In 1997, England was in mourning with the death of Diana Spenser following a tragic car accident. Elton John rewrote his version of the song "A Candle In The Wind", originally composed in 1973, as a tribute to his memory. England as a whole was brought together by the grief caused by his death. Diana was a renowned humanitarian who was a captivating figure to the world. John and Diana were very close friends and when he learned of her death, he created a touching tribute to his late friend. The song itself sold over 11 million copies and was named the best-selling single of the century (RIAA). Elton John captured what Diana's life meant to England in his song "A Candle In The Wind." Her choice of words, tone, images, and while not speaking of 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 of words was able to give real meaning to what Diana meant to the country of England, including calling her "the rose of England" (line 1) and "the golden child of the nation” (line 20). The way John describes how much Diana meant to England is clearly shown. “The Rose of England” describes Diana as a symbol of England. The rose is the national flower of England and what Diana meant to her country is profound. The “rose” (Lines 1, 33, 37) itself symbolizes beauty, love and elegance. Diana was a rose for England. John says, "Goodbye to the rose of England/Of a country lost without your soul" (lines 29-30) to emphasize how a symbol of England was lost and that she was the soul of the country. Diana brought humility, a sense of helping the less fortunate and sick, and shined a light on issues not normally associated with a royal figure. “You challenged our country/And you whispered in the middle of the paper......e the life of a great Mother, friend, humanitarian and Princess and created a lasting tribute, both meaningful and justified. .Works Cited “Candle in the Wind: A Tribute to Princess Diana.” YouTube.com. May 10, 2007. the web. November 10, 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. Internet. November 10, 2011. .Thursday, Catherine Mayer. “How Diana Transformed Britain – Why Princess Diana Mattered – TIME.” Latest News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Videos, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. Time, August 16, 2007. Web. November 10. 2011. .