Whether young ones or young at heart, anyone can enjoy candy every now and then. Its origins date back to ancient times when people used honey to coat fruits and flowers to preserve them or make them enjoyable to eat.
Over the years, candy has evolved. From the rich chocolates of Switzerland to the fruity gummies of Germany, we have a vast array of colorful and flavorful candies to choose from.
However, candies go beyond just the delectable treats. The sweet treats, particularly in the world of music, have an intriguing role in the form of metaphors, themes, and even titles. So let us present to you 25 of the best songs about candy. Have fun reading!
1. “Candy Girl” By New Edition
First on our list is New Edition‘s “Candy Girl,” released in 1983. Here, the song mentions “candy” as a metaphor for young, innocent love.
The lyrics “My girl’s like candy, a candy treat” best describe the idea where the girl is compared to candy. In other words, the girl brings joy and pleasure. The narrator, presumably a young boy, expresses his feelings for this girl, saying she is amazing and makes him feel good all the time.
The concept of candy represents the happiness and excitement of young love. Much like candy, the girl is someone who brightens his day and brings him happiness.
2. “Candy” By Mandy Moore
One of the most popular songs with “candy” in the title is one from singer-songwriter Mandy Moore. “Candy” was her debut single from her debut album So Real. The album features songs addressing young love, romance, and heartbreak, which were popular subjects at the time.
In “Candy,” the narrator expresses her intense desire for someone that she likens to craving candy. In the line “I’m missing you like candy,” this sweet treat symbolizes something sweet and desirable, much like the feelings of love.
In addition, her craving for her love interest’s affection gets her “going to the extreme.” Despite that, she still can’t get enough of him.
3. “Sugar Sugar” By The Archies
Our next song drips with sugar as it joyfully expresses love for someone. The Archies‘ “Sugar, Sugar” uses sugar as a metaphor for the sweetness found in love.
The song uses the terms “sugar” and “honey” to depict a lover expressing his affection in a sweet and sugary language. He compares the feeling of being in love to enjoying something as sweet as candy. The repeated line “Ah, sugar, Oh, honey, honey” illustrates the tender and affectionate feelings the narrator has for his partner.
Furthermore, the narrator begs her to continue being sweet and affectionate toward him. For him, doing so would make their lives sweet.
4. “Cotton Candy Land” By Elvis Presley
In 1962, Elvis Presley recorded “Cotton Candy Land.” It appeared in the 1963 movie, It Happened at the World’s Fair, where he played a crop-dusting pilot.
Thematically, the song paints a picture of a magical place called Cotton Candy Land. The lyrics are peppered with sugary treats such as ice cream, candy bars, and marshmallows.
The song serves as a lullaby that transports listeners to a place of innocence and joy, much like a child’s fantasy land. The cotton candy is used as a metaphor that evokes images of a carefree and delightful world.
5. “Candy Store Rock” By Led Zeppelin
Up next is Led Zeppelin‘s “Candy Store Rock.” From the album Presence, the song isn’t directly about candy. The title is actually a metaphor and tribute to the 1950s rock and roll that vocalist Robert Plant admired.
The song’s lyrics do not specifically reference candy. However, the title and the feel of the song create an atmosphere reminiscent of the fun, upbeat vibe of a candy store.
This is the band’s intention to pay tribute to the playful and energetic spirit of early rock music. The song aims to take listeners on a nostalgic trip to the “candy store” of early rock and roll.
6. “Candy Man” By Mary Jane Girls
In “Candy Man,” Mary Jane Girls pays tribute to a special man. The title is a metaphor to represent the sweetness and joy he brings to the narrator’s life.
Being referred to as the candy man tells about his ability to provide happiness and pleasure. The narrator expresses her love and appreciation for him, yearning to spend forever with him.
In essence, the song captures the longing for love and passion. The chorus goes, “You can be my candy man,” and the bridge finds her asking him to come home to her — all this so that their love can grow.
7. “Lollipop” By The Chordettes
The version of the female vocal quartet The Chordettes of “Lollipop” in 1958 made the song a worldwide hit. It peaked at #6 in the UK, #2 on the Billboard pop chart, and #3 on the Billboard R&B charts.
The inspiration behind the song was an incident that involved songwriter Julius Dixson’s daughter. He was running late for a songwriting session with Beverly Ross. Apparently, his daughter got a lollipop stuck to her hair.
