Listen To Elton John Candle In The Wind
You know that song, right? The one that starts with that wistful piano and then suddenly Elton John’s voice comes in, all dramatic and beautiful? "Candle in the Wind." Yeah, that one. You’ve probably heard it at a wedding, maybe at a sad movie, or just humming along to the radio. It’s one of those songs that just… sticks.
But here’s a little secret, a bit of behind-the-scenes magic that makes this already-special tune even more fascinating. This isn't just any old love song. Oh no. This song has actually had a couple of lives, and the second one? Well, it’s a real tear-jerker, but with a twist of pure, unadulterated fandom.
So, the original version of "Candle in the Wind" was actually written way back in 1973. And who was it about? Not a princess, not a pop star, but the legendary actress Marilyn Monroe. Imagine Elton and his songwriting buddy, Bernie Taupin, sitting there, thinking about this iconic Hollywood star who burned so brightly and then… well, flickered out too soon. They saw her as this beautiful, fragile thing, like a candle in a strong wind, vulnerable to the gusts of fame and life. It’s a pretty poetic thought, isn't it? Like admiring a firework – breathtaking, but you know it can’t last forever.
This first version is all about the tragedy and the myth of Marilyn. It’s a sad song, no doubt. It’s about a legend who was admired but perhaps not truly understood. They sang about her beauty, her struggles, and the enduring image she left behind. It’s got that classic Elton John feel – a bit melancholic, a lot of heart, and a soaring melody that makes you want to sway even if you’re just standing in your kitchen.
Now, fast forward a couple of decades. Elton John is still a massive star, and he’s written countless hits. But then, something truly extraordinary happens. In 1997, the world lost a beloved figure, someone who captured the hearts of millions: Diana, Princess of Wales. The grief was immense, a wave that swept across the globe.
Elton, like so many others, was deeply saddened by her passing. He remembered Diana as a kind, compassionate woman, someone who had a genuine connection with people. And he thought, "This song, 'Candle in the Wind,' it’s perfect. It speaks to a life lived brightly, a life that touched so many, and a life that ended too soon."
But here’s where it gets really interesting. He and Bernie Taupin didn't just dust off the old song. They decided to rewrite it. They changed the lyrics to specifically honor Princess Diana. This wasn't just a tribute; it was a personal tribute from Elton to someone he knew and admired. He took the existing framework – the candle, the wind, the fleeting beauty – and infused it with the spirit of Diana. He sang about her empathy, her "twinkling smile," and how she was a "rose that bloomed and faded." It’s like they took a painting of a beautiful sunset and then added a perfect portrait of someone they loved right into the middle of it.
The result? An absolute phenomenon. This new version, released as "Candle in the Wind 1997," became one of the best-selling singles of all time. It topped charts everywhere. It was played constantly. And it became the soundtrack to a global outpouring of grief and remembrance. It’s a song that managed to be both deeply personal for Elton and universally felt by everyone who mourned Diana.
What’s so heartwarming, and maybe a little bit funny, about this whole story is how one song can transform so dramatically. It went from being a tribute to a Hollywood icon to becoming a global anthem for a modern-day princess. It shows the power of music to connect with different stories, different emotions, and different people across time.
Think about it: the same melody that mourned Marilyn Monroe, the shimmering siren of the silver screen, was later sung with tears in millions of eyes for Princess Diana, the humanitarian princess. It's like a chameleo song, adapting its colors to fit the spirit of the moment. And Elton, with his incredible voice and his knack for heartfelt ballads, was the perfect artist to bring these two very different, yet equally poignant, stories to life through the same music.
So, the next time you hear "Candle in the Wind," take a moment. Don't just hear the familiar notes. Remember the two incredible women it’s been dedicated to. Remember the genius of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, who crafted a song so powerful it could resonate with the legends of Hollywood and the icons of our modern age. It's more than just a beautiful tune; it's a testament to enduring legacies and the power of a song to capture the collective heart.
It’s a story that’s a little bit sad, a little bit amazing, and entirely unforgettable. It’s "Candle in the Wind," and it’s a song that truly burns bright in our memories, for more reasons than one.