Tyler Brooks
Candle in the Wind is a song by Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin, released in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe. The song was re-recorded in 1997 as Candle in the Wind 1997 or Goodbye England's Rose, this time honouring Princess Diana, who had died that year. The original version was released as a single in 1974, reaching No. 11 in the UK charts. The 1997 version became the best-selling single since charts began.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Songwriters | Elton John and Bernie Taupin |
| Year written | 1973 |
| Tribute to | Marilyn Monroe |
| Album | Goodbye Yellow Brick Road |
| Year released as a single | 1974 |
| UK chart position | No. 11 |
| Year re-written | 1997 |
| Tribute to | Princess Diana of Wales |
| Date performed | 6 September 1997 |
| Location performed | Westminster Abbey |
| Year released as a single | 1987 |
| UK chart position | No. 5 |
| US chart position | No. 6 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Elton John's 1973 album
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" was recorded in two weeks at the Studio d'enregistrement Michel Magne, located at the Château d'Hérouville near Pontoise, France. Elton John composed most of the melodies in just three days while staying at the Pink Flamingo Hotel in Kingston, Jamaica. However, due to various issues, the band decided to move to France before any productive work was done. John has stated that he is typically very private about his writing process but that this album was different: “I’m very private about the way I write and most times I won’t do it when there’s anyone around, but for this I did it in front of the band."
The album cover, designed by illustrator Ian Beck, depicts John stepping into a poster of the famed yellow brick road from "The Wizard of Oz." It was included in the 2005 book "1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die" and was ranked number 91 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time in 2003 and 2012. The ranking dropped to 112 in a 2020 revised list.
"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" included the original version of John's beloved song "Candle in the Wind," which was released as a single in 1974. The song was written by John and lyricist Bernie Taupin and was originally written in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, who had died 11 years earlier. Taupin has stated that the song is about the price of fame and our collective fascination with those who die too soon. The opening line, "Goodbye, Norma Jean," refers to Monroe's real name.
In 1997, John performed a rewritten version of "Candle in the Wind" as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, who had died that year. This version, known as "Candle in the Wind 1997" or "Goodbye England's Rose," featured new lyrics adapted to suit the circumstances of Diana's life and death. It was released on 13 September 1997 and became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
Michaels' Candle Warmers: A Cozy Shopping Experience
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The song's original subject
"Candle in the Wind" is a song written by British musician Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin, and performed by John. It was originally written in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, who had died 11 years earlier. The song's opening line, "Goodbye, Norma Jean", refers to Monroe's real name, Norma Jeane (more commonly spelled Jean) Mortenson.
Taupin has stated that the song was not necessarily about Monroe herself, but rather about the price of fame and the collective fascination with those who die too soon. In an interview with Rolling Stone in 2014, Taupin said that Monroe was "absolutely not someone I admired a lot as a kid or anything. She was just a metaphor for fame and dying young, and people sort of overdoing the indulgence, and those that do die young." Taupin has also cited the phrase "candle in the wind" being used by Clive Davis in tribute to Janis Joplin as an inspiration for the song's lyrics.
In 1997, John performed a rewritten version of the song, "Candle in the Wind 1997", as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, who had died that year. John and Taupin adapted the lyrics to suit the circumstances of Diana's life and death, with the opening lines changed to "Goodbye England's rose / May you ever grow in our hearts". The new version of the song was produced by George Martin and released on 13 September 1997, with global proceeds going towards Diana's charities.
Stop That Sweating Candle: Quick and Easy Fixes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The rewritten version
"Candle in the Wind" is a song by British musician Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin. It was originally written in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, who had died 11 years earlier. The song was first released on Elton John's 1973 album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" and also appeared on later albums.
In 1997, John performed a rewritten version of the song, "Candle in the Wind 1997", as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, who died in a car crash that year. The song was produced by George Martin and released on 13 September 1997. John and Taupin adapted the lyrics to suit the circumstances of Diana's life and death. The opening lines, "Goodbye Norma Jean / Though I never knew you at all", were changed to "Goodbye England's rose / May you ever grow in our hearts".
The new version of the song became a worldwide hit and is considered one of Elton John's most beloved songs. It was ranked as the bestselling single since charts began in the 1950s. The song's universal themes of vulnerability and the fleeting nature of fame allowed it to resonate deeply with audiences, regardless of the specific individual it was written for.
Taupin has expressed his surprise at the impact of the 1997 version, stating that he rewrote the lyrics in about five to ten minutes and would not be able to recite them today. He has also emphasised that the song conveys a powerful message of hope and redemption, despite the tragedy of the subject matter.
Plastic Candles: Are They Safe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The 1997 tribute
"Candle in the Wind" is a song by British musician Elton John and lyricist Bernie Taupin. It was originally written in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, who had died 11 years earlier.
In 1997, John and Taupin adapted the song to honour Diana, Princess of Wales, who died in a car crash that year. The new version, titled "Candle in the Wind 1997" or "Goodbye England's Rose", was released on 13 September 1997. John performed the song at Diana's funeral in Westminster Abbey on 6 September 1997, a month after the death of his friend, fashion designer Gianni Versace, whose funeral he and Diana had attended together.
John and Diana had been close friends since 1981, and he was deeply affected by her sudden death. Richard Branson, who John believed had been contacted by the Spencer family, asked him to rewrite the lyrics and sing them at the funeral. John and Taupin revised the lyrics to reflect the circumstances of Diana's life and death, with Taupin emphasising the song's universal themes of vulnerability and the fleeting nature of fame.
The 1997 version of "Candle in the Wind" became the best-selling single since charts began in the 1950s, with proceeds going towards Diana's charities. It has been described as a poignant reminder of the transient nature of life and fame and a song that touched the hearts of millions worldwide.
Creative Ways to Reuse Empty Diamond Candle Jars
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The song's chart performance
Elton John released "Candle in the Wind" in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe. The song was well-received and became one of his most popular and beloved songs. It topped the charts in the US, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending a total of 24 weeks on the charts. In the UK, the song's performance was even more impressive, debuting at number 11 and peaking at number 11 on the UK Singles Chart during its initial release. It spent a total of 11 weeks on the chart and became one of the best-selling singles of 1974 in the UK.
However, the song's most notable chart success came in 1997 when John performed a rewritten version as a tribute to the late Princess Diana. This new version, titled "Candle in the Wind 1997", became a global phenomenon and achieved unprecedented commercial success. It topped the charts in nearly every country, including the US and the UK, and became the best-selling single of all time in the UK, with sales of over 4.5 million copies. In the US, it was certified platinum and spent a remarkable 28 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
The original "Candle in the Wind" also re-entered the charts in several countries following the release of the 1997 version. It charted again in the US, peaking at number 6 in October 1997, and re-entered the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number 5 in September 1997. The song's resurgence demonstrated its enduring appeal and the emotional connection it evoked with the tragic loss of Princess Diana.
"Candle in the Wind" has left an indelible mark on the music industry and pop culture. Its chart performance, especially the remarkable success of the 1997 version, underscores its impact and the world's collective response to the loss of two iconic figures, Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana. The song's longevity and ability to resonate across generations are a testament to Elton John's musical genius and the timeless quality of his music.
Candle Smoke: Is It Safe to Breathe?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Elton John's 'Candle in the Wind' was first released in 1973.
Yes, a rewritten version of the song, titled ''Candle in the Wind 1997' or 'Goodbye England's Rose', was released in 1997.
The 1997 version was released as a tribute to Princess Diana of Wales, who died in a car accident that year.
