‘Candle in the Wind’ is a ‘threnody’ with music and lyrics by Elton John and Bernie Taupin. It was originally written in 1973, in honour of Marilyn Monroe who died 11 years earlier. A ‘trenody’ is of Greek origin and is defined as being a wailing ode, song, hymn or poem of mourning that is composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person.
In 1997, Elton John performed a rewritten version of the song as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales. The latter version was released as a single. It reached Number 1 in many countries, proving a much greater success than the original. It has since been officially recognised as the second best-selling single of all time behind Bing Crosby’s ‘White Christmas’ song.
After singing the song at the late Princess Diana’s funeral service, Elton John said that he would never sing the song again out of his respect for Princess Diana.
Love and peace Bill xxx