Elton John, Candle In The Wind- A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

[@janak132]

I'm not even English but Lady Diana was adored way beyond Great Britain's borders. I heard this today for the first time in a very long time and my mind brought back images of the happy faces wherever she visited, like a cancer ward for children; just her being there, her personality, captured them completely. It was like a bright light had walked into the room. When she died I truly felt like one of the few truly good things in the world had dropped away from us. I wept the first time I heard this song and I wept now. I weren't even aware that I carried these emotions and thoughts around; they surfaced just now. What music can do to you

[@jca111]

I was a 27 year old on Parliament Square outside Westminster Abbey during Lady Di's funeral. I held it together during the procession, and services etc. but when Elton played, I lost it, and so did everyone around. Tears everywhere. A nation grieved, and Elton got the tone just right. I briefly met her 10 years earlier after helping in a rewilding project on one of Charlie's farm. She was so lovely and everyone felt like they knew her.

[@colinpatton4416]

The remarkable thing with the Diana version is not only was it played live it was re-written, arranged and then sung live in a week. The other thing is Diana was a very close person friend of Elton John and so how held himself together during this performance is incredible.

[@LeeKennison]

That's awesome that you got to experience both versions of the song, particularly the live performance at Princess Diana's funeral. I remember watching the whole service live at the time, along with millions of others around the world. You were correct in picking up on the personal connection, since Elton and Princess Di were very close personal friends. I also enjoyed your comments on the Marilyn Monroe version, such as on how it gave her personhood back to her, apart from the sex symbol persona built around her. Great reaction. Looking forward to more Elton tomorrow.

[@vonVile]

It's great to see you returning to Elton John. I can't wait for you to listen to songs like: "Your Song", "Tiny Dancer", " Bennie And The Jets" and "Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding".

[@gemmameeuwsen8928]

And Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

[@splitimage137.]

And... CURTAINS... a really underrated song from the Captain Fantastic album, which had the true story of SOMEONE SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT, as well.

[@biraoliverio]

I’m going to add “Rocket Man” to the list.

[@andrewhawkins6754]

Always liked 'Burn Down the Mission' so toss that one in there.

[@Pho_King_A]

"Daniel"

[@manco828]

The harmonies in this song are heavenly. Sung by Elton's bandmates.

[@lesgrice4419]

The week Diana died was a dreadful week, the funeral day was an out of body experience, I cry watching this even now, the whole country seemed to be crying at the loss. The original song for Monroe is moving enough and describes how many people feel...

[@TheTimGowen]

I had just moved right into the centre of London and lived there in the months when Diana was on the cover of Vanity Fair just a short time before she died. The re-write of Candle seemed right at the time and the thing is that Elton John knew Diana and I think they were friends; clearly he didn''t know Marilyn Monroe but I guess both women were powerful in their own way and exploited. I think the original song is a timeless classic and the Diana rewrite is very much of its time and doesn't really work out of context.

[@sgboone261]

The whole world cried at the loss...😢

[@andrewmorton9327]

@@sgboone261 Not me, I was sick of the sight of her.

[@jeffhauf5598]

I was married that weekend. We woke up in the morning to the news. Our honeymoon was in Toronto. There were tons of flowers laid down at the front of the princess of wales theatre there that week.

[@brucedillinger9448]

Nigel, Dee and Davey's harmonies are heavenly. Always pulls at the heart strings. ♥

[@michlkwitz]

The original version always made me sad; the rewritten version brings me to tears. Diana was my hero in my early teens. I remember getting up at 4 in the morning to watch Charles and Diana's wedding. I remember, vividly, working the nightshift two days past my 29th birthday and walking into the break room where I learned of Diana's death. To say I was in shock the rest of the night is an understatement. I remember getting home from work at 2:30 in the morning on the day of the funeral and staying up to watch so I wouldn't miss it, then napping until it was time for work and sleepwalking through my shift that night. I still don't know how Elton got through that performance, considering how close he and Diana were.

[@conniekungfu206]

This is the most beautiful song sung to a lonely and abused child I've ever heard!❤ Because Marilyn was still that scared, abused, and frightened child the day she died.

