceptions, reflecting on the adulation and fanaticism that often surround celebrities.
The phrase "candle in the wind" itself holds a deeper meaning. Taupin first encountered this expression when it was allegedly used by industry producer Clive Davis to describe Janis Joplin. The image evokes a sense of fragility and vulnerability, representing how fleeting and easily extinguished life can be. Taupin elaborated on his interpretation of the phrase, expressing fascination with how it captures the impact of fame on ordinary individuals and the way people perceive celebrities as somehow different or larger-than-life.
While Monroe was the initial inspiration, Taupin has revealed that the concept for the song's title was drawn from Russian writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's play of the same name. Taupin's choice to centre the song on Monroe was a strategic one. He recognised that she embodied the fragile nature of the "candle in the wind" metaphor and would be a more relatable figure for audiences than his original inspiration, Montgomery Clift, who died young.
The song "Candle in the Wind" captures the tragic and untimely nature of Monroe's death, reflecting on her vulnerability and the public's perception of her as a fragile figure. Taupin's lyrics explore the idea that despite her bright flame, Monroe's life was easily "blown out", just as a candle's flame is vulnerable to the wind. The song serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of life and the impact individuals can have during their time.
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The song's repurposing
"Candle in the Wind", written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, was originally inspired by the life of Marilyn Monroe. Taupin, a long-standing fan of Monroe, was struck by her widely accessible persona that transcended barriers. He also drew inspiration from the Russian writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's play of the same name.
The song's lyrics use the metaphor of a "candle in the wind" to capture the fragile nature of life and fame. A candle, though bright and strong, can be easily scattered, extinguished, or spread in the wind, destroying everything around it. This interpretation is supported by Taupin, who explained his fascination with how fame affects ordinary people and the fanaticism of fandom.
However, after the sudden death of Princess Diana in 1997, Taupin rewrote the lyrics in half an hour to honour her memory. The new version was performed by Elton John at Princess Diana's funeral.
The song has also been referenced by Lana Del Rey in her songs "Mariners Apartment Complex" and "Yosemite", where she seems to push back against the perception of her as fragile and vulnerable, asserting her strength and power instead.
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The song's message about fame
"Candle in the Wind", written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, explores the theme of fame and its impact on both celebrities and their adoring fans. The song, originally inspired by Marilyn Monroe, captures the fragile nature of life and the vulnerability that fame can expose.
Bernie Taupin, the lyricist behind "Candle in the Wind", has shared that the song's title was inspired by Russian writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's play of the same name. Taupin first encountered the concept after hearing it used to describe Janis Joplin, and he became intrigued by how it captured the fleeting and fragile nature of life. Taupin elaborated on this interpretation, suggesting that the song explores how fame affects ordinary people and the intense adulation and fanaticism that can develop towards celebrities.
While the song was originally written with Marilyn Monroe in mind, it was later repurposed with new lyrics for Princess Diana's funeral in 1997. Taupin acknowledged that Monroe, with her widely accessible persona, served as a better-known example of a fragile icon. The choice to reference Monroe highlighted the vulnerable and easily "blown out" nature of a life in the spotlight, a metaphor reinforced by the image of a candle in the wind.
Lana Del Rey's interpretation of the song's message about fame is also noteworthy. In her songs "Mariners Apartment Complex" and "Yosemite", Del Rey seems to reject the perception of herself as fragile and vulnerable ("I'm not a candle in the wind"). Instead, she asserts her strength and complexity, suggesting that she won't succumb to the pitfalls of fame and will maintain her sense of self-worth.
Overall, "Candle in the Wind" serves as a poignant reminder of the fragile nature of life, especially when exposed to the intense pressures of fame. The song's message resonates across generations, inviting reflection on the impact of celebrity culture and the human tendency to idolize those in the public eye.
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Frequently asked questions
The song "Candle in the Wind", written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, is about Marilyn Monroe and the fragility of life.
The lyrics were inspired by the idea of fame and how it affects people's perceptions of celebrities.
The metaphor refers to Marilyn Monroe, who songwriter Bernie Taupin saw as a "fragile character".
No, Taupin first came across the concept after industry producer Clive Davis used it to describe Janis Joplin.
Yes, Elton John rewrote the song for Princess Diana's funeral in 1997.
