10 Elton John Songs - #3
By LindaOH
@LindaOHio (179206)
United States
April 20, 2022 7:05am CST
"Candle in the Wind" was written by the due of Elton John and Bernie Taupin and was released in 1973. Written as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe with the opening line of "Goodbye Norma Jean". Norma Jean is Marilyn's real name.
Taupin stated that the song is about "the idea of fame or youth or somebody being cut short in the prime of their life...how we glamorize death, how we immortalize people". He was inspired to write the lyrics after hearing the phrase "candle in the wind" used in a tribute to Janis Joplin. He said that even though "Marilyn" is mentioned in the song, it could be a tribute to any celebrity that died early in life.
The lyrics were rewritten in 1997 as a tribute to Princess Diana after her untimely death.
The song was #1 in the UK and several other countries. "Bennie and the Jets' was released as a single in the US instead of "Candle in the Wind".
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
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14 people like this
12 responses
@FourWalls (68269)
• United States
20 Apr 22
I would have preferred this to “Bennie & the Jets.” Beautiful ballad and so true about other treadmill” of fame.
1 person likes this
@FourWalls (68269)
• United States
21 Apr 22
@LindaOHio — oh, like you’re going to keep me away from an Elton John list???????
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (179206)
• United States
21 Apr 22
Thanks for commenting! Always good to see you!
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130218)
• Israel
21 Apr 22
@LindaOHio
I remember both versions of the song one for Marilyn and one for Diana. I am a big Elton John fan and love his music. One of my favorites is Circle of Life.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (179206)
• United States
21 Apr 22
I'm sorry. Thanks for stopping by.
1 person likes this
@dgobucks226 (35641)
•
21 Apr 22
Not much to say about this song except it's terrific 
So many good ones off the Yellow Brick Road album.
So many good ones off the Yellow Brick Road album.1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
21 Apr 22
@LindaOHio The good ones die young it seems.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (82839)
• United States
20 Apr 22
I always associate this song with Princess Diana
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (179206)
• United States
20 Apr 22
Yes, my husband and I both cried when we heard the news.
1 person likes this
@simplfred (20641)
• Philippines
20 Apr 22
I like this song from him. Elton John makes many hits... I like his song Sacrifice also...
1 person likes this
