By: Elton John

Pop Culture "Candle in the Wind" is a song with music by Elton John and lyrics by Bernie Taupin. It was originally written in 1973, in honor of Marilyn Monroe, who had died 11 years earlier. The song is about the sadness and tragedy found in her life.

On December 14, 1986, a live version of the song was recorded in Sydney, Australia. It was released in 1987 on the album Live in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and as a single. This is the most popular version, still getting radio play.

On 31 August 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales was killed in a car crash in Paris, France. The news immediately shocked Elton John, as he and the Princess had been very good friends.

John decided he wanted to pay a tribute to Diana. With that in mind, he contacted his veteran writing partner, Bernie Taupin. Due to the confusion created by a message John left on Taupin's answering machine in which he asked Taupin to write a lyric similar to "Candle in the Wind", Taupin rewrote that song.

John sang "Candle in the Wind 1997" in public, for the only time, at the funeral of Princess Diana. Though he continues to perform the original 1973 version of the song at his concerts, John has repeatedly turned down requests to perform the 1997 version. He refused even when asked to do so for the memorial Concert for Diana in July 2007, having vowed never to perform it again unless asked by Diana's sons.

Pre-listening Which song are you more familiar with? What do you know about Marilyn Monroe? Princess Diana?

Listen Listen to the songs. Complete the missing lyrics.

Questions: What is the difference between the tone of each song? Which version do you prefer?

Listen Again Review your answers.

P.S. The final years of Monroe's life were marked by illness and personal problems. The circumstances of her death, from an overdose of drugs, have been the subject of debate. Officially classified as a "probable suicide", the possibility of an accidental overdose has not been ruled out, while some conspiracy theorists argue that she was murdered.

The circumstances surrounding the death of Diana have also been the subject of numerous conspiracy theories. Some contend that the crash was orchestrated by MI6 on the instructions of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. They also accuse numerous others of being involved in her death. Official reports state that Diana had been unlawfully killed by her driver and the following paparazzi.