[@markmatthews4481]

I don't know how he held it together singing at Diana's funeral. That was an beautiful tribute to an amazing Lady. Sir Elton John has a very deep catalog of great music. He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 for his music and charitable work. This was very shortly after Diana's death, I"m sure his tribute to her was the biggest reason and very well deserved.

[@todddepue681]

The big difference between the two versions, of course, is that Elton did know Diana. Very well, in fact. And just a few months prior to this, they were together mourning the equally sudden and brutal death of their mutual friend, Gianni Versace.

[@SteveBrunelle]

I love your interpretation of this song. I now have an even greater appreciation for a song I already loved! Thank you!

[@robinraan]

Exactly

[@conniekungfu206]

When he sings for her abuse and heartbreak, he's speaking for all of us in a way!❤

[@Steve-gx9ot]

Great RESPECT during that Performance. Heart felt as they were good friends

[@johnmclaughlin1371]

​​The lyrics feel like a personal letter, they are very sweet and even with all the poetry and symbolism still very direct somehow. I love what you said about how they give "her personhood back to her."

[@sambirch6784]

Considering how close Elton John was to Princess Diana I was amazed he got through such a personal tribute to her, and I can remember when he walked away from the piano he broke down in tears. The rewriting of Candle In The Wind makes sense for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the vocal melody is so recognisable people can easily latch on it. Secondly, and perhaps slightly controversially, the theme of the original is the persecution/manipulation of the vulnerable and the undercurrent of the rewrite for Diana is similar, Elton John has openly stated that the British establishment and media mistreated his friend Diana, like their American counterparts mistreated Marilyn Monroe.

[@Carol120454]

The two women had a lot in common, as far as how fame changed their lives forever, and not for the better. They both died at the same age too, only 36 years old. Their legends will live on forever.

[@davidbrankley1645]

Thank you Glad for including Elton's video performance of this song, reworked to fit Princess Diana. Like Amy, this was the first time I'd ever watched the footage. It wasn't the first time hearing it. I was in Scotland on a bicycle tour at the time. From the moment it was announced on the radio that she'd died in Paris till her funeral, days later, I was glued to BBCs radio 4. Don't remember much about that funeral except Elton's moving performance and the equally moving oration of her brother, the Earl of Spencer. Elton's performance still brought me to tears.

[@Carol120454]

I remember Elton's performance, sung truly from his heart for his dear friend, Princess Di. I also remember her brother's speech and how angry he was at the press. How can anyone forget?

[@Steve-gx9ot]

"Your Song" is one of my favorite songs! Fit for a Special Person in most peoples lives!!❤

[@janethernandez724]

Well done, Amy, I am so glad you had the opportunity to listen to both versions. I remember watching Princess Diana's funeral on television back then, and I cried again watching you react to the video of Elton John's Candle in the wind for Diana. For the Marilyn Monroe version those lovely harmonies you speak of are done by Elton's bandmates Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olsson and Dee Murray, they always make songs like the magical; I feel it is a beautiful tribute to Marilyn Monroe. Peace. ☮

[@JanS1]

Diana's death was a major blow. I still remember every detail of that night and that weekend. Crushing. I would love to have seen her throughout the years we've missed. Maybe it shouldn't have had such an effect, but it did. A tough job for Elton to sing that day.

[@getexis8685]

This is an excellent song. It stays in your ear beyond time. Time, this mysterious being that wrap us all. Rock is always human; it has few bad moments but most of the good ones.

[@Christopher51now]

Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters is a great song. One of my favs.

[@jdenino6022]

Elton has so many songs you could spend a year analyzing every song.

[@Boatzilla2]

Love your take on the original lyrics, as a huge Norma Jean fan. You broke it down with eloquence. Thank you. I was crying during both of these recordings while watching your reaction, even though I've heard the songs countless times. He really delivered.

[@ryandean3162]

Pretty sure the "Recorded Earlier" is probably just because of time zones. It was recorded live in the UK and then replayed in the US later since it's a 5-8 hour time difference, and since it's not being aired Live they stick Recorded Earlier on there. I'd expect that if it was the original broadcast in the UK it'd probably be on the BBC rather than Fox.

[@Glenner7]

Exactly, correct.

