The 1997 version won John the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 40th Grammy Awards ceremony in 1998 . At the 1998 Brit Awards the song was nominated for the Brit Award for Best British Single . The lyrics of the earlier version of " Candle in the Wind " , also written by Taupin , were a tribute to Marilyn Monroe . The opening lines of the 1973 version , " Goodbye Norma Jean , though I never knew you at all , " were adapted to " Goodbye England 's rose , may you ever grow in our hearts . " Most of the lyrics were adapted to suit the circumstances of Diana 's life and death
1998 Brit Awards
1998 Brit Awards
Candle in the Wind 1997