Newley had a successful pop music career, with two number one hits in 1960: "Why?" and "Do You Mind?". He won the 1963 Grammy Award for Song of the Year for "What Kind of Fool Am I", but he was also well-known for "Gonna Build a Mountain" and comic novelty songs such as his version of "Strawberry Fair". He wrote songs that others made hits including Goldfinger (the title song of the James Bond movie), and Feeling Good, which became a hit for Nina Simone. With Leslie Bricusse, he wrote the musical Stop the World - I Want to Get Off in which he also performed, earning a nomination for a Tony Award for Best Leading Actor in a Musical. His other musicals included The Roar of the Greasepaint—the Smell of the Crowd (1965) and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), based on the children's book by Roald Dahl. The play was released in a film version in 1971.
Newley's vocal style has been recognised as a major influence on that of David Bowie. In recognition of his creative skills and body of work, Newley was elected to the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1989.
The shortlived 1960 ATV series "The Strange World of Gurney Slade" in which Newley starred, continues to have a cult following due to its postmodern premise that the Newley character is trapped inside a television programme. Apart from a repeat of one episode on Channel 4 in 1992, it has not been seen in the UK in recent years. The show's theme tune by Max Harris may be better-known today than the series itself.
His last feature role in the cast of EastEnders was to be a regular role, but Newley had to withdraw after a few months when his health began to fail.
The Candy Man
Anthony Newley Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Hey, Candy man)
Alright everybody gather 'round
The Candy Man is here
What kind of candy do you want
Sweet choc'late
Choc'late malted candy
Gum drops
You've come to the right man
'Cause I'm the Candy Man
Who can take a sunrise (who can take a sunrise)
Sprinkle it with dew (sprinkle it with dew)
Cover it with choc'late and a miracle or two
The Candy Man (the Candy Man)
Oh, the Candy Man can (the Candy Man can)
The Candy Man can
'Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good
(Makes the world taste good)
Who can take a rainbow (who can take a rainbow)
Wrap it in a sigh (wrap it in a sigh)
Soak it in the sun and make a groovy lemon pie
The Candy Man (the Candy Man)
The Candy Man can (the Candy Man can)
The Candy Man can
'Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good
(Makes the world taste good)
(The Candy Man makes everything he bakes)
(Satisfying and delicious)
Now you talk about your childhood wishes
You can even eat the dishes
Oh, who can take tomorrow (who can take tomorrow)
Dip it in a dream (dip it in a dream)
Separate the sorrow and collect up all the cream
The Candy Man (the Candy Man)
Oh, the Candy Man can (the Candy Man can)
The Candy Man can
'Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good
(Makes the world taste good)
(The Candy Man makes everything he bakes)
(Satisfying and delicious)
Talk about your childhood wishes
You can even eat the dishes
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Who can take tomorrow (who can take tomorrow)
Dip it in a dream (dip it in a dream)
Separate the sorrow and collect up all the cream
The Candy Man (the Candy Man)
The Candy Man can (the Candy Man can)
The Candy Man can
'Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good
(Makes the world taste good)
Yes, the Candy Man can
'Cause he mixes it with love
And makes the world taste good
(Makes the world taste good)
A-Candy Man, a-Candy Man, a-Candy Man
(Makes the world taste good)
A-Candy Man, a-Candy Man, a-Candy Man
(Makes the world taste good)
A-Candy Man, a-Candy Man, a-Candy Man
"The Candy Man" by Anthony Newley is a song about a man who sells candy and brings joy to people. The song starts by introducing the Candy Man and inviting everyone to gather round. He offers a variety of candies and assures people that they have come to the right person. The chorus repeats the phrase "the Candy Man can" several times, emphasizing his ability to make the world a better place through his candy-making. The second verse talks about how the Candy Man can take something as simple as a rainbow and turn it into a delicious dessert. The lyrics are playful and whimsical, highlighting the joy that the Candy Man brings with his candies.
The song can be interpreted as a metaphor for the simple pleasures in life that can make people happy. The Candy Man represents someone who is able to find joy in the simple things and share it with others. The lyrics "you can even eat the dishes" suggest that the Candy Man is not just selling candy, but also spreading positivity and making people's lives better.
Some possible interpretations of the song suggest that the Candy Man represents a mythical figure or a genie who can grant wishes. Another interpretation is that the song is about the power of imagination and the ability to create happiness through creativity and positivity.
Line by Line Meaning
(Candy man)
The subject of the song is the Candy Man.
(Hey, Candy man)
The singer is addressing the Candy Man.
Alright everybody gather 'round
The Candy Man has arrived and everyone is invited to come close.
The Candy Man is here
The Candy Man has arrived.
What kind of candy do you want
The Candy Man offers a variety of candy for everyone's tastes.
Sweet choc'late
One type of candy the Candy Man offers is sweet chocolate.
Choc'late malted candy
Another type of candy the Candy Man offers is chocolate malted candy.
Gum drops
One more type of candy the Candy Man offers is gum drops.
Anything you want
The Candy Man can provide any candy that is desired.
You've come to the right man
The Candy Man is the correct choice for all candy needs.
