“Candle In The Wind” stands as one of Elton John’s most cherished songs, a testament to his songwriting genius that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. Featured on every edition of his ‘Diamonds’ Greatest Hits collection, its appeal extends far beyond the iconic 1997 reimagining dedicated to Princess Diana.
Originally conceived in 1973, this modern classic was born at Château d’Hérouville studio in France on May 7th during the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road sessions. While “Bennie And The Jets” took the spotlight in the United States, “Candle In The Wind” became the third single from the album in other territories. During the spring of 1974, it graced the UK Singles Chart for nine weeks, achieving a peak position of #11, and solidified its legendary status by earning a place on Rolling Stone‘s prestigious list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Musically, the ballad in E-major is deceptively simple yet profoundly moving. It is anchored by a thoughtful piano arrangement and a complementary guitar line. Interestingly, Davey Johnston, Elton’s guitarist, initially resisted playing the now-iconic electric guitar melody that mirrors Elton’s piano hook at the end of each chorus. “When he sang the part to me, I went, ‘That’s so cheesy. You’re not serious. I’m not going to play that.’,” Johnston recounted. This rare studio disagreement ultimately proved fruitful after Elton persuaded him to try. Davey conceded, “Will you at least try it?’ And I went, ‘Ok.’ So I tried it and I thought, ‘Okay, that does sound good.’” This anecdote highlights the collaborative and sometimes argumentative process behind crafting such enduring music.
The captivating melody of the “candle in the wind” line was so powerful that it inspired album engineer David Hentschel to weave it into the instrumental introduction of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Keen listeners can detect this melodic thread on synthesizer around the 1:18 mark of the album’s opening track, Funeral For A Friend, demonstrating the song’s pervasive influence throughout the entire album.
In conclusion, “Candle In The Wind” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural touchstone in Elton John’s vast catalog. From its humble beginnings in a French studio to its global recognition and poignant adaptation, the song’s simple yet evocative melody and thoughtful composition continue to captivate and move listeners across generations, solidifying its place as a timeless classic.
