Context

This line is from the song "Candle in the Wind" by Elton John, from the album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973).

Elton recorded the first version of this song back in the '70s, in honor of Marilyn Monroe, who'd died 11 years earlier. Mostly, it's about how the fame machine can eat up young stars, who burn out like "candles in the wind."

For whatever reason, Elton didn't release this song as a single in America the first go round. But then he released an updated version in 1997 in honor of Princess Diana, who'd been hounded before her death by the paparazzi. This version of the song went to #1 throughout the universe and became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Check out a performance here (come for the song, stay for costume).

Where you've heard it

Being one of the biggest singles ever, you've heard it even if you didn't want to. On the radio, on TV, your dad singing in the shower—somehow, you've heard the chorus to this song.

What we hope is that you saw the spoofy nod to it on Parks and Rec, where Chris Pratt sings a song about how a dead miniature horse is like 5,000 candles in the wind. It you didn't, now's your chance.

"Candles in the Wind" was also the name of an episode of Heartland.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

It's not pretension city, but it does use a simile...