"Candle in the Wind," released in 1973, originally invoked Marilyn Monroe in its opening line -- "Goodbye Norma Jean," a reference to the star's real name, Norma Jean Baker. John asked Bernie Taupin, who co-wrote the original lyrics, to write the revised version for the funeral.
Instead of the original opening line, the new version will begin, "Goodbye England's rose, may you ever grow in our hearts."
Profits from sales of the recording of this song will go to the charitable foundation set up in Princess Diana's name.
"Goodbye
England's rose,
may you ever grow in our hearts.
You were the grace that placed itself
where lives were torn apart.
You called out to our country,
and you whispered to those in pain.
Now you belong to heaven,
and the stars spell out your name.
And it seems to me you lived your life
like a candle in the wind:
never fading with the sunset
when the rain set in.
And your footsteps will always fall here,
along England's greenest hills;
your candle's burned out long before
your legend ever will.
Loveliness we've lost;
these empty days without your smile.
This torch we'll always carry
for our nation's golden child.
And even though we try,
the truth brings us to tears;
all our words cannot express
the joy you brought us through the years.
Goodbye England's rose,
from a country lost without your soul,
who'll miss the wings of your compassion
more than you'll ever know."
Listen...
Made in 1999 by Michael Schmid