England's Rose: Elton John's Musical Tribute to Lady Diana Spenser

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In 1997, England was in mourning with the death of Diana Spenser due to a tragic auto accident. Elton John, rewrote his version of the song, “A Candle In The Wind”, originally scored in 1973, as a tribute to her memory. England as a whole was brought together by grief over her death. Diana was a renowned humanitarian who was a captivating figure to the world. John and Diana were very close friends and when he found out about her death he created a touching tribute to his fallen friend. The song itself sold over 11 million copies and was named top selling single of the century (RIAA). Elton John captured what Diana’s life meant to England in his song “A Candle In The Wind”. His choice of lyrics, tone, imagery, and though without speaking about her just causes, clearly created a vision of what Diana meant to her country, and was a touching tribute to her life.

John’s choice in lyrics were able to bring true meaning to what Diana meant to the country of England, particularly by referring her to as “England’s rose” (Line 1) and “nation's golden child” (line 20). The way John describes how much Diana meant to England is clearly shown. “England’s rose” describes Diana as a symbol of England. The rose is England’s nation flower and what Diana meant to her country is profound. The “rose” (Line 1, 33, 37) itself symbolizes beauty, love, and elegance. Diana was a rose to England. John says, “Goodbye England's rose/From a country lost without your soul“ (Line 29-30) to emphasis how a symbol of England was lost and she was the soul of the country. Diana brought humility, a sense of helping the less fortunate and sick, and brought to light issues not normally associated with a royal figure. “You called out to our country/ And you whispered t...

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...e life of a great Mother, friend, humanitarian and Princess and creates a lasting tribute that is both meaningful and justified.

Works Cited

“Candle in the Wind: A Princess Diana Tribute.” YouTube.com. 10 May 2007. Web. 10 Nov 2011. Elton John. “Candle in the Wind.” September 1997. Rocket Records & A&M. CD.

"The American Recording Industry Announces Its Artists of the Century." RIAA - Recording

Industry Association of America. Recording Industry Association of America. Web. 10 Nov. 2011. .

Thursday, Catherine Mayer. "How Diana Transformed Britain - Why Princess Diana Mattered - TIME." Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. Time, 16 Aug. 2007. Web. 10 Nov. 2011. .

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