A very simple song for complete beginners to learn on the piano is Candle in the Wind famously written by Elton John, who is a fantastic Pianist himself and this comes across in the songs he composes. Elton John teamed up with Bernie Taupin to write this song, and Bernie composed the Lyrics, and then re-wrote them when it was re-released in 1997. Bernie and Elton have teamed up on a lot of Elton’s songs and they work well as a team.
It was released originally off the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Album, and the lyrics of the song are a sympathetic portrayal of the life of Marilyn Monroe, and her constant battle with the pressure of the Media in her life. It was also known that it was one of Princess Diana’s favorite songs, probably because she could identify herself with the lyrics.
The song was originally written to pay tribute to Marilyn Monroe who sadly died of an overdose in 1962, and was written in 1973, 11 years later. It was also released again in 1997 to pay tribute to Princess Diana who sadly passed away, and became number one in the UK and several other countries when it was released the second time. It became the biggest selling single ever, and all the proceeds went to charity. The first time it was released it reached number 11 in the UK Charts, so when it was released in tribute to Princess Diana, it proved greater success the second time around.
The song was originally written on piano, so therefore has a very nice arrangement for all pianists to play. It has a strong melody, which will explain why it is such a popular song, and the lyrics are very meaningful which lots of people can relate too.
The original Key of the song is in E Major, but for a beginner it is much easier to learn in the Key of F. This is because it has only one black note – being B Flat, as opposed to four Black notes, being C# D# F# & G#, in its original key.
It would have been arranged in the Key of E originally to work well with Elton’s vocal range, but as a pianist playing it for pleasure, the Key of F Major is absolutely fine.
The intro of the song has a lovely melody which features the notes in your right hand of A Bb A F C F G A G C D F F G D C Bb A. The song uses the main chords of F Major, Bb Major C Major and D Minor.
Source by Samantha Griffiths
