Name the Elton John songs: a. This song is a tribute to Marilyn Monroe. B. A song about a blind Viet Nam veteran. C. A musical tribute to Billie Jean King's tennis team.

This trio of Elton John hits showcases the brilliant and often deeply personal storytelling of his lyricist, Bernie Taupin. The first song, "Candle in the Wind," was originally written in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, who had passed away 11 years earlier. The lyrics offer a sympathetic look at the life of the iconic actress, beginning with the line, "Goodbye, Norma Jean," which refers to Monroe's birth name. Interestingly, Taupin has stated that Monroe was more of a metaphor for the perils of fame and dying young rather than a personal idol of his. The song gained a second life in 1997 when it was rewritten as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales.

The inspiration for the ballad "Daniel" came from a news article Taupin read about the experiences of soldiers returning from the Vietnam War. The song is written from the perspective of a younger brother whose older brother, Daniel, a blind veteran, is leaving for Spain to escape the unwanted attention he receives back home. While the lyrics themselves don't explicitly mention the war, Taupin's intent was to create a sympathetic portrayal of a veteran who just wanted to return to a normal life. An entire verse that made the song's meaning clearer was cut by Elton John to shorten the track's length.

"Philadelphia Freedom" was a direct result of Elton John's friendship with tennis superstar Billie Jean King. The song was written as a favor to King and is a tribute to her professional tennis team, the Philadelphia Freedoms. While the lyrics are not literally about tennis, the title and dedication on the single to "B.J.K." make the connection clear. The song also served as a nod to the "Philly Soul" sound that was popular at the time. Released in 1975, it became a number-one hit in the United States.

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