Cuddly Toy
The Bicycles Lyrics
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That was ever enjoyed by any boy
You're not the only choo-choo train
that was left out in the rain
The day after santa came
You're not the only cherry delight that was left in the night
You're not the only cuddly toy
That was ever enjoyed by any boy
You're not the kind of girl to tell your mother
The kind of company you keep
I never told you not to love no other
You must have dreamed it in your sleep
The Bicycles' song "Cuddly Toy" explores the idea that the person they are singing to is not unique in the experiences they have had. The first verse mentions that the person is not the only "cuddly toy" that has ever been enjoyed by a boy. This could be interpreted in a few ways: the person may have felt special or unique in the romance they shared, but the song is saying that others have had similar experiences. Alternatively, it could be interpreted as a way of downplaying the importance of the relationship - the person is just one of many cuddly toys that boys have enjoyed.
The next two lines continue with this theme, suggesting that the person is also not the only "choo-choo train" left out in the rain after Santa Claus has come. This line is particularly interesting as it combines two concepts that are often associated with childhood - trains and Christmas. The use of childish imagery could be interpreted as the singer mocking the person for their naivety or immaturity. However, the line could also be seen as comforting - just as there are many trains left out in the rain, so too are there many people who have been hurt or disappointed in love.
The chorus repeats the idea that the listener is not unique in their experiences - they are "not the only cuddly toy" that has been enjoyed by any boy. The final verse adds another layer to the song, with the singer addressing the person directly. They suggest that the person is not the type to tell their mother about the company they keep, implying that they have something to hide. However, the singer does not seem to be bothered by this, saying "I never told you not to love no other." This line could be interpreted in a few ways - perhaps the singer is saying that they are not possessive or controlling, or perhaps they are suggesting that they know the person is seeing someone else.
Overall, "Cuddly Toy" is a playful and slightly cryptic song that touches on themes of love, childhood, and individuality.
Line by Line Meaning
You're not the only cuddly toy
That was ever enjoyed by any boy
You are not the only teddy bear or soft toy that has been loved by a boy. There are other toys like you who have been loved by other boys too.
You're not the only choo-choo train
that was left out in the rain
The day after santa came
You are not the only train toy that has been accidentally left outside in the rain overnight after Christmas day.
You're not the only cherry delight that was left in the night
And gave up without a fight
Just like a cherry candy that was left behind and succumbed to its fate, you too are not the only toy that was left behind and forgotten.
You're not the kind of girl to tell your mother
The kind of company you keep
I never told you not to love no other
You must have dreamed it in your sleep
You are not the type of person who shares with your mother the details of the people you spend time with. I never forbid you from loving anyone else; you must have imagined that restriction.
Writer(s): Harry Nilsson Copyright: Golden Syrup Music
Contributed by Muhammad V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.