Brooke Martin
Candle in the Wind, written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, was released in 1974 as a single and originally appeared on John's album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, which came out in 1973. The song was performed at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997, with lyrics that had been rewritten by Taupin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of release | 1974 |
| Album | Goodbye Yellow Brick Road |
| Original inspiration | Montgomery Clift |
| Lyricist | Bernie Taupin |
| Singer | Elton John |
| Original subject | Marilyn Monroe |
| Reworked version | For Diana, Princess of Wales' funeral in 1997 |
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What You'll Learn
'Candle in the Wind' was released in 1974
"Candle in the Wind", written by Bernie Taupin and composed by Elton John, was released in 1974 as a single. The song first appeared on Elton John's 1973 album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". The track is considered to be a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, speaking to a wider conversation about the pressures put upon celebrities. Taupin has stated that the song could have been about any number of tragic figures, including James Dean, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, Sylvia Plath, or Virginia Woolf.
The inspiration for the song's title came from Russian writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's play of the same name. Taupin first encountered the concept of "candle in the wind" when industry producer and executive Clive Davis used it to describe Janis Joplin. Taupin was fascinated by the phrase and its ability to describe the fragile nature of a life cut short.
The original 1974 release of "Candle in the Wind" peaked at number 11 in the UK charts. However, it was not released as a single in the United States, with "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" being chosen as the lead single instead.
The song experienced a resurgence in popularity in 1986 when Elton John performed it during his tour of Australia and New Zealand. This performance, featuring sparse instrumentation with John on the piano, was released as a live single in 1987, charting at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 in the UK.
In 1997, a reworked version of "Candle in the Wind" was performed by Elton John at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, with lyrics specifically dedicated to her life and impact. This version of the song was released as a single, titled "Candle in the Wind '97", with proceeds going towards the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. It topped the charts in both the UK and the US, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.
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The song was written by Bernie Taupin and Elton John
"Candle in the Wind" is a threnody-style ballad written by English musician Elton John and songwriter Bernie Taupin. It was originally written in 1973 and released in 1974 as a single, appearing on John's album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". The song was inspired by the life and untimely death of actress Marilyn Monroe, who passed away 11 years before its release.
The lyrics were penned by Taupin, who has clarified that Monroe was a metaphor for fame, youth, and the tragic glamorisation of early death. In an interview, Taupin revealed that the title "Candle in the Wind" came from Russian writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's play of the same name. The song's opening line, "Goodbye, Norma Jean", refers to Monroe's birth name, Norma Jeane Mortenson.
Taupin first conceived of the song after hearing industry producer Clive Davis use the phrase "candle in the wind" to describe Janis Joplin. Taupin found the phrase captivating and elaborated on it to create the song's theme.
In 1997, John and Taupin adapted the song to pay tribute to Princess Diana, who had passed away. This version, titled "Candle in the Wind 1997" or "Goodbye England's Rose", featured new lyrics and was performed by John at Diana's funeral. The original version of "Candle in the Wind" remains one of John and Taupin's most celebrated collaborations, showcasing the powerful combination of John's music and Taupin's lyrical prowess.
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It was inspired by Marilyn Monroe
Elton John's iconic song "Candle in the Wind" was written in 1973 as a tribute to the life and legacy of Marilyn Monroe. Bernie Taupin, John's long-time songwriting partner, penned the lyrics to capture the tragic beauty of Monroe's life and her enduring impact on popular culture. The song was originally included on John's seventh studio album, "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road," and has since become one of his most recognizable and beloved ballads.
Marilyn Monroe, born Norma Jeane Mortenson, rose to stardom in the 1950s, becoming one of the most famous and iconic figures of her time. Her image and persona captivated audiences worldwide, and her tragic personal life and untimely death only added to the intrigue surrounding her. Taupin drew inspiration from Monroe's life and public persona to craft the poignant lyrics of "Candle in the Wind." The song reflects on her glamour, talent, and the fragile nature of her fame, acknowledging the intense public scrutiny and pressure she endured throughout her career.
The opening lines of the song set the tone, with John singing, "Goodbye, Norma Jean, though I never knew you at all." It captures the sense of distance and mystery that often surrounds iconic figures, acknowledging that despite her fame, the world may not have truly known the real person behind the celebrity facade. The lyrics continue to pay homage to Monroe's beauty, talent, and the impact she had on those who admired her, while also alluding to the darker aspects of her life, including her troubled relationships and substance abuse struggles.
