Candle in the Wind - Elton John - Anthony Kitigawa (English 002) - Jay's Semester of Love Research Dictionary

"Candle in the Wind" is a song written by the legendary musician Elton John, which has become a cultural touchstone for many around the world. The song was originally released in 1973 as a tribute to the late actress Marilyn Monroe, but it was a reworked version of the song that became a huge hit in 1997, following the death of Princess Diana. The lyrics of "Candle in the Wind" are a moving tribute to the lives of both Marilyn Monroe and Princess Diana. They describe the beauty and allure of these two women, but also touch on the tragedy and pain that marked their lives. The song is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the impact that even the most iconic figures can have on the world. Elton John's soaring vocals and the song's haunting melody make "Candle in the Wind" a timeless classic. The lyrics capture the essence of Monroe and Diana's lives, while also speaking to broader themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of fame. The song's reworked version, which was performed by Elton John at Princess Diana's funeral, became a massive hit around the world. The new version of the song included updated lyrics that paid tribute to Diana's life and legacy, and it quickly became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Despite the tragic events that inspired the song's reworking, "Candle in the Wind" has become a celebration of the lives of two remarkable women. The song reminds us of the power of music to capture human experience and to bring people together in moments of joy and sorrow alike.

"Marilyn, My Mother, Myself" is a memoir written by the award-winning poet and author, Gregg Shapiro. In the book, Shapiro reflects on his relationship with his mother, who was a Marilyn Monroe impersonator, and how her profession impacted his life. The book is a moving and intimate portrayal of the complex bond between mother and son. Shapiro delves into his childhood and adolescence, detailing the ways in which his mother's work as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator shaped his understanding of beauty, fame, and femininity. Throughout the book, Shapiro grapples with his own identity as a gay man and the challenges he faced growing up in a world that often viewed him as an outsider. He draws parallels between his mother's struggles to find acceptance as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator and his own journey towards self-acceptance and self-love. "Marilyn, My Mother, Myself" is a beautifully written memoir that explores the intersections of gender, sexuality, and identity. Shapiro's writing is poignant and insightful, and his honesty and vulnerability make the book a deeply moving read. The book also offers a unique perspective on the cultural significance of Marilyn Monroe and the enduring legacy of her life and career. Shapiro's mother's work as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator speaks to the enduring fascination with Monroe and the way in which her life has become a symbol of Hollywood's golden era. Overall, "Marilyn, My Mother, Myself" is a powerful and heartfelt memoir that speaks to the complexity and beauty of human experience. It is a testament to the power of storytelling to help us understand ourselves, our families, and the world around us.

The very first sentence, “Ever since I told my mother I was gay eight years ago she had taken it upon herself to buy every Marilyn Monroe T-shirt knickknack poster bottle cap photograph calendar greeting card book audio record videotape engagement book pin button Franklin mint doll and Bradford exchange limited edition collectors’ plate she can get her hands on and present it to me.” There is a clear connection between Gregg Shapiro's memoir "Marilyn, My Mother, Myself" and Elton John's iconic song "Candle in the Wind". Both works of art pay tribute to the enduring legacy of Marilyn Monroe and offer unique perspectives on her life and impact. While Elton John's song is a poignant tribute to the tragedy and beauty of Monroe's life, Shapiro's memoir offers a more personal and intimate portrait of the star through his relationship with his mother. In "Marilyn, My Mother, Myself", Shapiro explores the ways in which his mother's career as a Marilyn Monroe impersonator shaped his understanding of beauty, fame, and gender. Similarly, Elton John's "Candle in the Wind" captures the essence of Monroe's life and the impact that her death had on the world. The song is a powerful tribute to her legacy and reminds us of the enduring fascination with her life and career. Both works of art speak to the cultural significance of Marilyn Monroe and her enduring impact on popular culture. They remind us of the complex intersections of fame, beauty, and tragedy that have marked her life and continue to capture our imagination.

