6. Candle in the Wind
Artist: Elton John
Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Tribute Single
Released: 1974, 1997
Points: 164.3
Candle in the Wind, written by Bernie Taupin and performed by Elton John in 1974, was dedicated to Marilyn Monroe. The song was rewritten as a tribute to Princess Diana in 1997 and performed by Elton John on Princess’s funeral.
The first version starts with lyrics Goodbye Norma Jean. Calling the actress by her real name, the song points to the real person who lived behind the name Marilyn Monroe, the name that was created by Hollywood industry and media. Candle in the Wind speaks about loneliness and pain with which superstar lived surrounded by press who hounded her even when she died – all the papers had to say was that Marilyn was found in the nude.
These lyrics would perfectly describe the life and death of Princess Diana. However, the rewritten version has a solemn tone as it celebrates Diana for her generosity and empathy. The second version of Candle in the Wind topped many charts, including Hot 100, where it stayed in first place for 14 weeks. In 1997, Elton John won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
