An international music legend, iconic singer Elton John would definitely perform any of his songs live if he needs to—except for Candle in the Wind 1997, the very song he sang at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales two and a half decades ago.
Candle in the Wind
The single Candle in the Wind was originally a ballad recorded by Elton in 1973 as a tribute to the late actress Marilyn Monroe, who passed away at the age of 36. The song, which began with the singer saying goodbye to “Norma Jeane” (Marilyn’s real name), compares the actress’ life to a candle that has been blown by the wind; getting extinguished earlier than expected, even before it completely melts.
Goodbye, Norma Jean
-Elton John, Candle in the Wind (1973)
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 have liked to have 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 have liked to have known you
But I was just a kid
Your candle burned out long before
Your legend ever did
Goodbye, Norma Jean
Though I never knew you at all
You had the grace to hold yourself
While those around you crawled
Goodbye Norma Jean
From the young man in the 22nd 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 have liked to have 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
Candle in the Wind 1997
In 1997, following the demise of the People’s Princess, Elton was contacted by the Royal Family and was asked if he would perform a song at Diana’s funeral. Candle in the Wind was the first song that came into his mind. Like Marilyn, Diana passed away at 36.
But Elton has deeper reasons for choosing such an emotional song. To him, performing at her funeral was not only an invitation to sing for the royals—it was a way of paying a dear friend his last respect. They had been friends since 1981; from the time he performed at Prince Andrew’s 21st birthday party at Windsor Castle and got a thank you letter from then-19-year-old Diana.
So when the day came, the singing icon had a really emotional and remarkable performance; with the song having different lyrics, one that’s crafted in memory of Diana with the help of his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin.
Goodbye, England’s Rose
May you ever grow in our hearts
You were the grace that placed itself
Where lives were torn apart
You called out to our country
And you whispered to those in pain
Now you belong to heaven
And the stars spell out your name[Chorus:]
And it seems to me you lived your life
Like a candle in the wind
Never fading with the sunset
When the rain set in
And your footsteps will always fall here
Along England’s greenest hills
Your candle’s burned out long before
Your legend ever willLoveliness we’ve lost
These empty days without your smile
This torch will always carry
For our nation’s golden child
And even though we try
The truth brings us to tears
All our words cannot express
The joy you’ve brought us through the years[Chorus]
Goodbye, England’s Rose
May you ever grow in our hearts
You were the grace that placed itself
Where lives were torn apart
Goodbye, England’s Rose
From a country lost without your soul
Who’ll miss the wings of your compassion
More than you’ll ever know[Chorus]
And your footsteps will always fall here
-Elton John, Candle in the Wind (1997)
Along England’s greenest hills
Your candle’s burned out long before
Your legend ever will
The version became the first single ever to rack up diamond-certified sales, moving 11 million copies in the US alone, according to Stereogum. Around the world, it moved over 33 million units, raising a fortune for good causes as the single was a benefit for Diana’s favorite charities.
But when it comes to performing live, Elton would always look back to the original song. Up to this day, he holds on firmly to his vows: not planning to sing Candle in the Wind 1997 live ever again unless one of Diana’s sons, William and Harry, asks him to.
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