As a founding member of the ground breaking Bauhaus, multi-instrumentalist Daniel Ash has distinguished himself in the world of contemporary music. He later went on to form Tones on Tail and Love and Rockets with members of Bauhaus.
After attending gigs in his teenage years, he made a promise to himself that no matter in what capacity; he would get up on that stage, even if he was only banging a tambourine. He started playing guitar at age 15, but later he confessed that he didn’t give it much effort, only learning three chords during his first three years. Driven by a love of Rock 'n Roll, Ash began playing in cover bands. The first gig he played was in the Glasgow Rangers Workman's Club. During this time, Ash started playing music with his Kindergarten mates David J and Kevin Haskins. With the addition of Peter Murphy, this lineup became Bauhaus.
Ash became friends with Peter Murphy during his teenage years. Ash went to art school and Murphy to work in a printing factory. They met up five years later and Daniel suggested forming a band. After rigging up a makeshift rehearsal space, Ash played an echo-laden 12-bar blues while Murphy sang a series of newspaper articles. Four weeks later they formed Bauhaus and recorded "Bela Lugosi's Dead".
That song, released in 1979, became the cornerstone of the gothic rock movement. From early on, Ash was intent on sounding original and often tried to “make the guitar not sound like a guitar.” His style is simplistic and visceral, frequently using an EBow or a guitar with a sustainer circuit.
Four years and as many albums later, Bauhaus broke up. Soon after, Ash put together Tones on Tail with Bauhaus drummer Kevin Haskins. In 1984, Tones on Tail was disbanded, and Ash founded the influential Love and Rockets in 1985 with Kevin Haskins and David J, also of Bauhaus.
Despite creating a unique guitar style seminal to several genres, he's often said that he's really not that interested in guitars. During the last ten years, he has been experimenting with electronic music, limiting the use of guitar as an extra element as opposed to the main focus. Since the last reformation of Bauhaus however, he's been returning to a more guitar based rock sound.
Candy Darling
Daniel Ash Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Couldn't really fall for anyone else
Now I can't that I blame her
No, I won't say that I blame her
For taking just one more look
But the saddest thing, I have to say it
There's no one that can ever stay so strong
Candy darling, so long
Candy darling, so long
The lyrics of Daniel Ash's "Candy Darling" describe the tragic story of a person who falls in love with themselves and cannot seem to find love in others, leading to a sad end. The persona does not blame Candy Darling (who was a real person, an actress in the Andy Warhol circle) for taking one more look at herself but sadly acknowledges that no one can stay so strong forever. The persona then declares that Candy Darling had to die, bidding her farewell.
This song seems to touch on themes of self-love, loneliness, and tragedy. The persona suggests that Candy Darling's love for herself was too much or overwhelming for anyone else to handle, and consequently, she had to die. It's a sad reality that when people love themselves too much, society tends to look down upon it, and isolation can result.
Moreover, Candy Darling had a tough life, being a transsexual in the 60s and facing many challenges with acceptance and health, leading to her death. Daniel Ash's "Candy Darling" is, therefore, an ode to her life and an attempt to highlight the challenges of being true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
Fell in love with herself
She became so enamored with her own reflection and persona that she didn't need anyone else to feel fulfilled
Couldn't really fall for anyone else
Her self-love was so complete that it left little room for romantic love with another person
Now I can't say that I blame her
I don't judge her for choosing to live her life on her own terms
No, I won't say that I blame her
I want to convey that I empathize with her and respect her decision to be true to herself
For taking just one more look
Before leaving this world, she took one final meaningful gaze to cherish the beauty that she had created for herself
But the saddest thing, I have to say it
As much as it hurts to admit, the events that transpired were tragic and left a deep sorrow in their wake
There's no one that can ever stay so strong
No one can preserve their own strength and confidence indefinitely; everyone has a breaking point
And that is why she had to die
Candy Darling's fate was sealed because it's impossible to maintain such a high level of self-adoration while still thriving in the world
Candy darling, so long
This farewell represents the weight of her influence and its lasting effect on those who knew her
Candy darling, so long
Repeating this farewell emphasizes the finality of her loss and the impact she had on the world around her
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: DANIEL GASTON ASH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lisa Zoria
A shame Daniel is so underrated and overlooked.
Richard Silva
You're right indeed
Lunr1982
Is it just me or does this sound '80s af?? Nevertheless a masterful work. So enchanting and alluring. Reminds me of The Lords of the New Church/Joy Division. Ash never did lose his touch, did he? This song is probably the best illustration what '90s could've been. It's so sad what happened to us.
Moochi_Von_Wobblebottom
I had this CD long, long ago-- until someone ripped it off. Went and saw him play at a small club in Seattle, hoping he'd play this. Nice, thanks for uploading.
lanoapte
one of the best songs ever recorded...
Gillou Bernard
the first time I heard this song it was in the series fringe, since I became a fan of daniel ash.
The Acid Ballet
Found a vinyl of this the other day in a market, best find ever ^_^
IsabelVeidt82
Lindo sonido, dulce y relajante................
Anton Haq
There's a great film on Candy, 'Beautiful Darling', well worth checking out.
Richard Sollo
a midnight blue portrait of Daniel Ash and a song that carries bit of a blue feeling! stunning song anyway! always loved bauhaus, love & rockets and have to love Dan Ash!