The line "Goodbye, Norma Jeane, from the young man in the twenty-second row, who sees you as something more than sexual, more than just our Marilyn Monroe" in "Candle in the Wind" resonates with the idea of appreciating individuals for their true essence and talents, transcending superficial qualities and societal expectations. It delves into the notion that Marilyn Monroe, despite her undeniable physical beauty, was more than just a sex symbol or an object of desire. The line suggests that she possessed depth and talent as an actress, deserving respect and recognition for her artistic abilities. This sentiment reflects the importance of looking beyond external appearances and societal stereotypes to truly understand and value a person's multifaceted nature. It encourages us to reject the tendency to objectify individuals based solely on their physical attractiveness, and instead recognize their unique qualities, accomplishments, and contributions to society. In the context of MVP selection, it's important to note that Elton John, being openly gay, may have faced prejudice or preconceived notions about his identity as a gay singer. Consequently, this line could be interpreted as a plea from Elton John himself to be seen and appreciated for his musical prowess and artistic contributions, rather than being solely defined by his sexual orientation. It echoes the universal longing for acceptance and recognition based on one's genuine talents and achievements, independent of any labels or judgments imposed by society. By expanding our understanding of individuals and moving beyond shallow perceptions, we can foster a more inclusive and empathetic society that values people for their true selves rather than conforming to narrow stereotypes. This line from "Candle in the Wind" serves as a reminder of the importance of appreciating the complexity and worth of individuals, and the desire for recognition and acceptance that transcends societal expectations and labels.

Elton John's music career has undergone several transformations over the years, with his music genre shifting from rock to a church-like English pop style in the 1970s. The 1980s saw a dip in his popularity, but he retained his position as a popular entertainer, known for his gaudy flamboyance on stage and beyond. The singer was also known for being a trailblazer, becoming the first male pop star to openly declare his homosexuality without any damage to his career. In addition to his successful music career, Elton John's incredible songwriting skills were also put on display when he wrote songs for the film "The Lion King." His song "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" won an Academy Award. He also rewrote his song "Candle in the Wind," which became the most successful pop single in history, selling over 30 million copies worldwide after it was revisited as a tribute to Princess Diana after her death. Elton John is known for his charity work, and his involvement with AIDS research has been a particularly significant aspect of his philanthropy efforts. John's book "Love is the Cure: On life, loss, and the end of AIDS" discusses his personal accounts of working towards AIDS research and awareness alongside Ryan White, a young boy who contracted AIDS from a blood transfusion. Elton John revealed in an interview with TODAY's Matt Lauer that he didn't come out as gay sooner because nobody had ever asked him directly, despite his openly gay lifestyle among his family and friends. In that same interview with Matt Lauer on TODAY, John openly talked about his friendship with White, and how his death motivated him to work towards spreading awareness about the epidemic.

In Gregg Shapiro's "Marilyn, My Mother, Myself," the mother character is portrayed as someone who deeply cares for her son's happiness. She draws inspiration from her admiration for Marilyn Monroe, not only appreciating Monroe's physical beauty but also recognizing her talent and the depth she brought to her roles. This admiration goes beyond seeing Monroe as a mere sex symbol or object of desire; rather, the mother acknowledges Monroe as a multi-dimensional individual deserving of respect and recognition for her acting abilities. In a similar vein, the mother wishes the same for her own son. Understanding the challenges and prejudices that her son may face due to his sexual preference, the mother desires to shield him from being objectified by the world. Just as she values Monroe for her talents beyond her physical appearance, she seeks to ensure that her son is seen for his true essence rather than being reduced to a narrow perception based on his sexual orientation. The mother's yearning for her son's happiness is rooted in a broader message of acceptance and understanding. She wants her son to be valued for his unique qualities, talents, and contributions to the world. By drawing parallels between her admiration for Monroe and her hopes for her son, the mother emphasizes the importance of recognizing individuals beyond superficial qualities and societal expectations. She strives to create an environment where her son can thrive and be appreciated for his true self, free from objectification or judgment based on his sexual preference.


Elton John – “Candle in the Wind”	Gregg Shapiro – “Marilyn, My Mother, Myself”
You had the grace to hold yourself While those around you crawled	Ever since I told my mother I was gay eight years ago she had taken it upon herself to buy every Marilyn Monroe T-shirt knickknack poster bottle cap photograph calendar greeting card book audio record videotape engagement book pin button Franklin mint doll and Bradford exchange limited edition collectors’ plate she can get her hands on and present it to me
Loneliness was tough The toughest role you ever played	Still, I couldn't help but wonder whether or not a real fine might find flicking ashes and extinguishing lit cigarettes on Marilyn’s birthmark or ruby red lips a bit objectionable or sacrilegious.
Who sees you as something more than sexual, More than just our Marilyn Monroe	Her quest, it seemed, was eternal.