Bernie Taupin admits he didn't write Candle in the Wind about Marilyn Monroe

06 October 2023 , 18:22

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Bernie Taupin reveals he didn't write Candle in the Wind about Marilyn Monroe (Image: PA)

Bernie Taupin has revealed that he did not write his original version of Candle in the Wind about the Hollywood film star Marilyn Monroe.

The Oscar-winning songwriter – whose long-running collaboration with Sir Elton John is one of the most successful in modern music – said he originally penned the song about US actor Montgomery Clift, who starred alongside Monroe in 1961 movie, The Misfits.

Clift died of heart disease at the age of 45. Candle in the Wind’s lyrics were later rewritten as a tribute to Princess Diana, following her death in 1997.

Bernie Taupin reveals he didn't write Candle in the Wind about Marilyn Monroe (PA)

American actors Montgomery Clift and Marilyn Monroe (Getty Images)

On The Graham Norton Show tonight, Taupin revealed what inspired him to write the track. He said: “I liked the title of Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s book, which is a metaphor for a life snuffed out too soon.

"At the same time, I saw The Misfits and was fascinated by Montgomery Clift, who died young. But then I wondered how many people would know who he was.

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“Even though I didn’t care for Marilyn Monroe, people would think her a much more fragile character and more indicative of the ‘candle in the wind’ so I am glad I went with her. Otherwise, history would have been very different.”

Discussing the changes he made to the lyrics so the song could be performed by Sir Elton at Diana’s funeral, he said: “I rewrote it in half an hour… it wasn’t difficult.

“I’ve only actually heard it a couple of times – once at the funeral and once in the studio so I don’t remember a word of it.”

Laura Harding