Ross thought that the lollipop would make a good subject for a song. “Lollipop” is about the narrator’s boyfriend, who is as sweet as this candy. It signifies his charm and the delight she experiences in their relationship.
8. “Sunshine, Lollipops And Rainbows” By Lesley Gore
The joyful and upbeat song “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows” by Lesley Gore came out in 1963. The song revolves around the narrator’s feelings when she is with her partner.
For the narrator, the trio of symbols is “everything that’s wonderful.” This prompts her to declare that “my life is sunshine, lollipops, and rainbows.”
The sunshine and rainbows imagery create a picture of an idyllic world that’s brought to life when her lover is around. In relation to candy, the lollipop symbolizes the happiness she feels knowing the man is hers.
9. “Candy” By Cameo
In our next song, “Candy” by Cameo, the narrator likens his love interest to candy. The song was released in 1986 from the album Word Up!
Just like candy, the woman in question is sweet, tantalizing, and irresistible. The narrator is overly attracted to her and compares this attraction to the sensation of enjoying the sweet treat.
In addition, the lyrics express the overwhelming allure of this woman, even to the point of obsession, much like a craving for candy. She holds such power over him, giving him sleepless nights and making him think too much about her.
10. “Hard Candy Christmas” By Dolly Parton
In Dolly Parton‘s “Hard Candy Christmas,” the narrator is going through a particularly difficult time. This country song was released in 1982 from The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas soundtrack album.
“Hard candy Christmas” is a term that references a time when families could only afford inexpensive hard candies as gifts for the holiday season due to economic hardship. In the song, it is used to depict a Christmas that is modest or meager.
In the narrator’s life, this is a period of struggle and uncertainty. It’s a time when she’s “barely getting through tomorrow.” However, the song also carries an undertone of hope, with the narrator determined to make the best out of her difficult situation.
11. “Sugar Mountain” By Neil Young
The Canadian folk rock singer and musician Neil Young wrote “Sugar Mountain” to reminisce or lament his youth in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
The song uses candy and the concept of a sugar mountain as metaphors for the innocence and simplicity of childhood. Sugar Mountain represents a place of childhood joy and simple pleasures such as enjoying candy.
Here, the narrator laments the inevitable loss of youth. It’s like candy that brings immediate joy but doesn’t last forever. The imagery of candy evokes feelings of nostalgia and expresses the sadness of leaving childhood behind.
12. “The Candy Man” By Sammy Davis Jr.
One of Sammy Davis Jr.‘s signature songs is “The Candy Man.” Released in 1972, the song uses the concept of candy as a metaphor for generosity and kindness.
Though Davis himself found the song too sweet, The Candy Man would later become his moniker. In the song, it refers to a character who brings happiness, much like the delight one feels when receiving candy. He makes such a difference in the world because he makes sweets with love.
The song was originally associated with the character Willy Wonka from the film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. This further emphasizes the theme of joy and magic associated with the candy man.
13. “Kid In A Candy Store” By JoJo Siwa
Media personality JoJo Siwa was herself still a kid when she released “Kid in a Candy Store” in 2017. The pop song is about looking for joy and sweetness in life.
“Kid in a Candy Store” uses candy terms and puns throughout the lyrics. It encourages listeners to enjoy what life has to offer. In the context of the song, a candy store represents a place full of endless possibilities and delights.
At its core, the song is about embracing positivity and living life with the same enthusiasm as a kid in a candy store. The chorus celebrates life and urges us to live like a candy queen. We don’t even need money to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
14. “Candy Rain” By Soul For Real
One of the love songs with an uncomplicated message is “Candy Rain” by Soul for Real. Released in 1995, the title is the narrator’s sweet nickname for the love of his life.
This song with “candy” in the lyrics revolves around the theme of puppy love. It uses the imagery of candy and rain to convey the sweetness and intensity of love. By saying she is his candy rain, he’s essentially expressing his deep affection for her.
Candy is also used to symbolize magical things such as “candy-coated raindrops.” It’s only something that the narrator could dream of before, much like the love he has for her.
15. “Sugartime” By The McGuire Sisters
Songwriters often use candy-related imagery to symbolize sweetness and affection in a romantic relationship. Such is what you’ll find in The McGuire Sisters‘ “Sugartime.”
This song is about love that is as sweet and delightful as sugar, which is a key ingredient in candy. The lyrics repeatedly use the words “sugar” and “honey,” both sweet substances, to express how it feels to be in love.
