I Want Candy
The Strange Loves Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I know a girl who's soft and sweet
She's so fine, she can't be beat
Got everything that I desire
Sets the summer sun on fire

I want candy, I want candy

Go to see her with her hair hung down

Ain't no finer girl in town
Candy's just what the doctor ordered
She's so sweet, she makes my mouth water

I want candy, I want candy
I want candy, I want candy
I want candy, I want candy

Hey
Hey
Hey
Hey

Candy on the beach, there's nothing better
But I like candy when it's wrapped in a sweater
Some day soon I'll make her mine
Then I'll have candy all the time

I want candy, I want candy

Hey

Hey
Hey

Overall Meaning

The song "I Want Candy" by The Strange Loves is a catchy, upbeat song that combines elements of rock and roll with bubblegum pop. At its core, this song is about the singer's desire for a girl named Candy. He describes her as soft and sweet, with everything he desires, and claims that she sets the summer sun on fire. The chorus is simple and repetitive, with the singer singing "I want candy" over and over again.

One interpretation of this song is that it's not actually about Candy at all, but rather a metaphor for the desire for something sweet and enjoyable. This interpretation is supported by lines like "Candy's just what the doctor ordered" and "Candy on the beach, there's nothing better." The focus is not so much on Candy as an individual, but on the idea of something that brings happiness and pleasure.

Another interpretation is that the song is simply a fun, lighthearted celebration of Candy as a desirable object. The lyrics are playful and flirtatious, with lines like "Ain't no finer girl in town" and "She's so sweet, she makes my mouth water." Ultimately, whether the song is interpreted as a metaphor or a celebration of Candy herself, it remains a classic hit that continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

Line by Line Meaning

I know a girl who's soft and sweet
I am acquainted with a girl who is gentle and pleasant

She's so fine, she can't be beat
She is elegant and unrivaled

Got everything that I desire
She possesses all that I covet

Sets the summer sun on fire
Her charm and beauty are dazzling

I want candy, I want candy
I yearn for a girl like her, who is as sweet as candy

Go to see her with her hair hung down
I pay her a visit when her hair is let loose

Ain't no finer girl in town
There is no other girl more fantastic

Candy's just what the doctor ordered
She is precisely what I need

She's so sweet, she makes my mouth water
She is so delightful that she makes me crave her even more

I want candy, I want candy
I want a girl like her, as sweet as candy

Hey

Candy on the beach, there's nothing better
A girl like her at the beach is the ultimate pleasure

But I like candy when it's wrapped in a sweater
She is even sweeter when she is modestly dressed

Some day soon I'll make her mine
I plan to win her affections soon

Then I'll have candy all the time
Once she's mine, her sweetness will be mine to enjoy always

I want candy, I want candy
I desire a girl who is as sweet as candy

Hey

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: Bert Berns, Robert Feldman, Richard Gottehrer, Gerald Goldstein

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@hayseaglets9966

7y↑62

The Strangeloves consisted of songwriters Bob Feldman, Jerry Goldstein, and Richard Gottehrer. They had already scored a hit song with "My Boyfriend's Back" by The Angels. They decided to record "I Want Candy" themselves and used their real names in the writing and production credits of this single, they claimed the Strangeloves were actually three Australian brothers (and ex-sheep farmers) named Giles, Miles and Niles Strange. Feldman, Goldstein and Gottehrer dressed up in shaggy wigs and exotic clothing for publicity photos as the Strangeloves.

When "I Want Candy", became a hit in the middle of 1965, The Strangeloves found themselves in the unfamiliar and uncomfortable position of performing as live artists. This short-lived experience was followed by a road group composed of four session musicians who had actually helped to record The Strangloves' songs. The musicians in the initial road group were bassist/vocalist John Shine, guitarist Jack Raczka, drummer Tom Kobus, and saxophonist/vocalist Richie Lauro.

So this video is not the Strangeloves but a touring group.

@hewgrebe4771

HaysEaglets great how you know all that good information on these recordings and the musicians, too. Thanks.

@hewgrebe4771

ja maguire so, true on the touring thing. The Wrecking Crew did all the recording an put the tunes out, but never needed to tour. They did have good songs, though.

