Ben Carter
Candle in the Wind is a song by Elton John and Bernie Taupin that was released in 1973. The song was rewritten and performed by Elton John as a tribute to Princess Diana at her funeral in 1997. The original song was written about Marilyn Monroe, with the opening line Goodbye Norma Jean, referring to Monroe's real name, Norma Jeane Mortenson. The 1997 version of the song, also known as Goodbye England's Rose, drew parallels between the lives of Princess Diana and Marilyn Monroe, who both died at the age of 36.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Songwriters | Elton John and Bernie Taupin |
| Original inspiration | Janis Joplin |
| Original subject | Marilyn Monroe |
| 1997 version subject | Princess Diana |
| 1997 version performance | At Princess Diana's funeral |
| 1997 version sales | 33 million copies worldwide |
| 1997 version chart performance | No. 1 in the UK, US, Germany, Australia, and elsewhere |
| 1997 version Grammy Award | Best Male Pop Vocal Performance |
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What You'll Learn
The song was rewritten and performed as a tribute to Princess Diana
"Candle in the Wind" was originally written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe. However, in 1997, the song was rewritten and performed as a tribute to Princess Diana, who died in a car crash in Paris, France, on August 31, 1997. The royal family contacted Elton John to sing at Diana's funeral, and he immediately thought of "Candle in the Wind." However, the original lyrics, which referenced a Hollywood star, were not suitable for the memorial service.
John contacted Taupin in California, who quickly rewrote the lyrics, drawing parallels between the lives of Diana and Monroe, who had both died at the age of 36. Taupin recalled that the new lyrics came together in just a few hours and that he would not be able to recite them if he tried. The revised version of "Candle in the Wind" is also known as "Goodbye England's Rose" and was released on September 13, 1997, as a tribute single to Diana, Princess of Wales.
The song became a worldwide success, selling over 33 million copies and becoming the best-selling single in UK chart history. All artist and composer royalties and record company profits were donated to charities that were close to Diana's heart. Elton John performed the song only once, at Diana's funeral on September 6, 1997, and has never performed it again. He continues to sing the original 1973 version at his concerts and has turned down requests to perform the revised version, even for the memorial Concert for Diana in July 2007.
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The original song was about Marilyn Monroe
"Candle in the Wind", written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, was originally inspired by the life of Marilyn Monroe. The opening line of the song, "Goodbye, Norma Jean", refers to Monroe's real name, Norma Jeane Mortenson. Taupin, a long-standing fan of Monroe, was intrigued by her widely accessible persona that transcended barriers.
In an interview, Taupin revealed that the concept of "candle in the wind" was first introduced to him by industry producer Clive Davis, who used the phrase to describe Janis Joplin. Taupin was captivated by the idea of how fame affects ordinary people and the fanaticism of fandom. He elaborated that the song could have been about other celebrities who died young and became immortalised, such as James Dean, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, or Sylvia Plath.
The original version of "Candle in the Wind", released in 1973, paid tribute to Monroe's life and the idea of fame and youth being cut short. In 1997, following the death of Princess Diana, Taupin rewrote the lyrics to honour her life, drawing parallels between her and Monroe, who both died at the age of 36. The new version, titled "Goodbye England's Rose", became an anthem for Princess Diana and was performed by Elton John at her funeral.
The 1997 version of "Candle in the Wind" achieved immense commercial success, selling over 33 million copies worldwide and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. All proceeds from the song's sales were donated to charitable causes close to Princess Diana's heart. The impact of the song extended beyond its musical success, as it captured the grief and emotions of a nation mourning the loss of their beloved Princess.
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The phrase candle in the wind was used by Clive Davis to describe Janis Joplin
The song "Candle in the Wind", written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, was inspired by the life of Marilyn Monroe. Taupin, a long-standing fan of Monroe, was captivated by her widely accessible persona that transcended barriers. The song explores the impact of fame on individuals and the adulation and fanaticism associated with being in the public eye.
Interestingly, the phrase "candle in the wind" has also been associated with Janis Joplin, a talented musician with a unique approach to her career. Clive Davis, an influential record producer and executive, signed Joplin to Columbia Records in 1967. Davis, who had a close working relationship with Joplin, described her using this phrase, and it left a lasting impression on Taupin.
In an interview, Taupin recalled, "I just kept hearing this term. I thought, what a great way of describing someone’s life.” He elaborated on his fascination with the concept, reflecting on how fame affects individuals and the unique perception of celebrities by the public. This inspiration led to the creation of the song "Candle in the Wind," showcasing Taupin's lyrical genius.
The phrase "candle in the wind" encapsulates the fragile and fleeting nature of fame and life itself. Joplin's unconventional approach to her career and her desire to avoid the typical and predictable mirror the sentiment conveyed by the phrase. Her tragic and untimely death further emphasizes the fragility implied in the expression "candle in the wind."
