About The Song
(Watch the video below)
"Candle in the Wind" by Elton John is a poignant ballad that has become an enduring tribute to the late Princess Diana. Originally released in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, the song took on new meaning when Elton John reworked it in 1997 following Princess Diana's tragic death.
The song opens with a gentle piano melody, setting a melancholic tone that perfectly captures the mood of reflection and remembrance. Elton John's emotive vocals, combined with the heartfelt lyrics penned by Bernie Taupin, evoke a sense of sadness and loss that resonates deeply with listeners.
"Candle in the Wind" is a tribute to the life and legacy of Princess Diana, celebrating her kindness, compassion, and grace. The lyrics paint a poignant portrait of a woman who captured the hearts of millions, describing her as a "candle in the wind" that burned brightly but was extinguished far too soon.
One of the most moving aspects of the song is its universal appeal. While originally written as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, Elton John's decision to rework the song for Princess Diana transformed it into a timeless anthem of loss and mourning that transcends boundaries of time and place.
Musically, "Candle in the Wind" is characterized by its haunting melody and emotive orchestration. Elton John's piano playing is both delicate and powerful, conveying a sense of longing and sadness that mirrors the sentiment of the lyrics. The song's soaring chorus and poignant bridge add to its emotional impact, making it a powerful tribute to Princess Diana's memory.
Since its release, "Candle in the Wind" has become one of Elton John's most iconic and beloved songs. It topped charts around the world and became the best-selling single in history, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon. The song has been covered by numerous artists and has been performed at countless memorial services and tribute events in honor of Princess Diana.
In conclusion, "Candle in the Wind" is a timeless masterpiece that captures the spirit of love, loss, and remembrance. With its heartfelt lyrics, haunting melody, and emotive delivery, it continues to touch hearts and inspire feelings of reflection and reverence for Princess Diana's memory.
Video
Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Goodbye, Norma Jeane
Though I never knew you at all
You had the grace to hold yourself
While those around you crawled
They crawled out of the woodwork
And they whispered into your brain
They set you on the treadmill
And they made you change your name
And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never knowing who to cling to
When the rain set in
And I would've liked to known you
But I was just a kid
Your candle burned out long before
Your legend ever did
Loneliness was tough
The toughest role you ever played
Hollywood created a superstar
And pain was the price you paid
Even when you died
Oh, the press still hounded you
All the papers had to say
Was that Marilyn was found in the nude
And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never knowing who to cling to
When the rain set in
And I would've liked to known you
But I was just a kid
Your candle burned out long before
Your legend ever did
Goodbye, Norma Jeane
Though I never knew you at all
You had the grace to hold yourself
While those around you crawled
Goodbye, Norma Jeane
From the young man in the twenty second row
Who sees you as something more than sexual
More than just our Marilyn Monroe
And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never knowing who to cling to
When the rain set in
And I would've liked to known you
But I was just a kid
Your candle burned out long before
Your legend ever did
Your candle burned out long before
Your legend ever did