'Cause I'm the Candy Man
The Candy Man is the provider of all the candy options.
Who can take a sunrise (who can take a sunrise)
The Candy Man is asking a rhetorical question about who can manipulate nature's beauty.
Sprinkle it with dew (sprinkle it with dew)
The Candy Man suggests adding moisture to the sunrise in order to enhance its beauty.
Cover it with choc'late and a miracle or two
The Candy Man takes the beauty of nature and adds elements of indulgence and wonder to it.
The Candy Man (the Candy Man)
The Candy Man always takes things to the next level.
Oh, the Candy Man can (the Candy Man can)
The Candy Man has the ability to bring a special touch to anything he creates.
The Candy Man can
The Candy Man is able to put together anything one can imagine.
'Cause he mixes it with love
The secret ingredient in all the creations made by the Candy Man is love.
And makes the world taste good (Makes the world taste good)
The Candy Man understands the importance of bringing joy and pleasure to life through the medium of food.
Who can take a rainbow (who can take a rainbow)
The Candy Man asks another rhetorical question about manipulating nature's beauty.
Wrap it in a sigh (wrap it in a sigh)
The Candy Man suggests capturing the essence of a rainbow's beauty through capturing the emotions of those who view it.
Soak it in the sun and make a groovy lemon pie
The Candy Man takes elements from different aspects of life and combines them in unique ways.
The Candy Man (the Candy Man)
The Candy Man is once again praised for his creativity.
The Candy Man can (the Candy Man can)
The Candy Man has the ability to make the impossible possible.
The Candy Man can
The Candy Man can achieve anything he sets his mind to.
'Cause he mixes it with love
Love is the secret ingredient that makes all of the Candy Man's creations so special.
And makes the world taste good (Makes the world taste good)
The Candy Man believes in the power of food to bring joy and pleasure to life.
(The Candy Man makes everything he bakes)
The Candy Man is capable of making anything and everything that involves baking.
(Satisfying and delicious)
All of the Candy Man's creations are satisfying and delicious.
Now you talk about your childhood wishes
The Candy Man can make your childhood dreams come true.
You can even eat the dishes
The Candy Man's creations are so unique that even the dishes are edible.
Yeah, yeah, yeah
The singer is expressing excitement and approval of the Candy Man's abilities.
Who can take tomorrow (who can take tomorrow)
The Candy Man poses a rhetorical question regarding the ability to control the future.
Dip it in a dream (dip it in a dream)
The Candy Man suggests imbuing the future with pleasant dreams to enhance life's quality.
Separate the sorrow and collect up all the cream
The Candy Man believes in eliminating all sorrow and collecting only the best aspects of life.
The Candy Man (the Candy Man)
The Candy Man has the ability to make all aspects of life enjoyable.
Oh, the Candy Man can (the Candy Man can)
The Candy Man is always able to create the ideal scenario.
The Candy Man can
The Candy Man is capable of making all dreams come true.
'Cause he mixes it with love
Love is the key to the Candy Man's abilities.
And makes the world taste good (Makes the world taste good)
The Candy Man believes in bringing pleasure to every aspect of people's lives.
(The Candy Man makes everything he bakes)
Once again, the Candy Man is a master of baking anything and everything.
(Satisfying and delicious)
The satisfaction and deliciousness of the Candy Man's creations are unparalleled.
Talk about your childhood wishes
The Candy Man specializes in making childhood dreams come true.
You can even eat the dishes
Even the dishes are delicious when made by the Candy Man.
A-Candy Man, a-Candy Man, a-Candy Man
The repetition of the phrase is intended as emphatic praise for the Candy Man.
(Makes the world taste good)
The Candy Man takes great pride in being able to make the world a tastier place.
A-Candy Man, a-Candy Man, a-Candy Man
The repeated phrase once again expresses the excitement and approval of the Candy Man.
(Makes the world taste good)
The Candy Man is able to make a positive impact on the world through his creations.
A-Candy Man, a-Candy Man, a-Candy Man
The repetition once again emphasizes the impressive skills of the Candy Man.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, WYNWOOD MUSIC CO. INC., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John S Hurt
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mark Coats
OMG! I must have been five years old when I saw this back when it aired. I still remember Sammy Davis saying Newly should sing it because he wrote it (I had no idea who Newley was at the time), and also Newley's word substitution in the "you can even eat the dishes" line. I've always heard that memories can be trusted, but they sure can with this performance.
J.R.
The orchestra in this one does the song justice just as the immortal Sammy D. and Tony do here.
Barbara O Bach
The Orchestra's fine, ofcourse not on Sammy Davis gifted level
Gary Kleinberger
I've listening to newley and Davis ever since I was a kid. The best ever
Syneathia Bell
They're having fun....I love you Sammy❤ Thank you Anthony for giving Sammy that wonderful song.
shady Lnu
Loved Sammy! he was the best!
Classical Retroback
Funny duo. Entertainment like no other era.😇🎤🎼🎵🎶🎸🥁🎹🎧🕘
Snoopydoggydog
He was awesome!!! Sammy you are still loved!
Mary Gunn
I still miss Sammy.
Miranda Nix
When songs were family safe
.I gave my heart with you.