@brianphillips1374

3y↑2

Also, they recorded as "The Sheep" on Boom. There is also a solo side under the name of "Giles Strange".

@jimmagnus1200

2y↑1

Thank you for the great info on these talented gents!
Great high energy song.

@illumen

It should be mentioned that Bert Berns was also a co-writer on "I Want Candy".

8 More Replies...

@teletubetodd

5y↑34

This blew me away when I first heard Bow Wow Wow's '80s version, which I didn't know was a remake of an early '60s song until I heard this recording. It sounded great in both decades, and still does. Thanks for posting!

@rabfallon4507

2y↑3

Now Search Bo Diddley by Bo Diddley and hear where they stole it from

@teletubetodd

Everybody stole from Bo Diddley, who in turn stole from Red Saunders ("Hambone").

@complainingchannel

6y↑85

I’m totally enamored by the background dancing girls. Toni Basil, Teri Garr, and Carolyn Barry were dancers on this show.

@raya.pawley3563

4y↑2

Which show was this?

@circusitch

4y↑4

Ray Pawley Ray, From what I understand it was Shindig. And supposedly, The Rolling Stones were on this episode too.

@raya.pawley3563

@circusitch thank you!

@jackprescott9652

Wow i didn´t knew Teri Garr use to be a dancer!

@charlescox290

3y↑4

Hey, Mickey!

4 More Replies...

@MD-zo7cl

17w

❤ First time i heard and saw this. EXCELLENT💪. Bow wow...not so good compared to the ORIGINAL."60"s was a Great decade for MUSIC🇺🇸

@Katalyste

2y↑5

wow! these dancers are crazy. I love the remake way more but these dancers are awesome to watch!

@cwy6941

2y↑3

Hard to miss with the Bo Diddly beat (though Bo Diddley was NOT happy that so many people "borrowed" his groove.). Still, a pretty sweet rocker. Bow Wow Wow certainly did it justice 20 years later.

@cipro33

3y↑2

This is special man!!! I love it! That dancing!!!!!

@jreeder6168

2y↑3

Had a classmate named Candy. Guys would go into the song when she walked by. It always brought a smile on her knowing that she had her own theme song. Those were happy days.

@GeneRogers-xl9um

Dated a girl named Candy ❤in high school and she was so fine!!!!

@Kevinrothwell1959

4y↑6

I just love the dance moves, so naive yet so evocative of the time!
Oh... And the song is great.

@coolenaam

6y↑12

Love the dancers! So awesome

@sciencenotstigma9534

1y↑1

I wish they had shown the whole dance! ❤

@scottdwhite50

6y↑8

Add another great catchy tune to the list that the great Ellis McDaniel (AKA Bo Diddley) most likely never made a dime off of...even though it's a combination of 2 or 3 of his songs!

@jimervin1637

1y↑2

Yes, the song Bo Diddley is very much the same.

@livemusic8248

Being a drummer for giggles love this drumming first heard it thought was Bo Diddley, then listen closer was uncertain, MTV aired the Bow Wow Wow cover that in its own right is awesome, heard it played while a mall was played louder than any other song. I manage bands this could be a song to be brought back for younger to hear it.

@davidplaysbass

1y↑1

Wow a legitimate live performance of this song from back in the day. Bro’s almost got his chin sitting on that bass though.

@liebh001

5y↑3

Friggin' 1965 and here's this Afro-Cuban / Indian raga / American garage-rock fusion coming out of your AM radio in Des Moines or Wichita or wherever. I think my head would have exploded...

@lsteiner

Best thought provoking comment here!

@Groover1

2y↑6

I was 61 years old before knowing this was the original. Always thought it was Bow wow wow written. Wonderful.

@bladebrown3754

42w↑1

The original is by bo diddley... this version is stolen too

@lamper2

21w

Not true! it's a "Bo beat"but even Bo wasn't the originator of that drum beat! This song IS original to the 3 writers@@bladebrown3754

@bladebrown3754

21w

@lamper2 so.... u expecting me to kno the name if the drummers and give them direct credit instead of just pointing out the fact that they stole bo diddly song??? 🤣

@Patriot11111

20w

@@bladebrown3754 not a B D song

@catherineouellette8124

I'm old enough to have thought of it, forgot it, & remembered it with a bit of help! White go-go boots, a pop hook & a smooth bassline.

@Fredaunaturel

4y↑1

Une chanson de moins de 2 minutes ! Courtes, mais bonne !

@hestheMaster

3y↑3

My first dog , a German shepherd was named Candy because of this song being so
popular way back then!

@jimervin1637

Just picked up this LP today at the SallyAnn. After all the time it takes flipping through LPs, I guess it's about time I found something that's worth something.

@blazeandcyrus

2y↑2

great song and those dancers!

@PrivacyToAll

6y↑5

I met Mr. Bob Feldman in Boulder, CO years ago, in the late 80's. I was just a kid. Cool guy. Very talented. He had these metal coins he was marketing and promoting. Very cool. I also gave him a ride to the Cadillac dealership to pick up his car. He told me that "I Want Candy," had just been played over a million times on the radio. He was very proud of that. I would be too. Good times.

@nicoleymacaroni

5y↑1

Ambient Infinite Video AIV u we’re just a kid but drove ??

@alystarmckenneh-oneill9632

Too bad he was a scumbag! His son is Corey Feldman and he stole every cent the kid ever made and when Corey applied for emancipation from Bob and his thieving mother, Bob refused to sign the papers until Corey gave him what was left which was almost nothing. Hell has a special place for people like Bob Feldman.

@MrTruckerf

35w

Sure! Ten year old kids drive all the time in Colorado.

@l.salisbury1253

2y↑4

Original lyrics:
Bo Diddley bought a nanny goat
Made his baby a brand new coat
Bo Diddley bought an alley cat
Made his baby a brand new hat!

@goddessakasha2246

5y↑18

My first time hearing original song wow

@johnbailey9274

36w↑1

The Go Go girls are unbelievable

@altfactor

6y↑5

Dig the drums and percussion!

@catherineouellette8124

Pretty good harmony too.

@lasikcomplicationssuicidea1249

49w

Best drumming!

@whlrradio

8y↑145

Funny how no one realized that this is the real I Want Candy... Not Bow Wow

@magiccheeseball

6y↑25

and the real song is Bo Diiddley

@LordGreystoke

5y↑2

everything originated from the 60s

@StephenPribut

5y↑1

OMFG

@hewgrebe4771

5y↑1

Stephen Pribut with you there. I thought this was a total Bow Wow Wow song. Not from 20 years earlier.

@hewgrebe4771

5y↑1

Funny, there. It fits the cover band better than these guys. Not bad, though.

12 More Replies...

@Shel230

3y↑5

Bo diddley definitely should get paid for this song

@Mayo2014

3y↑1

Damnn I was about to say how many times was this song remade like damn

@MichaelBoyce-tm2vw

48w

They also provided the backing for the McCoys.

@davidc6032

3y↑4

Bo Diddley beat is boss.

@commodore665

9y↑21

those go go dancers , dance like me when I'm drunk

@whlrradio

Screw you

@garydeforest7911

8y↑2

How true -- the one real drawback of watching these Sixties performances. A whole chorus line of women moving like they haven't even started dance training yet, not worrying what they're doing as long as they do it in unison.

@hewgrebe4771

Gary De Forest I was totally thinking that, too. Commodore665 had a good comment and yours just added to it. Thanks. 😋

@Theasworld1984

Wasn't as much energy as i expected from a 60s performance I mean I thought the girls would be dancing alot faster than that

@tzackaria7

yer sometimes drunk, but always a moron

@mikewazowski350

3y↑3

I like this version, took me 38 years to realize Bow Wow Wow didn't do it first, but Annabella Lwin is hotter, so my vote goes to Bow Wow Wow.

@mechmat12345

She was 15 when the bow wow wow version came out.

@marktrbovic251

41w

Texas Radio and The BIG BEAT !!!!!

@BernabeS

6y↑5

that bass lol

@royboy1984

9y↑15

+Stephen Brant, the riff is a Bo Diddley riff, MIND BLOWN!

@lupcokotevski2907

6y↑1

These guys wrote the song 'Sorrow' covered by David Bowie.

