Candle in the Wind

Elton John

About Candle in the Wind

"Candle in the Wind 1997" is a song by Bernie Taupin and Elton John, a re-written and re-recorded version of their 1973 song "Candle in the Wind". It was released on 13 September 1997 as a tribute single to Diana, Princess of Wales, with the global proceeds from the song going towards Diana's charities. In many countries, it was pressed as a double A-side with "Something About the Way You Look Tonight". The song was written by Taupin, produced by Sir George Martin, and is the second best selling physical single in history. According to the Guinness Book of Records, "Candle in the Wind 1997" is the second highest-selling physical single of all time (behind Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" from 1942), and is the highest-selling single since charts began in the 1950s. After being released, "Candle in the Wind 1997" entered at number one in the UK Singles Chart, John's fourth UK number-one single, and became the best-selling single in UK chart history. In October it became John's ninth US number-one single, where it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 14 weeks, and is the best-selling single in Billboard history; it was the first single certified Diamond in the US. The song also topped the German Singles Chart for seven weeks, the Australian Singles Chart for six weeks, and many other music charts around the world. 


Year:
2002
3:49
90 
#2

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Goodbye Norma Jean
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 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 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

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Elton John

Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight on 25 March 1947) is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor. He has worked with lyricist Bernie Taupin as his songwriter partner since 1967; they have collaborated on more than 30 albums to date. more »

44 fans

Written by: Elton John, Bernie Taupin

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origin and Inspiration
The song "Candle in the Wind" was originally written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, who died 11 years earlier.
Billboard Chart Ranking
The original version of the song peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S.
Live Performances
The song was first performed live by Elton at the Wembley Stadium in 1974.
Re-versions
The song was later rewritten by Taupin in 1997 after the death of Princess Diana, a close friend of Elton John. This version, now known as "Candle in the Wind 1997" or "Goodbye England’s Rose," was performed by Elton John at her funeral.
Record Sales
"Candle in the Wind 1997" became the fastest-selling single in the UK and also the best-selling single in UK chart history. Worldwide, it sold over 33 million copies and is among the best-selling singles of all time.
Grammy Awards
The 1997 version of the song won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 40th Grammy Awards ceremony in 1998.
Charitable Cause
All the proceeds from the sales of "Candle in the Wind 1997" went to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund.
Never Performed Again
Elton John has vowed never to perform the 1997 version of the song again, unless specifically requested by Princess Diana's sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
Digital Bans
As of 2020, due to the wishes of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the 1997 version of "Candle in the Wind" is not commercially available on any digital music platform.
Cultural Impact
"Candle in the Wind" is considered one of the defining songs of Elton John's career and remains one of his most popular performances.

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    Candle in the Wind

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1988

    Billboard #6


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