[@Ocrilat]

This is another Elton song that really shows off how good the band was...musically and vocally. Bernie Taupin has said that the song is not about Marilyn Monroe specifically, but about any talent that died young, and was hounded in the press, even after they died. He said it could be about Marilyn, or James Dean, or Montgomery Clift. And I'd add, Princess Diana. The song for me feels like Elton being a pastor, giving a musical eulogy, and the band a chorus of angels. And the style of singing, and when it's emphasized, is a part of the non-verbal storytelling. It's magic.

[@thejoyofthemusicinmylife7897]

The chorus were done by members of his band, Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olson and Dee Murray, guitar, drums and bass. Blinded together their voice but to together in harmony is amazing. They would add those harmony vocals after all the main vocals and instrumental are recorded. This is where they work their magic. They provides many vocal harmonies on many of Elton's songs during his classic 1970 to 1975 classic Elton years.

[@matthewscottsnyder99]

Gus Dudgeon was a true master

[@thejoyofthemusicinmylife7897]

@@matthewscottsnyder99 yes so true. Everything lined up just right for Elton in his career. Great artist and talent of Elton himself, a great band of Dee, Nigel and Dee, and great producer with Gus. Oh yes let not forget Bernie. :)

[@leftyodaniels2645]

Bernie.s lyrics often reflected on the American experience..and Yellow Brick Road made Elton the biggest star on the planet. I can still remember unwrapping it Christmas morning..this album was a masterpiece.

[@timradde4328]

I love this song.

[@mwflanagan1]

I’ve been crying to this song for fifty years. Yellow Brick Road is still my favorite album of his. Thank you for this reaction.

[@davidvsr]

my first time seeing footage of the funeral as well. this was beautiful.

[@kendallneason3645]

Princess Diana was good friends with Elton John and Freddie Mercury. She was a great supporter of the arts. Elton John’s performance at Princess Diana’s funeral was beautiful and so sad. The original song made me feel so maudlin and contemplative for Marilyn Monroe too.

[@markpekrul4393]

I had to be so difficult for him to do this without becoming overcome - I understand he rarely performs Empty Garden, his tribute to John Lennon, live because of the emotions it brings up.

[@tubewayarmy2]

Elton John only sang the song 'Goodbye English Rose' only once, at Princess Diana's funeral, which I, and millions of others attended in London. Everybody cried their eyes out (except for a few reporters near me, from Germany, who I admonished for not being there to pay their respects, as they were laughing and not taking the occasion seriously at all)

[@popsmcgee9775]

Absolutely loved this Elton John weekend, Amy. Thank you!

[@HaleTheTrev]

I remember watching this during the live broadcast. I remember my Mother telling me Princess Diana had died 😢 Was a sad time here in the UK 🇬🇧

[@edh8827]

It's many years since I've heard that song from Diana's funeral & it's so well done & such a wonderful tribute by a close friend. You're comments on how "live" performances can use recorded tracks is a great point. These can use pitch correction too so not even the natural vocal. That makes me appreciate singing & playing like this even more. I wonder how Elton felt after it.. I'm sure he's talked about it.

[@kentnottingham9635]

So glad to hear the album version. It has the background vocals and atmosphere that all his greatest song has. “Someone saved my life tonight” has this atmosphere and wouldn’t be as good without it either.

[@marieaug9322]

In the album that had sad songs say so much, and that's why they call it... I believe I heard another more contemporary version on marylns. So there are 4 versions. I remember it because I sing and I loved the notes he sang on legend ever did, just like this version there's 3 extra notes. And would've liked to know you at last was sung twice once with a growling high note. I'm an 80s kid anyone remember?

[@junzohirose4732]

Hi Amy, My wife and I greatly enjoy tour channel, most recently your analysis of Elton John's Candle in the Wind and its re-write fro Princess Di. As you suggested at the end of that episode, I decided to take pen in hand and try my own re-creation of the lyrics, below Best regards, James and Naomi Though We Haven't Met As Yet Hello Amy dear Though we haven't met as yet We've learned so much from your insights We're already in your debt You share with us on KZbin Help us to appreciate each word Every sound and every nuance We may not have always heard Attentively we listen To the music from our teens When melodies were well-crafted And the lyrics clear and clean So thank you, Amy dear From the Boomers you re-inspire May your channel always flourish And your following grow higher ….

