Candle In The Wind/Elton John

"Candle in the Wind" is a song with music by Elton John and lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It was originally written in 1973, in honor of Marilyn Monroe, who had died 11 years earlier. In 1997, John performed a remake of the song as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales. This version of the song was released as a single, and reached No. 1 in many countries, proving a much greater success than the original.

The original version in the key of E major appeared on John's 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The lyrics of the song are a sympathetic portrayal of the life of Marilyn Monroe (the song's opening line "Goodbye Norma Jean" refers to Monroe's real name). The single release of the original song reached No. 11 in the U.K. charts in 1974. At the time, it was not released as a single in the United States ("Bennie and the Jets" was chosen instead). Taupin was inspired to write the song after hearing the phrase "candle in the wind" used in tribute to Janis Joplin. This version is ranked No. 347 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

On 14 December 1986, a live version of the song was recorded in Sydney, Australia. It was released in 1987 on the album Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and as a single. In 1988, it reached No. 5 in the U.K. charts and No. 6 in the United States. This is the most popular version, still getting radio play.

"Candle in the Wind 1997" or "Goodbye England's Rose" is a remake of "Candle in the Wind" as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales. Released in 1997, the song peaked at No. 1 in the United Kingdom, becoming John's fourth No. 1 single. It also peaked at No. 1 in several other countries. The Guinness Book of Records 2007 states that "Candle In the Wind 1997" is the biggest-selling single "since records began," but that Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" has sold the most copies. John said he would never again sing this version live except at the request of Prince William of Wales or Prince Harry of Wales.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• pop
• rock
• vocal
• Elton
• John
• Bernie
• Taupin

[curlyeye]

I've seen many various Marilyn Monroe/Candle in the Wind video tributes on youtube, but in every way this is the best one so far.

[CookiesDen2]

Thank you for your kind comment. I appreciate it very much.

[Magryd3344]

It´s frightening how much one forgets nowadays! Must be the age! I didn´t have a clue that this lovely song originally was made in honour of Marilyn Monroe. Yet I still keep my old LP "Goodbye Yellow Brick Rd" but I can´t even recall this track was on it. As most people do, I remember this one as the tribute to Princess Diana at her tragic death in 1997. Anyway, it was great to hear the original again as I can´t play my old LP anymore. I remember though I loved this album. Thanks!

Maggan

[CookiesDen2]

Hi Maggan -

Thank you for your wonderful comment. I'm so happy you enjoyed this post. I appreciate your support.

Rey

[gothickatica]

Beautiful, thanks for sharing! :-) x

[CookiesDen2]

Hi Katie -

Thank you so much. I'm glad you enjoyed this.

Rey

[giantsilverback67]

Reminds me of all the great peaple that lost there lives at such a young age ,and never had the chance to grace us through our life time ....

[selvi7331]

for Norma Jean and Princess Di

[Badwolf182]

This reminds me of my little brother who was killed in a car crash at age 17. God Bless you wherever you are. You will always be in my heart and soul. Love you XXXOOO

[mariamparogonzalez12]

I knew the song before Diana died but I didn´t know it was dedicated to Marilyn. I learnt it about when diana died, because Elton changed several verses in the song.

[Saravananb100]

Death of Marlyn really have a meaning by your song