@jonjim1952

yup

@jonjim1952

And first recorded by The McCoys in 1965.

@SuperBodd

Brian Poole & the Tremeloes did a good version of this.

@rggcon10

9y↑3

When Bow Wow Wow redone this song to a new wave staple back in 1982, Strangeloves member Richard Gottehrer already had a hit album as a producer, the Go Go's "Beauty And The Beat," also in 1982.

@TheInkPitOx

Bow Wow Wow is not new wave.

@chablebarrett8106

@Keith Pixton what would you call it then? It wasn't punk

@TheInkPitOx

Bow Wow Wow is pop @Sam & Lainie Barrett

@wagsouza3459

6y↑1

GOOD DANCERS :D !!!

@pathdaly

3y↑4

One of the few times I like the cover better than the original I'm afraid.

@jimmagnus1200

2y↑1

That may be true, but give these guys credit for being ahead of their time.

@TheAgentAssassin

Bow Wow Wow's version is nearly identical to the original album version. THIS LIVE version sounds a little different than the original album.

The Strangeloves - I Want Candy [HQ] original
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6Vw9RGm1tM

@ZJ-ne9kn

Love how a lot of these dancers did several others shows shivaree where the action is even tami show i know most of them by name gorgeous girls

@lynntempleton9640

Are these the writers (who adopted the name The Strangeloves, and created a story of Australian sheepherder brothers named Strange...) or are they simply stand-ins?

@mt3311

23w

Bow Wow, did it right on the remake

@madisonberkley7469

6y↑2

Also covered by The McCoys (Rick Derringer's teenaged band who did Hang On Sloopy)

@kevinharrissr5255

22w↑1

Wow all these years I never knew. Bow wow wow y’all had me fooled all this time. I call you guys a one hit wonder and the hit wasn’t even yours 😅😅😅😅😅😅

@AntwhaleNearfar

47w

“…sets the summer sun on fire…”
Last time I checked, the sun has been on fire for millions of years.

@timothy4097

This version's great, sucks it's not the whole song.

@Lcincinelli

Never seen a guitar at chest level like that

@kyledurkee7755

Base

@abbafan50986

46w

The Strangeloves - I want Candy, or how I learned to stop worrying and love candy

@M45trKLLr

4y↑2

It's growing on me, I still prefer Bow Wow Wow's version.

@TheTracepyott

34w

Crazy to think this is Cory Feldmans dad in this band.

@kyleladd9216

Had no idea Aaron covered this.

@junepassingthrouthegate8810

8y↑3

Lol, Bow wow wow's version is the best.

@Patriot11111

20w

Can't beat the original

@NewUser-ni5tx

4y↑1

They paved the way for aaron carter

@SweGunner71

Those backup dancers dance quite a lot for being back in the days of black and white, no?

@r.p.mcmurphy6623

34w

Bob Feldman died on 8/23/23 at the age of 83...RIP

@aaabbb7734

5y↑1

i loves the dancers

@SonatasysInc

4y↑1

Dancers, oh, yes!

@billypogrom4546

9y↑4

Floyd Birney on lead guitar.

@mikelord9860

4y↑1

I'm devouring a clearance-sale chocolate Easter Bunny while watching this.

@javianbiswas4908

this is great

@Muziekgenot

7y↑45

I hear Bo Diddley! .... And I like that.

@mrmjb1960

5y↑2

A Combo of Bo Diddley and Johnny Otis' Willie and the Hand Jive Beat.

@theeoddments960

Michael Boyce willie and the hand jive ripped bo’s beat off. Proof from Eric Burden and “the story of bo diddley”

@cut1986

Thinking the exact same thing.

@grosbec1583

34w

Directly inspired ! Well commented buddy

@DanielCardei

The original song was from `58 Johnny Otis - Willie And The Hand Jive.
You will notice beat but its a little slower.

@johnkelly5885

Woe amazing

@Alanoffer

42w

This song was written for candy spelling , Aron spellings wife , I’ve just heard her talking about in an interview , she had a brief relationship with the writer ,

@Cincy1

34w

and that songwriter Bob Feldman passed away today at 83 years old.

@noddyholder79

4y↑6

From the Church of Bo Diddley. Bless!