[@robertbowman7395]

Let’s not forget to give Bernie Toupin credit for writing the lyrics, which he did on many Elton John songs

[@crossmooradian8038]

I like the way she reacts to Dee's bass glissandos. I've always been moved by them too.

[@rayjennings3637]

I've always appreciated the harmonics in this beautiful song but have never really listened to them before and the way in which they reinforce Elton John's main stream. The simile of a river and a tributary is so marvellously descriptive and apt! A sublime summing up of the lyrics of the first song. The reason for the 'Recorded Earlier' caption on the Fox News broadcast is because the actual funeral service was too early in the day for the USA.

[@WesLovdahl]

First I'd like to say I've watched many of your videos n love your take on many of these songs. As for rewriting l, I'm currently doing a rewrite lyrically of a song I wrote titled Wi-Fi In The Sky. The music has a very classic mid late 70s feel to it and is to be used on a movie placed in that time period. The rewrite is is more about that main character in the movie.

[@WaechterDerNacht]

As a '93 build, I immediatly think of Princess Diana when i hear this song. Not that i could remember any of those events, but it seems like it was the defining moment for this song.

[@TrekBeatTK]

Unique song that was released as three different singles (original, a live version, and the Diana one) and all went to #1.

[@johnanderson290]

Wow Amy! Wow Vlad! Truly an incredible reaction and analysis video. Thank you for this! What a delightful treat! ❤️🎶

[@jdenino6022]

Thanks for covering this song. Also, Bernie Taupin is a brilliant one of a kind lyricist. He wrote the words to this song. Elton and Bernie have been a team for over 50 years. Davey Johnstone is the guitarist interesting that you said he was inspired by a genius like David Gilmour.

[@edwardrutledge2765]

Elton’s songs with Bernie’s lyrics were so addictive, inviting sing along compulsion. I probably saw Elton five times in concert before 1975, contemporaries admitting even more.

[@kishka7]

You MUST HEAR his tribute to Princess Diana - excellently done! He refers to her as a rose!

[@alanbatt]

the video at Princess Dianas funeral was hard to watch and Elton singing about a best friend Diana he did well ❤

[@jovana_r]

A lovely song and lovely reaction of yours. 🖤🖤🖤

[@BenQ10]

In tears watching this.

[@schimmelbaura]

living in Germany, Dianas death was really a shock here. I remember watching the funeral on TV and crying the whole time, because it was so sad. Myself, I lost my very first horse 4 weeks before to a terrible accident, and this all mixed up, watching the funeral. Still know exactly how I felt that dey. Now, nearly 30 years later, I am sitting in front of my TV, loved your joy, when yoou listen to original version of the song, and then - AGAiN - I started to cry watching the funeral version. I haven't seen it since than, and it really hit hard. greetings from sentimental nearly 60 year old woman

[@Rackelhane]

Great reaction. I`m with you all the way...Thank you...and..Cheers from a finn in Sweden.

[@thomassharmer7127]

I enjoyed that but I can't see any video for Yellow Brick Road this weekend.

[@stlmopoet]

Thank you for making us who remember Princess Diana feel very old. 😄

[@hermannus3894]

When Marilyn Monroe died, you had never heard from her.

[@timradde4328]

@@hermannus3894 I am old enough to remember her dying.

[@suzycreamchez123]

I think his best song is Funeral For A Friend. You'll really enjoy listening to that one!

[@jmpmusva]

I think about Ryan White. The first child to die of Aids due to a bad blood transfusion. Elton was at his bedside as the world watched in sadness. He left the hospital and showed up at FARM AID. Dedicated this song to him. The whole place melted. Seven years later, Elton also sang it at Diana's funeral.

[@jdenino6022]

they recently posted the whole funeral on youtube, EJ also sang "Skyline Pigeon" at the funeral service, I'm sure you already knew that though. However I didn't know he and the pastor led the congregation in singing The Lord Is My Shepherd.

