Roy Orbison was a legendary musician who left an indelible mark in the music industry before he sadly passed away in 1988. Among his numerous hit songs is the classic “Candy Man,” which he released in 1961. For many people, the song is just a feel-good tune that they love to sing along to, but just like most songs, there’s more to it than meets the ear. In this article, we’ll look at the meaning behind the song Candy Man by Roy Orbison.
Table of Contents
Candy Man Lyrics and Story
The Candy Man song starts with the singer talking about a candy man who comes to his town, bringing with him “sugar-coated candy man.” He goes ahead to describe the candy man as someone who has everything people would ever want; he has fancy clothes, a car, and anything else that money can buy. However, Roy’s attention is drawn to the candy man’s suit that he describes as “ginger bread brown.”
The second verse of the song talks about the women who also admire the candy man’s fancy items, and they can’t help but follow him around wherever he goes, hoping that he’ll give them a treat. But the playful bait of receiving a sweet treat soon turns its focus to a stark reality: candy can make people very sick. The candy man can ruin people’s teeth, their health and even their lives.
The song’s last verse shows Roy Orbison trying to warn people about the candy man’s dangers. He sings, “You’d better watch the candy man’s style, he’s tricky and he’s wild, and if you don’t watch out…” before the song ends without completing the sentence.
Roy Orbison’s Vision
All the verses of the Candy Man song point to a possible interpretation that Roy Orbison was warning people about the dangers of consumerism and the importance of being cautious of strangers with pretty things. Perhaps he was trying to warn people that while money can buy you a lot of things, it doesn’t guarantee happiness and can even be detrimental to one’s well-being. The song may also be a tribute to the dangers of addiction, which can be as sweet as candy from the beginning but turns sour quickly.
The Inspiration Behind The Song
Roy Orbison’s inspiration for Candy Man was from a place of personal experiences. Roy’s real name was Orbison and his family was from Vernon, Texas, where there was, as he remembered. it “a little old candy store run by a kind old lady named Miss Eugenia”. The store sold candy and treats, and Roy would have visited the store regularly as a child. Hence, the idea behind the song.
Performance and Reception of Candy Man
“Candy Man” is a fun but poignant tune that was popular in its day. After its 1961 release, it quickly climbed the charts, peaking at number 25 in the US Billboard Hot 100. Roy Orbison continued to perform the song during his concerts until his death in 1988. However, because of its upbeat tune, many people tend to not notice the song’s deeper message and just remember it as a playful tune.
The Cultural Impact Of Candy Man
The song remains one of Orbison’s most popular tracks and has been covered by several artists such as Sammy Davis Jr., Tiny Tim, and Brian Poole.
It’s a nice crossover between pop and country music, which Roy was famous for. The song accomplished solid commercial success; however, it’s still often overlooked in the grand scheme of Roy’s works. The song’s message continues to be relevant, given how easily people can get swayed by material items and how it can affect their lives negatively.
Candy Man FAQs
What’s the message behind Roy Orbison’s Candy Man?
The song Candy Man is Roy Orbison’s warning to people about the dangers of consumerism, being cautious of strangers with pretty things, and addiction. It’s vital to appreciate life outside of materialistic things.
Who was Roy Orbison and what legacy has he left in the music industry?
Roy Orbison was an American singer, songwriter, and musician born on April 23, 1936, in Vernon, Texas, U.S. He was best known for his distinctive, emotive voice, and his three-octave range. Roy left behind an extensive body of works and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
How long did it take for Roy Orbison to write and produce the ‘Candy Man’ song?
It took Roy Orbison and his songwriting partner, Bill Dees, almost a year to write and produce the Candy Man song.
When was the Candy Man released, and how successful was it?
The Candy Man song was released in 1961, and it was a commercial success. It climbed to number 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
What does the suit referred to in the song mean?
The Suit referred to in the song symbolizes materialistic possessions. It could represent a person’s fancy possessions that they use to lure people in with. Roy warns people to be wary of these material things because they do not necessarily guarantee happiness.
What inspired the song?
Orbison was inspired by a Vernon, Texas candy store called Eugenia’s, where he used to buy sweets. The delightful shop with its lovely manager was the inspiration for his song of warning about the dangers of overindulging in sweet treats, as well as material things, can bring.
Where was the Candy Man recorded, and who produced it?
The Candy Man was recorded at RCA Victor’s Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee, and produced by Fred Foster.
What genre did Roy Orbison’s music fall under?
Roy Orbison’s music cut across several genres, including rock and roll, pop, and country music.
Did Candy Man’s message get through to the audience?
While “Candy Man” was popular during its debut, it’s been largely overlooked since. Most people often remember it as a playful tune and don’t always pick up on the underlying message behind it. It stands as a testament to how easily people can get caught up in materialism.
What Candy Man Covers are available?
Since its release in 1961, several artists have covered the Candy Man song, including Sammy Davis Jr., Tiny Tim, and Brian Poole and the Tremeloes.
How did people react to the song when it was released?
People loved the song, which explains its commercial success. The song’s upbeat tune and vibrant lyrics further cemented Roy Orbison’s status as a legendary musician.
Did Roy Orbison write any other songs with a similar message?
Roy Orbison had several hits that conveyed similar messages. For example, his song “Only the Lonely” also addresses the topic of loneliness that everyone can relate to. Other songs like “Working for the Man” also characterize the ills of materialism in society.
What is Roy Orbison’s Legacy?
Roy Orbison is regarded as one of the most iconic musicians of his time and has left an extensive legacy. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987 and is a holder of several awards, including a posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His music cut across a barrier of genres, and his emotive voice has inspired many.
ncG1vNJzZminnJnBqrnEpqysoZNjsLC5jq2fnmWdmq6vtc2gZJudmJ67pXnToZxmq5%2BjtG6vwKebsmWdlrturthmqaixXaS%2Fo7XSqKVo