@blitzebill

33w

of course their name came from the 1964 Kubrick film, "Dr. Strangelove."

@croiners4166

Wow!

@jeffhammers5677

42w

I'll bet Bo Diddly was impressed

@jeffdawson2786

This comes right out of Bo Diddley.

@devilfan2k

I made a song with a bo diddly beat. It’s got catchy lyrics and is really neat. Lol. Good song. Better when covered by bow wow wow.

@cliftop3

9y↑5

Those white Go=Go boots have the be sexiest article of women clothing since Rachel wore the animal skin Bikini in 10,000 BC

@altfactor

6y↑1

This must have been from "Shindig" since all the music performed on that show was live and not lip-synched, and the dancers in the background/

@jimf42

6y↑1

here is the story of that song...both versions. https://www.computeraudiophile.com/ca/88_the-music-in-me/the-music-in-me-candy-from-sheep-the-strangeloves-story-r700/

@MikeM275

3y↑1

Dancers are great! Wish this wasn't in the era of "more clothes" ... bikini's or mini skirts woulda been perfect.

@okrajoe

6y↑9

That band seems to have a strange love for candy.

@BADBRYZ

6y↑3

Candy is a metaphor for sex.

@hewgrebe4771

Totally with Bryan Prince. It most likely that Candy is a metaphor for sex.

@sbrant70

9y↑8

I had NO CLUE this was a remake by Bow Wow Wow!!! I'm LOSING it!!

@martinrawn3506

5y↑1

Stephen Brant this was a fake Australian band created to compete with the Beatles and this is the original version.

@hewgrebe4771

Stephen Brant I was totally with you. I thought this was only by Bow Wow Wow, then a few years ago, heard this version. I was like, there are no men singing lead on the version I like. Great tune, though.

@patrickmccarron5059

Didn't Aarron Carter come out with this song already back in 1997?

@jeanpaulconfesor2504

I thought aaron carter is the only one who sang this one.

@livemusic8248

6y↑6

Absolutely cool song what is it with the cheerleaders?
The song has African tribal sound (no Offensive) just the rhythm is tribal sounding with fun lyrics one question is her name Candy or is it as rock known for "candy"?

@josebarragan6627

More like a bo diddley

@ladyk-9ownerandpartnertoosarge

The Strangeloves NEED to sue Aaron Carter who MADE Millions off the song, their song and tells everyone it is HIS SONG !!!!!!!

@korosuke1788

Some of the most notable fakes in the industry.

@talkingbasketballwitha-mac7071

17w

COREY FELDMAN DAD HELPED PRODUCE THIS SONG WHO KNEW THAT ?

@will2741

6y↑1

Am I right in thinking this is a bunch of ringers rather than Feldman Goldstein and Gottehrer?

@joseantonioocampomartinez2964

6y↑4

Who is the handsome blonde? And I enjoyed watch all those girls dancing!!!

@buzzz241

Any idea what year this was?

@gizzyguzzi

Sounds like 1955 Bo Diddley

@bubba8857

Just learned that this song is the original I want candy not Aaron carter or bow wow

@speedskiff2

8y↑15

one of the dancers is Teri Garr

@jameskirk3827

who cares? Garr is a fish

@danielscissorhands

A fish? What drugs are you on, and where can I get some?

@williamkanegateshead

7y↑1

How can you see that?

@kpyng

6y↑1

I believe Teri is the dancer on the far right in the background...

@57highland

6y↑1

OMG! ... I love Terri Garr!

1 More Replies...

@johnbailey9274

21w

What show was this on???

@svjim1

6y↑2

This group looks very different on the Hullabaloo clip.

@stuart5178

And I though this was a Bow Wow Wow original. My bad.

@La_sagne

Sahni, Bass Solo!

@viking90706

Still HUGE CRUSH Annabella Lwin..Were the same age!

@catherineouellette8124

Who's that band? The Strangeloves.

@alster724

Aaron Carter's passing brought me here

@alijes4853

Does anyone remember Candy Duboff?

@hi-tech55

6y↑1

They all look like they have been plugged into the mains.

@187SicknesS

I would have took the belt to my kid too for listening to such inappropriate music!

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