[@brucedillinger9448]

Great reaction as always. HUGE Elton fan here. I HIGHLY recommend you react to TICKING from Elton's CARIBOU album. This is Elton and Bernie at their stunning best!

[@JamesJohnson-ig6of]

You may enjoy one of Elton's "Live" performances like "Levon" where he graces his piano in his masterful manner! Elton was accepted at London's Royal Academy of Music while only a young lad. The term "musical genius" is certainly worthy of him. BTW, I listened for my first time your review of ELVIS "Falling In Love". As a recommendation ELVIS had a music catalog of well over 800+ recordings. As a singer and musician myself for starters.... "Twenty Days and Twenty Nights"; & "How Great Thou Art", Live in Concert 1972. He would slow his tempo and bless his audience with a Hymn during his "live" concerts. THANK YOU! From the State of Minnesota U.S.A.

[@kawonnowak]

His songbook is full of incredible classics. I'll add 'Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word' to the wish list. Not just because it reminds me of hard times long since past. It always felt like a song sung particularly from the heart.

[@mooghead]

The backing vocals listenend to in isolation sound spectacular.

[@brucedillinger9448]

Do you know where one can hear the isolated vocals?

[@imveryangryitsnotbutter]

I was just a kid when I first heard the 1997 rendition of Candle In The Wind play over the radio, so I'm in the same boat as you.

[@AzaleaLala]

I wasn't prepared for the tears when I listened to the Princess Diana version. It's been a while since I've heard it. I was born in the US, but my Mother was born in England and she was so saddened by Diana's death. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road came out when I was 13. I used to lay in front of the stereo and listen to it. Such a great album. The first three songs on the album are Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding and then Candle in the Wind. If you get a chance to listen to them all together and in that order I recommend. Thank you for the reaction. You always have something meaningful to say about the songs you react to.

[@vaughnnewman8903]

Another amazing song and performance from one of the best teams in music history. If you haven't already, please check out Elton and George Michael dueting on "Don't Let the Sun go Down on Me"- amazing stuff.

[@katznkittens]

You should listen to, ‘Your Song.’

[@matthewmeasimer1470]

The whole Captain Fantastic album, my favorite tunes on it is Someone Saved My Life Tonight, enjoy. ✌️😁

[@firstnamelastname-bu1xm]

So interesting and fun to me that you had no idea really of princess diana beyond occasional things you came across. And, while there is so much you can read on the internet and see in shows, it never really does justice to the shock people felt when diana died.. And I still believe it was shock more than anything else people felt. In 97 I was about 17 years old, I remember that almost every day FOR YEARS Diana was front page of the newspapers. There was a feeling that Diana had become bigger than the Royal family- she did things other royals shied away from (including meeting and holding children with aids in a time when it was still scary to people- and her involvement is where she formed such a close bond to elton john) She did an explosive interview were she talked of what it was like living with the royals and charles- her private eating disorder, the affair by charles, and lifted the mystique away. The press went into overdrive much more after the interview.. And then, one morning the news came on television to say she was dead. It was very surreal.

[@john9508]

Great song and great guitar by Davey Johnstone. Bernie was very quick at rewriting the lyrics for Elton

[@splitimage137.]

A beautiful song by a great songwriting team. As I understand it: Bernie writes a lyric and sends it to Elton (nee Reginald Dwight) - who props it up on his piano while he writes the tune for it. I really suggest that you do YOUR SONG, which is one of their first collaborations, and it really presages everything those two would produce later. It's so simple, and yet elegant. BTW - There's a wonderful song by them, called CURTAINS, a deep-cut from their Captain Fantastic album (which featured the fabulous, and true story, of SOMEONE SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT) that is highly underrated, imho. "Beneath these branches... I once wrote... such childish words for you. But that's okay... there's treasure children always seek to find. And just like us... you must have had... a Once Upon A Time!" Here is a pretty cool fan video of the song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZmaZHRric6Wndk P.S. - You can see Elton when he was still Reginald in the music video for T. Rex's BANG A GONG (GET IT ON) from 1971. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJzXXoeGgrqSosk Vlad - BANG A GONG (as it was called in the States - it was called GET IT ON in the U.K.) would be a fantastic song for Amy to hear. It features a kind of Bo Diddley beat: "doo da da dump... da doo da da dump" as I style it, that I would like Amy to pick up on. (P.S. U2 covered this song... with Elton John on piano!)

