Sir ’s famous Marilyn Monroe-dedicated song Candle in the Wind wasn’t originally written for the late Hollywood star.
The single, originally recorded in 1973, made several lyrical references to the legendary actress, aged just 36.
Already one of Sir Elton’s best-known compositions, it eventually became the biggest-selling British single of all time when it was re-released in 1997.
With new lyrics, written in honour of the late who had , it sold 4.9million copies in the UK.
But now, Sir Elton’s songwriting partner Bernie Taupin has confessed to Graham Norton that the original version wasn’t initially supposed to be about Monroe.
‘I liked the title of [Russian author] Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s book, which is a metaphor for a life snuffed out too soon,’ he told the chat show host.
‘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.’
He continued: ‘I didn’t care for Marilyn, [but] people would think her a much more fragile character and more indicative of the “candle in the wind” [metaphor].’
However, he did say that history proved his change of heart to be wise.
‘I am glad I went with her. Otherwise, history would have been very different.’
The song originally reached the top five of the UK singles chart, while a live version later reached the top 10 on the American Billboard charts.
Speaking about the 9x Platinum 1997 version, Taupin explained that coming up with new lyrics was a much quicker process than he initially expected.
‘I re-wrote it in half an hour, it wasn’t difficult,’ he said, but confessed he has rarely heard his work back since it was released to be the public 26 years ago.
‘I’ve only actually heard [the 1997 version] a couple of times – once at [Diana’s] funeral and once in the studio, so I don’t remember a word of it.’
Taupin was joined on Graham’s red sofa by Catherine Tate, Ashley Walters, and Strictly Come Dancing champion and comedian Bill Bailey.
Watch The Graham Norton Show on BBC One and iPlayer at 10.40pm on Friday.
