Elton John’s ‘Candle In The Wind’: The Marilyn Monroe Connection You Never Knew

Elton John’s timeless classic “Candle In The Wind” has become a poignant anthem, reflecting on the fleeting nature of fame and its often tragic consequences. Written by John and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, the song originally paid tribute to Marilyn Monroe, the iconic Hollywood star whose life was marred by the pressures of celebrity. While the song would later take on a new meaning following the death of Princess Diana, its roots lie in the sorrow of Monroe’s untimely demise.

Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood’s Tragic Star

Marilyn Monroe, once hailed as Hollywood’s ultimate sex symbol, enjoyed a decade at the top of the entertainment industry. However, behind the glitz and glamour, Monroe was battling personal demons, including depression, substance abuse, and severe anxiety. Her divorce from playwright Arthur Miller in 1961, followed by her struggles with mental health, painted a tragic picture of the price of fame. Despite her overwhelming popularity, Monroe’s life ended in 1962, when she died of a suspected overdose at the age of 36.

Fame, though often glamorous, can strip away a person’s identity and privacy. In Monroe’s case, the public’s adoration came with devastating personal costs. The actress became an emblem of the destructive nature of fame, with her struggles often overshadowing her immense talent.

‘Candle In The Wind’ and Marilyn’s Legacy

Elton John’s connection to Monroe’s story came through his own experiences with fame and the destructive impact of media attention. The opening line of “Candle In The Wind” – “Goodbye Norma Jeane” – directly references Monroe’s birth name before she became the Hollywood legend we know as Marilyn Monroe. The line symbolizes the loss of her true self as she was thrust into the persona crafted by Hollywood’s demands.

While the song is often viewed as a tribute to Monroe’s tragic life, Bernie Taupin, who penned the lyrics, downplays the notion of being a “rabid Marilyn Monroe fanatic.” In a 2016 interview with SongFacts, Taupin explained that the song was never solely about Monroe. He acknowledged that the song could easily apply to other iconic figures like James Dean, Kurt Cobain, or even writers such as Sylvia Plath and Virginia Woolf, all of whom met untimely deaths. Taupin stated, “It’s really about how fame affects the man or woman in the street, that whole adulation thing and the fanaticism of fandom.” The song’s broader message revolves around the dehumanizing nature of fame, which freezes people in time as symbols rather than allowing them to age and evolve as individuals.

The Reimagining of ‘Candle In The Wind’

In 1997, after the tragic death of Princess Diana, the song underwent a significant transformation. Taupin changed the opening lyrics to “Goodbye England’s Rose,” and the song was performed at Diana’s funeral by Elton John. This version, known as “Candle In The Wind ’97,” became a global hit, reaching the top of the charts and cementing the song’s place as one of the best-selling singles of all time.

Although Diana’s death redefined the song for a new generation, it’s important to remember that its initial inspiration stemmed from the life of Marilyn Monroe. Both women, in different eras, were victims of the suffocating pressures of fame, and both left behind legacies that continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.

Conclusion

“Candle In The Wind” remains one of Elton John’s most emotionally charged and powerful songs. While it became forever associated with Princess Diana, its original roots trace back to Marilyn Monroe, whose tragic story of fame and its toll on her life was immortalized in John’s music. The song reflects the transient nature of fame, the public’s tendency to freeze its icons in time, and the heartache that often follows the spotlight. Whether it’s about Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, or any other figure who has become a symbol of fame’s destructive power, “Candle In The Wind” speaks to the fragile nature of celebrity and the human cost of adoration.