Staton sang with the Jewell Gospel Trio and as teenagers, they toured the traditional gospel circuit in the 1950s with The Soul Stirrers, C. L. Franklin, and Mahalia Jackson. They recorded several sides for Nashbro, Apollo[disambiguation needed ], and Savoy Records between 1953 and 1963, before launching a solo career in 1968.
She had 16 R&B hits for Fame Studios and received Grammy nominations for cover versions of country standards. In 1975 she started working with disco producer Dave Crawford and had hits "Young Hearts Run Free" and "Victim". Also, The Mighty Majors ("You Can Never Go Back") was her backup band once on the road.
In 1982 she returned to gospel forming Beracah Ministries with her husband John Sussewell. In 1991 she had a top 10 UK hit as The Source featuring Candi Staton with dance track "You Got The Love".
In 2004 when Sex and the City ended its successful six-year run, the last song played on that show was "You Got the Love" with Sarah Jessica Parker walking down New York City streets and talking about the endless relationship with herself.
I'd Rather Be An Old Man's Sweetheart
Candi Staton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To love a man twice my age
But I know from experience, girls
Sometime it pays
The man I've got
The fire's almost gone
He can't heat up nobody's house
I'd rather be an old man's sweetheart
Than to be a young man's fool
Oh, yeah
To love you once a month
Is all an old man desires
You can love a young man
Seven days a week
And still he's not satisfied
And old man would be so grateful
You could just sit and talk
But a young man is somewhere
Doing the camel walk
I'd rather be an old man's sweetheart
Than to be a young man's fool
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Most girls prefer a young man
'Cause a young man is strong
But I'd rather put up with this old man
Than have a young man doing me wrong
And old man would be so grateful
You could just let him sit and talk
But a young man is somewhere busy
Doing the camel walk
I'd rather be an old man's sweetheart
Than to be a young man's fool
Don't wanna be your fool, no
Don't wanna be your fool
Ain't gonna be your fool
Don't wanna be no fool
Young man just ain't gonna do that
No, no, don't wanna be no fool
Ain't gonna be no fool
Ain't gonna be no fool, no, no, no
Ain't gonna be no fool, no
The song "I'd Rather Be an Old Man's Sweetheart" by Candi Staton is a testament to the idea that age doesn't matter in love. The singer proudly confesses her love for a man who is older than her, and she justifies this by saying that older men are more grateful and appreciative of their partners' time and company. She also points out that older men are not as interested in physical attraction as younger men, and that they are content with just having someone they could talk to.
The lyrics also show a contrast between the maturity and stability of older men versus the immaturity and restlessness of younger men. The singer implies that older men have a greater understanding and appreciation of the value of their relationships, and that they are more likely to be faithful and loyal.
Overall, the song presents a refreshing perspective on love that defies conventional norms and stereotypes about age and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
You may think I'm silly
I understand that some people may find my choice of partner foolish
To love a man twice my age
I am in love with a man who is much older than me
But I know from experience, girls
I have learned from past experiences
Sometime it pays
Sometimes, choosing an older man as a partner is beneficial
The man I've got
The man I love
The fire's almost gone
He is not as passionate as he used to be
He can't heat up nobody's house
He cannot satisfy another woman sexually
He's got just enough to keep me warm
However, he still satisfies me emotionally and gives me comfort
I'd rather be an old man's sweetheart
I prefer being with an older man
Than to be a young man's fool
Rather than being used and mistreated by a younger man
To love you once a month
An older man does not desire frequent sexual encounters
Is all an old man desires
He is easily satisfied with infrequent intimacy
You can love a young man
Younger men may require physical intimacy more often
Seven days a week
They may want sex multiple times a week
And still he's not satisfied
Despite this, it may still not be enough for a younger man
And old man would be so grateful
An older man is more appreciative of affection and attention
You could just sit and talk
Even just talking is meaningful to him
But a young man is somewhere
A younger man may be out chasing other women
Doing the camel walk
Engaging in sexual activity with other women
Most girls prefer a young man
Younger men are often seen as more attractive to many women
'Cause a young man is strong
Their youth leads people to believe that they can provide more strength and vitality
But I'd rather put up with this old man
Despite his age, I am happy with my older partner
Than have a young man doing me wrong
I'd rather not be with a younger man who would mistreat me
Don't wanna be your fool, no
I do not want to be taken advantage of
Young man just ain't gonna do that
Youth does not necessarily equal faithfulness or honesty
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CLARENCE GEORGE CARTER, GEORGE HENRY JACKSON, RAYMOND MOORE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Soul Much Musik
One of the best singers ever recorded.. so powerful
M.T. Wallet
Nothing beats that Muscle Shoals sound...
Carrie Nixon
Beautiful true song. Kudos to Candi.
ROSA PERALTA
una gran canción, que en estos tiempos suena muy polémica y que ni de broma se podría hacer ahora, y por eso la hace más valiosa.
terrulian
I saw her in San Francisco in a small club in the late seventies or so and there was no one there. I couldn't believe it. She was absolutely great. I asked if she would do this song and she said, "That old thing? Nah, we don't do that one anymore."
Kristin Chester
=( I know artists are excited to get their new stuff out there, but that's sad they refused to do it.....it still reigns true as pretty good advice if you ask me.
Mowtowny
Was blessed to go and see Candi in Manchester UK, in 2016 ,and she sang this tune .. sweet <3 she has not lost the voice xx
Jack Lane's YouTube Channel
Love this tune!
EnoVarma
Pretty amazing lyrics. Quite relevant to our age, still.
John
The human condition = Timeless