Elton John’s Iconic Take on “Candle in the Wind”

“Candle in the Wind” is one of Elton John’s most iconic songs, written by Elton John and his longtime collaborator, Bernie Taupin. The song has gone through two significant iterations, with different lyrics, but it remains closely associated with the tragic life and death of Marilyn Monroe and later, Princess Diana. Here’s some information about the song:

The original version of “Candle in the Wind” was released on Elton John’s 1973 album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” The song was a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, who had passed away tragically in 1962. The lyrics mourn the untimely death of the iconic Hollywood actress and the challenges she faced in her life. The song became a hit, reaching No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States.

In 1997, after the tragic death of Princess Diana, Elton John and Bernie Taupin reworked the lyrics of “Candle in the Wind” to pay tribute to her. This new version, titled “Candle in the Wind 1997,” was performed by Elton John at Princess Diana’s funeral and became one of the best-selling singles of all time. It topped charts worldwide and raised millions for Diana’s charitable causes.

The song’s lyrics express deep admiration and sympathy for Princess Diana, likening her to a candle that burned brightly but was extinguished too soon. The emotional and poignant performance by Elton John at Diana’s funeral added to the song’s lasting impact.

Both versions of “Candle in the Wind” have become enduring classics, with the original honoring Marilyn Monroe and the 1997 version serving as a tribute to Princess Diana. The song’s ability to capture the essence of these two iconic figures and evoke strong emotions in listeners has solidified its place in music history.