In an interview, Taupin explained his inspiration for the song, saying, "I just wanted to write something that was an epitaph for glamor and movie stars of a bygone era, and I picked the biggest one of the lot, Marilyn." He intended to capture the fleeting nature of fame and the vulnerability of those in the public eye, a theme that resonated strongly with both the era in which Monroe lived and the time when the song was written. "Candle in the Wind" serves as a reminder of the human fragility that exists even within the seemingly glamorous lives of celebrities.
The song's melancholy yet graceful melody, paired with Taupin's poignant lyrics, has ensured that "Candle in the Wind" remains a touching and relevant tribute to Marilyn Monroe, even decades after her death. It captures the complex emotions surrounding her life and continues to pay homage to her enduring legacy in popular culture. The song has also taken on a life of its own, with John performing it as a tribute to other notable figures, adapting the lyrics to honor their lives and contributions.
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The song was performed at Princess Diana's funeral
The song "Candle in the Wind" was originally written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, who had passed away 11 years earlier. However, the song took on a new life and an even more poignant significance when it was performed by Elton John at the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997. The tragic and untimely death of the Princess of Wales shocked the world, and "Candle in the Wind" became an emotional centerpiece of the ceremony, capturing the sorrow and sense of loss felt by so many.
The performance at Princess Diana's funeral was a reworked version of the original song, with modified lyrics specifically dedicated to the princess. Bernie Taupin adapted the words to reflect Diana's life and humanitarian work, creating a unique and deeply personal tribute. The modified version, now titled "Candle in the Wind 1997," was released as a single, with the proceeds going towards Diana's charities and foundations.
Elton John's performance at the funeral was an incredibly moving moment, not just for those in attendance but for the millions watching worldwide. His emotional rendition of the song, accompanied by a somber piano melody, captured the essence of the tragedy and served as a musical eulogy for the princess. The raw emotion in his voice and the heartfelt lyrics resonated with people from all walks of life, many of whom considered Diana a modern-day fairy-tale princess.
The impact of this performance and the song's release was immense. "Candle in the Wind 1997" went on to become one of the best-selling physical singles of all time, with over 33 million copies sold. It topped the charts in numerous countries and became a lasting testament to the power of music to provide comfort and express collective grief. The song's enduring association with Princess Diana ensures that her legacy and memory live on through its continued presence in popular culture.
The funeral of Princess Diana was a pivotal moment in modern history, and "Candle in the Wind" played a significant role in shaping the emotional response to her death. The song's performance and subsequent release not only provided a beautiful tribute to the princess but also became a unifying force, bringing people together in their shared grief and admiration for a woman who had touched so many lives.
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It was originally performed with a full band
"Candle in the Wind", written by Bernie Taupin and composed by Elton John, was originally performed with a full band. The song was released as a single in 1974 and appeared on Elton John's album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" in 1973. The band consisted of Davey Johnstone on guitar, Dee Murray on bass, and Nigel Olsson on drums. According to album engineer and musician David Hentschel, the song was composed over breakfast, with John writing the music at a piano while the rest of the band listened. They then went to the studio and recorded the track.
The song is widely believed to be a dedication to Marilyn Monroe, with Taupin's lyrics alluding to the pressures and fame that come with being a celebrity. However, Taupin has stated that the song was not specifically about Monroe, but rather about "how fame affects the man or woman in the street, that whole adulation thing and the fanaticism of fandom". He revealed that the concept of "candle in the wind" came from Russian writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's play of the same name.
In 1986, Elton John performed a live version of the song in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, winning the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance – Male. This version featured a more sparse instrumentation, with John on the piano and additional keyboard sounds likely provided by Fred Mandel.
The song was also famously performed at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997. Taupin rewrote the lyrics specifically for Princess Diana, and the recording was released as a single, "Candle in the Wind '97", with proceeds going towards the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund.
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Frequently asked questions
The original version of 'Candle in the Wind' was written in 1973 and released as a single in 1974.
The song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
The song was written about Marilyn Monroe, although lyricist Bernie Taupin has said it could have been about Montgomery Clift, James Dean, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, or authors such as Sylvia Plath and Virginia Woolf.
Lyricist Bernie Taupin said the title came from Russian writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn's play of the same name.