[@falayyou]

Masterful song

[@PhalseProfit13]

Thank you for this channel and your work

[@mickfoster7140]

Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters is another beautiful Elton song with very strange lyrics. I would love to see what you can make of them.

[@davidmaholchic6146]

Well what a treat here love it love you

[@robinraan]

Thank you so much , Amy.

[@JohnDrewVoice]

Learn more … Davey Johnstone played guitar on the 1973 "Candle in the Wind" recording. He played 2,900 shows with Elton John, beginning in 1971 when Johnstone was twenty. Johnstone was born in Edinburgh, Scotland.

[@PartTimeBuddhist]

Things I like about the original 1973 studio version: the lead vocals, the backing vocals, the bass, the drums (Nigel Olsson - greatest snare sound ever?), the acoustic guitars, the harmonized electric guitars, the "high fidelity on steroids" feel of the production, the eloquent and yet down-to-earth depth of the lyrics. Other than that, it's OK.

[@brucedillinger9448]

Nigel is my favorite drummer. 🥁 ♥

[@rabeksmom]

You should watch Diana's funeral - the music was extraordinary. Especially the Tavener piece that was used as the coffin left the church - it was haunting.

[@surferles589]

Amy, you must listen to Funeral For Friend/Love Lies Bleeding. Masterpiece

[@philipcochran1972]

Norma Jean Mortensen was Marilyn Monroe's original name. Her mother named her after two famous film stars of the time, Norma Shearer (Canada) and Jean Harlow (USA). Monroe is the maiden name of Marilyn's mother. Marilyn is a film studio assigned name.

[@jdenino6022]

I noticed at the end that you said that Fox News channel had on their screen that it was "recorded earlier" for the Diana funeral version and the reason for that was bc England is at least 5 hours ahead of the U.S. so they were showing it again for their American viewers. The funeral was in the middle of the night in England for American viewers. I did stay up and watch live (I live on the east coast of the U.S.) Elton John performed the song completely live during the funeral service. (he did have a teleprompter bc he was nervous he might sing the original lyrics by mistake but he did it live during the funeral). He doesn't lip sycnc during performances like this that I've ever heard of.

[@Merseyrock]

I think that, what inspired Elton John & Bernie Taupin to write a song about MM, eleven years after the fact... Comes down to him having grown up exposed to her persona, admiring her for it, and being haunted by her legend, thereafter: He may have resolved to write a tribute song dedicated to her, as a way to give closure to his feelings towards MM whilst a teenager; now an adult, and a public persona himself, now in a position to make a statement which might reflect his own perspective (as likely, shared by others in his generation:) Who grew up looking up to MM the screen, then overshadowed as a human being by her sex-symbol status. Quite possibly, at the same time, with him trying to reconcile his own rock-star persona with his own sense of self.

[@FlasherCat]

I'm way late to the party but I feel the need to remind you that the lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin, one on the best lyricists ever. The lyrics for Elton's 'I guess that's why they call it the blues' is one of the more romantic poems in English popular language. Keep up the good work!

[@rosmeeker1964]

I think 'Love lies bleeding/Funeral for friend' and 'Your song' would be the songs that people use for those occasions more so than 'Candle in the wind.'

[@AnaRafaelaDionísio]

Elton have a very good song about the murder of his good friend, john lennon "empty garden". As a tribute. Elton seems to me a very good person and friend. Please check the live performace of George Michael and Elton John. The concert is in the 90 and it was a george michael show. But, the song they performed together is"don't let the sun goes down on me"

[@mccjoe]

This is a fascinating analysis - Thank you Amy and Glad - Would be very interesting to learn Amy's take on something like Madonna's Like A Prayer record which crosses the boundaries of rock, r&B, gospel and pop. Looking forward to the new episodes!

[@scunner6828]

Yes, a tribute is needed to Glad or Gladys who keeps those instruments polished and tuned and makes a lovely cup of tea. Here's to you Glad.