While the song "Candle in the Wind" was initially written about Marilyn Monroe, it took on a new life after the tragic passing of Princess Diana in 1997. Taupin rewrote the lyrics, drawing parallels between the lives of Diana and Monroe, who both died at the young age of 36. Elton John performed this poignant version at Diana's funeral, and it became a heartfelt tribute to her life and legacy.
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The song was performed at Diana's funeral
The song "Candle in the Wind" was originally written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin in tribute to Marilyn Monroe. However, following the tragic death of Princess Diana in 1997, the song took on new significance. The royal family contacted Elton John, requesting that he perform at Diana's funeral. Recognising the profound impact of her death, John wanted to pay tribute to his close friend. He reached out to Taupin, who swiftly rewrote the lyrics, drawing parallels between the lives of Diana and Monroe, who both died at the age of 36.
The result was "Candle in the Wind 1997", also known as "Goodbye England's Rose". This new version became an anthem of sorrow and a heartfelt eulogy for the Princess of Wales. The song was performed by Elton John at Westminster Abbey on September 6, 1997, just seven days after Diana's untimely passing. It was a poignant and emotional moment in a funeral watched by millions around the globe. John's performance was a powerful tribute to his friend and a source of comfort for those mourning her loss.
The lyrics of "Candle in the Wind 1997" captured the essence of Diana's life and legacy. Taupin's words spoke of her compassion, her impact on the nation, and the enduring memory of her smile. The song became a vessel for the collective grief of a nation and the world, expressing the sorrow that many felt but struggled to articulate. It was a testament to the power of music to provide solace and unity in times of tragedy.
The performance of "Candle in the Wind" at Diana's funeral was not without controversy. Despite the song's powerful message, there was initial resistance from Buckingham Palace, with the royal family expressing opposition to John singing the song. However, the Dean of Westminster advocated for its inclusion, recognising its potential to provide comfort and its resonance with the public's grief.
The song's release as a single generated substantial proceeds, which were donated to charities close to Diana's heart. The song became the fastest-selling single in the UK, with over 1.5 million copies sold in the first week. The global sales contributed significantly to a fund established in Diana's memory, raising £138 million by 2012. "Candle in the Wind 1997" stands as a lasting testament to the enduring impact of Princess Diana and the power of music to commemorate and celebrate a life.
Elton John's performance of "Candle in the Wind" at Princess Diana's funeral was a pivotal moment in the grieving process for many. The song's lyrics, rewritten with heartfelt sincerity, captured the essence of a nation's sorrow and served as a tribute to the life and legacy of a modern-day icon.
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The song has sold over 33 million copies worldwide
"Candle in the Wind", written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, is a song that has stood the test of time. Originally written as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, the song took on new life after the tragic passing of Princess Diana in 1997. Taupin rewrote the lyrics, drawing parallels between the lives of Diana and Monroe, who had both died at the young age of 36. The result was "Candle in the Wind 1997", a heartfelt tribute to the Princess of Wales.
The song, performed by Elton John, became an anthem for a grieving nation and the world. It debuted at number one on the UK Singles Chart and stayed there for five weeks, becoming the fastest-selling record of all time in the UK. In the US, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 consecutive weeks, setting a record for a male solo artist. The song's success extended beyond the UK and US, with strong chart performances in Canada, Germany, Australia, and Finland.
"Candle in the Wind 1997" struck a chord with people worldwide, and its impact was immediate and profound. In its first week, the song sold an impressive 658,000 copies in the UK, and by the second week, sales had soared to 1.54 million. The song's popularity continued to grow, and it went on to sell an astonishing 4.9 million copies in the UK alone as of September 2017. In the US, first-week sales reached 3.5 million copies, contributing to its remarkable chart success.
The song's global impact is undeniable, with over 33 million copies sold worldwide. This remarkable achievement solidifies its place as one of the best-selling singles of all time. The song's success also translated into significant charitable contributions, with all proceeds from the song going towards Princess Diana's charities. By the time the fund closed in 2012, a total of £138 million ($177 million) had been raised, with £38 million ($49 million) coming from the sale of "Candle in the Wind" alone.
The enduring popularity of "Candle in the Wind" and its 1997 reincarnation is a testament to the power of music to capture the collective sentiment of a nation and the world. The song's success and its ability to resonate with people across generations are a lasting tribute to Princess Diana and her enduring legacy.
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Frequently asked questions
The song was originally about Marilyn Monroe, with the opening line "Goodbye Norma Jean", referring to Monroe's real name, Norma Jeane.
The song was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
Yes, the song was re-recorded in 1997 as a tribute to Princess Diana, with the opening line changed to "Goodbye England's Rose".
The royal family contacted Elton John to perform at Diana's funeral, and he chose to sing "Candle in the Wind", rewriting the lyrics to draw parallels between the lives of Diana and Monroe, who both died at 36.
