Candle in the Wind (Goodbye England’s Rose)

Perhaps one of the greatest classic of our generation that was viewed by billions of people worldwide in 1997. Sir Elton John performed Goodbye England’s Rose as a tribute to Lady Diana right before Earl Spencer (Diana’s brother) described her as  “the most hunted person of the modern age“. Sir Elton John has declined to perform this version of his original ’73 (dedicated to Marilyn Monroe) song (unless requested by her sons).  The lyrics are by Bernie Taupin.

A truly powerful and poignant song about the short yet remarkable and benevolent life Princess of Wales lived just like a candle in the wind.

Lyrics

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

May you ever grow in our hearts
You were the grace that placed itself
Where lives were torn apart
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