Bernie Taupin has revealed he did not initially intend the original version of Candle In The Wind to be about Marilyn Monroe.
The Oscar-winning songwriter, whose long-running collaboration with Sir Elton John is one of the most successful and prolific in modern music, said he originally planned for the song to be about the actor Montgomery Clift.
Candle In The Wind’s lyrics were later rewritten as a tribute to the late Diana, Princess of Wales, after her death in 1997.
“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.
“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.”
“I’ve only actually heard it a couple of times – once at the funeral and once in the studio so don’t remember a word of it!”
The Graham Norton Show is on BBC One on October 6 at 10.40pm.