[@Will_E_Wonty]

If you want an amazing live performance, I suggest Comfortably Numb from the 1994 PULSE concert. It is aurally and visually stunning.

[@geoffmower8729]

The harmony guitars at the end sound very reminiscent of ABBA too. I have played ABBA songs with my band and Mamma mia has the same harmony guitar sound.

[@robertvarisco2196]

Elton and his mates came up with that incredibly effective layered background vocal technique for the first time on his big hit "Rocket Man" and he used it often during his classic years. As to what was the reason for a tribute by an Englishman to a Hollywood actress who died 11 years prior, Elton and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, who wrote all the lyrics, had a fascination with American pop culture and history, as reflected in songs about Roy Rogers, New York City, Displacement of indigenous people by Europeans and the Civil War. The entire "Tumbleweed Connection" album by Elton is written about the American Old West.

[@Carol120454]

I've found it interesting the two Englishmen wrote songs about astronauts, Elton John- Rocket Man and David Bowie- Space Oddity. No Americans, yet we were the ones with astronauts at the time.

[@Carol120454]

I guess they really were fascinated with the goings on in the US.

[@bludrugo29]

I've never really understood all the public mourning after Diana's death, but this song is still a gem.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Fabulous!!

[@tonytjandra4798]

"The One" is the song which was featured on the album of the same name. The One album was launched in 1992 with 13 songs, including a collaboration between Elton John, David Gilmour and Eric Clapton. Thank you.

[@ArgyleGT]

Brilliant review, Amy

[@tomratcliff3755]

The only thing that comes to mind is Heartfelt. His original is great, but you can tell the difference in the versions. They knew of Marilyn, they knew Diana.

[@mranster]

I feel like the definition of "live" has changed significantly since Diana's funeral. Today, we would probably call this a live performance...because it was. But this was happening when satellite broadcasting was fairly new, and networks were still showing it off. Ohhh, live broadcast! So there was this awkward space between something that was actually happening right at that moment, and something that had happened earlier, even though it was live at the time. Today, the definition of live has become rather loose, so that, for example, Ren's "Hi Ren" is considered live, even though there was no live audience, and we're all watching a recording. That's very new!

[@clivegrant4225]

Definitely need to do Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding. Elton at his very best

[@BruceDearling]

Now time for some Robert Plant, so perhaps a review of Big Log?

[@gbsailing9436]

Hi Amy, I'm sorry that I missed your premier of this great song. It is such a great song, and for SO many people around the world. It comes from an even greater double album as well, which you really should do a deep dive into, just as you did with Pink Floyd's The Wall. Having heard Elton's explanation of how he writes his songs...What I find absolutely astounding and fascinating is the way Bernie and Elton write songs. As you may or may not know, The pair do not sit down together and nut out a song in the same room on a piano. No. Bernie is a lyricist, while Elton is the song composer. Bernie will write his lyrics everywhere and anywhere that takes his fancy, and he has them either delivered to Elton, or gives them to him himself. Elton, on the other hand, without speaking to Bernie about the song itself, will sit down without him and read through the lyrics a few times, getting a 'feel' for the song's message and tonal qualities. He then will start to play and craft a musical story for the lyrics. What is even more unreal or surreal is that if you listen to the piano being played, it is not even similar to the melody being sung. So the melody is in Elton's head while he's crafting the music often totally different..!!! These facts just blow my mind !!! Go back and listen again and see 🤯. Also remember that Elton was a very good friend of Princess Dianna - I'm amazed that he was able to keep it together while singing it! I don't know how many, or if ever you will deep dive into other Elton John songs, but it you like a story, listen to "Ticking", such a tragic song, as is his song "Tonight". If you listen to much of Elton's earlier stuff, like "The Greatest Discovery" you will find harp, and such great orchestral accompaniments by Paul Buckmaster you will be suitably impressed!!!

[@XFLexiconMatt]

Amy, I wish you'd react to that album opener from 1973, "Funeral For A Friend / Love Lies Bleeding", one of the most amazing long tracks Elton ever put out.

[@socalpaul487]

This is, and always will be, Norma Jean's song. Marilyn wasn't just a beautiful woman, but she had a beautiful soul.