Bennett began singing at an early age. He fought in the final stages of World War II as a U.S. Army infantryman in the European Theater. Afterward, he developed his singing technique, signed with Columbia Records and had his first number-one popular song with "Because of You" in 1951. Several tracks such as "Rags to Riches" followed in early 1953. He then refined his approach to encompass jazz singing. He reached an artistic peak in the late 1950s with albums such as The Beat of My Heart and Basie Swings, Bennett Sings. In 1962, Bennett recorded his signature song, "I Left My Heart in San Francisco". His career and personal life experienced an extended downturn during the height of the rock music era. Bennett staged a comeback in the late 1980s and 1990s, putting out gold record albums again and expanding his reach to the MTV generation while keeping his musical style intact.
Bennett continued to create popular and critically praised work into the 21st century. He attracted acclaim for his collaborations with Lady Gaga, which began with the album Cheek to Cheek (2014); the two performers toured together to promote the album throughout 2014 and 2015. With the release of the duo's second album, Love for Sale (2021), Bennett broke the individual record for the longest span of top-10 albums on the Billboard 200 chart for any living artist; his first top-10 record was I Left My Heart in San Francisco in 1962. Bennett also broke the Guinness World Record for the oldest person to release an album of new material, at the age of 95 years and 60 days.
Bennett has amassed numerous accolades throughout his career, including 19 Grammy Awards and two Primetime Emmy Awards. He was named an NEA Jazz Master and a Kennedy Center Honoree. Bennett has sold over 50 million records worldwide.
In February 2021, it was revealed that Bennett was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2016. Due to the slow progression of his illness, he continued to record, tour, and perform until his retirement from concert performances in August 2021 due to physical challenges.
Bennett died in New York City on Friday, July 21, 2023, at the age of 96. His death was announced by his publicist.
Candy Kisses
Tony Bennett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Candy kisses wrapped in paper you'd rather have them any old time
You don't mean it when you whisper those sweet love words in my ear
Candy kisses wrapped in paper mean more to you than mine do dear
I built a castle
Out of dreams, dear
Were building one too
Now my castles
All have fallen
And I am left
Alone and blue
Once my heart was filled with gladness now there's sadness only tears
Candy kisses wrapped in paper mean more to you than mine do dear
In Tony Bennett's song "Candy Kisses," the singer expresses his lover's preference for an inexpensive and fleeting indulgence over his affections. He laments that candy kisses wrapped in paper hold more value for his lover than his own acts of love. The candy kisses seem to serve as a metaphor for the superficiality of their relationship and the lover's inability to appreciate the singer's love, which is of a deeper and more meaningful nature.
The singer notes that his lover's sweet words are insincere and lack substance, indicating that their relationship is one built on frivolity and material possessions. He had hoped that they were both working towards building a future together, but his dreams have been shattered. The singer is left feeling alone and heartbroken, realizing that his lover does not share his emotions and is only invested in the surface level of their relationship.
The somber tone of the song is amplified by its melancholic melody, evocative of the singer's heartache and disappointment. The lyrics highlight the fragility and impermanence of love, reminding the listener of the importance of valuing and cherishing those who choose to love us for who we are.
Line by Line Meaning
Candy kisses wrapped in paper mean more to you than any of mine
You value cheap, artificial, superficial things more than my genuine display of love and affection.
Candy kisses wrapped in paper you'd rather have them any old time
You would choose empty gestures over my sincere feelings, anytime.
You don't mean it when you whisper those sweet love words in my ear
Your words are hollow, and your supposed affection is not genuine or heartfelt.
Candy kisses wrapped in paper mean more to you than mine do dear
Your preference for shallow, meaningless gifts over my authentic care and love is hurtful.
I built a castle
I invested my emotions and dreams in our relationship.
Out of dreams, dear
I had high hopes and aspirations for us.
I thought that you
I believed that you shared my feelings and goals.
Were building one too
And that we were building our future together.
Now my castles
But my dreams and hopes for our relationship.
All have fallen
Have been shattered and destroyed.
And I am left
And now I am alone.
Alone and blue
Feeling lonely, sad, and heartbroken.
Once my heart was filled with gladness now there's sadness only tears
I used to be happy and content with our relationship, but now I am only left with pain and sorrow.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEORGE MORGAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind