For nearly ten years, Schneider has performed a Monday night residency at the Saxon Pub, an intimate and legendary venue on South Lamar, Austin, Texas. Schneider and the members of Lonelyland, the band name that he uses to keep these shows “underground,” are seated on stage as they work through a “live rehearsal” of songs that Schneider calls up from his repertoire of over four hundred songs.
There are always new songs that are played for the first time or new
arrangements of classics that are tested. The show often begins with acoustic, somber and introspective songs and eventually gives way to storytelling, raunchy rock and comedic breaks.
But anything goes…really. And, that is exactly what the audience loves about Schneider.
Schneider's recording career spans some 20 albums, which include eight solo albums and those with his bands, all of which are legendary in the Austin, Texas music scene of the 90’s, The Scabs, Joe Rockhead and The Ugly Americans. There are many peaks within these albums but Lonelyland (2001) and I’m Good Now (2004) stand out at as the “mainstream highlights” while The Galaxy Kings (2002) and Underneath the Onion Trees (2000), are beautiful “artistic statements” and fan favorites.
If you take a journey through this collection of albums you’ll discover an artist with no boundaries. Schneider's repertoire covers a spectrum of musical styles…. mambo, rap, blues, country, Latin, swing, soul, even bluegrass…. all done with the aplomb of a virtuoso of any one of those musical genres.
Many of these genres are explored on Schneider’s album, Tarantula. Tarantula sparkles with songs that reflect a songwriter, artist and entertainer at the peak of his creative heights. It is an apex in Schneider's album catalog and stands alongside Lonelyland and I’m Good Now as one of his best.
Fans will know “['track artist=Bob Schneider]Tarantula” as the name of the song that has been Schneider's live signature for years. It’s the part of the show where the audience jumps to their feet, dances in the aisles, howls at the moon and sings the refrain along with Schneider. Sheer fun.
The song has never been available on a studio album so fans will know right away that they are in for a treat. Those lucky enough to have been at the Saxon the night that the lead single, “40 Dogs (Like Romeo and Juliet)” was debuted knew right away that they were in for something special with this album. There is a beautiful heart-rendering break-up song, “Changing Your Mind,” with Patty Griffin lending even more rue. “Trash” and “Bicycle Vs. The Car” both prove again that Bob is a master of pop hooks, melody and inspired wordplay.
Bob Schneider: At A Glance
He was born in Michigan but moved to Germany when he was two where he grew up attending Catholic school. His father sang opera and his mother taught school. He left Germany as a student to attend art school at the University of Texas/El Paso. He dropped out and moved to Austin where he struggled around as a musician before gaining some national recognition via his punk-funk band Joe Rockhead. He signed to Capricorn Records as the rock n’soul band, Ugly Americans, and nearly simultaneously formed The Scabs with a band of infamous Austin neo-legends known for (and still performing) their outrageous live shows.
In 1999, Bob took a solo turn to explore his introspective singer/songwriter side, and in 2001, Republic Records signs him after Lonelyland, explodes in his hometown and becomes (and remains) the biggest selling album in the history of Austin’s infamous Waterloo Records. A couple of self-released “artistic exploration” albums are released before, I’m Good Now, is released on Vanguard in 2004, and there is another flirt with mainstream chart success with the singles, “Captain Kirk” and “Come With Me Tonight.”
He has built his audience by touring relentlessly and over the years has opened for the Dixie Chicks, Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, Dave Matthews and the H.O.R.D.E Tour, but mostly through headlining club and theater tours. Bob will be on tour in May and June of 2009 playing songs from the new album, Tarantula.
Candyman
Bob Schneider Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'll be your cup of tea
I'll be that cool breeze on that warm summer's evening
I'll be all that you need
Cause I know you want it
Said you got to have it
Just the way you like it
And that's a fact
I'll be your candyman baby
I'll be your sugar daddy
I'll be that million in the bank for you darling
I'll be your peace of mind
I'll be a memory if that's what you want
But if you want I'll be here there the end of time
Cause I know you want it
Said you got to have it
Just the way you like it
The girls like candy
And that's a fact
I'll be your candyman baby
I'll be your sugar daddy
I'll give you good loving like you've never known
Love you darling right down to the bone
From now on girl you're never going to be alone
I'll turn your heart into a happy home
I'll be the candle on your nightstand baby
I'll be your birthday everyday
I'll even be your favorite color sweet darling
I'll keep your blue skies from ever turning gray
Cause I know you want it
Said you got to have it
Just the way you like it
The girls like candy
And that's a fact
I'll be your candyman baby
I'll be your sugar daddy
Bob Schneider's song "Candyman" is a tender love song that speaks to a deep understanding between two partners. The lyrics paint a picture of a devoted lover who is willing to be everything his partner needs, from a sugar-coated caffeine fix to a secure future. Schneider sings, "I'll be the sugar in your coffee baby, I'll be your cup of tea. I'll be that cool breeze on that warm summer's evening, I'll be all that you need." The Candyman promises good loving that will turn the heart into a happy home, and he will keep his partner's blue skies from ever turning gray.
These promises are made in part because the Candyman understands what his partner wants and needs. He sings, "Cause I know you want it, said you got to have it, just the way you like it. The girls like candy, and that's a fact." The Candyman recognizes that his partner deserves to have her needs met, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Overall, "Candyman" is a sweet and sincere love song that celebrates the importance of understanding and meeting the needs of one's partner.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll be the sugar in your coffee baby
I will be the sweetest additive in your life, always enhancing your day.
I'll be your cup of tea
I will fit your preference perfectly and be a comforting presence in your life.
I'll be that cool breeze on that warm summer's evening
I will be an unexpected yet delightful relief from any pressure or discomfort in your life.
I'll be all that you need
I have the power and commitment to be anything you require to feel satisfied and loved.
Cause I know you want it
I recognize your desires and will fulfill them devotedly.
Said you got to have it
I understand that what you seek is a necessity, a vital component for your personal happiness.
Just the way you like it
I am aware that you have preferences and I will cater to them wholly.
The girls like candy
It is a known truth that females seek out pleasure and indulgence.
And that's a fact
This statement is completely true and accurate.
I'll be your candyman baby
I am your personal pleasure-provider, aiming to satisfy your every craving.
I'll be your sugar daddy
I will be the source of any financial or emotional support you may desire or require.
I'll be that million in the bank for you darling
I am capable of providing a vast amount of resources and wealth to enhance your life.
I'll be your peace of mind
I will be the calm and assurance that you can always rely on in a time of need.
I'll be a memory if that's what you want
I am willing to fulfill your wishes in any capacity, no matter how small.
But if you want I'll be here there the end of time
I will be fully devoted and committed to you for as long as you desire me to be.
I'll give you good loving like you've never known
I will provide an unparalleled level of passion and care to you.
Love you darling right down to the bone
My love for you will be all-encompassing and truly genuine.
From now on girl you're never going to be alone
I will always be there to support you through any circumstance or difficulty.
I'll turn your heart into a happy home
I will create a home within your heart that is filled with love, joy, and fulfillment.
I'll be the candle on your nightstand baby
I will be a comforting and gentle presence in your life, bringing light to any darkness.
I'll be your birthday everyday
I will continuously provide you with the excitement and joy that a birthday brings.
I'll even be your favorite color sweet darling
I am able to become whatever it is you love most, adding even more delight to your life.
I'll keep your blue skies from ever turning gray
I will shield you from any negativity or sadness, ensuring you only experience positivity and happiness.
Contributed by Nolan Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.