Elton John Relights ‘Candle’ With New Words for Diana

Two decades ago, he eulogized another fallen icon, remembering Marilyn Monroe with a sentimental song called “Candle in the Wind.” Now Elton John has updated it to mourn someone more real to him--his friend, Princess Diana.

The pop star will sing the new version of the song Saturday in Westminster Abbey at the funeral of the princess.

John and lyricist Bernie Taupin said they were still refining the new words as of Thursday:

Candle in the Wind

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.