In particular, the narrator yearns for her love interest to be her sugar and honey and to “love me all the time.” Overall, the song is a declaration of love and one’s desire for a lasting relationship.
16. “Oh, Candy” By Cheap Trick
The 1977 debut single of Cheap Trick, titled “Oh, Candy,” is not about the sweet treat in the literal sense. It tells the tragic story of their friend Marshall Mintz, who committed suicide.
Rather than title the song “Marshall Mintz” or “M & M,” songwriter and Cheap Trick’s leader Rick Nielsen decided to call it “Candy.” He believes that this way, many can relate to the song.
In the lyrics, Nielsen is asking his friend why he killed himself. The band expresses regret and confusion over the death. So, while the song is not about candy per se, it’s a somber track about loss and the aftermath of suicide.
17. “Bubble Gum World” By 1910 Fruitgum Company
The fun, upbeat song “Bubble Gum World” is by the bubblegum pop band 1910 Fruitgum Company. It tells the story of the narrator’s love interest, who is immature and plays games.
The song uses the imagery of bubble bum to create a playful mood. The lyrics speak of living in a “bubblegum world,” described as a carefree, happy, and youthful life.
But for the narrator, it means that his lover is too old to behave in such a manner. He asks her to “put all your toys away, And close up your candy shop,” which could be interpreted as acting her age and being mature.
18. “Taffy” By Lisa Loeb And Nine Stories
A taffy is a type of candy that’s made by stretching or pulling a mixture of its ingredients. But Lisa Loeb‘s “Taffy” does not directly relate to this candy but is actually a metaphor.
In the lyrics, the narrator addresses a person who has a habit of being dishonest. The lines “Sometimes you tell the truth Like you’re pulling taffy” directly hint at stretching the truth or lying.
The narrator is finally fed up with her friend making things up. And even when he tells the truth, it’s not really the truth, kind of like he’s pulling taffy.
19. “Candy Girl” By Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons
Our next song is “Candy Girl” by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Here, the narrator pays tribute to a woman whom he affectionately calls “candy girl.”
The lyrics use the imagery of candy to describe a romantic relationship. Candy is used as a metaphor for love, particularly the sweetness, joy, and delight that come from being in love.
The song is a rock ballad expressing the narrator’s deep affection for his girlfriend. He expresses his desire to be with her, who is as sweet as candy. This girl sets his heart “a-whirl” with hugging, kissing, and loving.
20. “On The Good Ship Lollipop” By Shirley Temple
The American actress Shirley Temple was only six when she first sang “On the Good Ship Lollipop.” It became her signature song.
The lollipop is a metaphor used for a whimsical, joyous world of childhood imagination. The song takes listeners on a sweet journey to a candy shop where bonbons play, creating an image of a fantastical candy land.
The “Good Ship Lollipop” refers to a vessel that sails to a place where everything is as delightful as candy. There’s also mention of the sunny beach of Peppermint Bay and lemonade stands.
All in all, the lyrics paint a picture of a magical, childlike world filled with treats and sweets. We can interpret these as a metaphor for the innocence and wonder of childhood.
21. “A Marshmallow World” By Dean Martin
Despite not mentioning Christmas, Dean Martin‘s “A Marshmallow World” is about this occasion. The marshmallow in the title and lyrics refers to fresh snowfall covering the ground. It creates an image of a world transformed into a sweet, fluffy candy land.
In addition, the song describes the sun as a red pumpkin head while the day is a whipped cream day. These descriptions further extend the candy metaphor to represent the joy and playfulness associated with a snowy day.
These lyrics create a whimsical, light-hearted picture of winter, making it seem as delightful and fun as a world made of candy.
22. “Candi Bar” By Keith Murray
In “Candi Bar,” Keith Murray pays homage to the woman of his dreams. He uses a chocolate candy bar as a metaphor for how attractive and irresistible this woman is.
Murray has used all the wonderful words he can think of in describing this woman. For him, she looks like a movie star and a chocolate candy bar, which suggests how appealing she is. Not only in physical attributes, but his lover is also emotionally intelligent, being described as gentle but firm.
We can tell how awesome this woman is if she is able to “make a crippled man walk and a blind man see.” It all boils down to him saying she is “the very inspiration for the song I sing.”
23. “Candy” By Iggy Pop
Up next is Iggy Pop‘s “Candy,” which refers to a woman from his past. The song was released in 1990 from his Brick by Brick album.
In the lyrics, Candy symbolizes someone sweet and desirable, much like candy. The narrator reflects on that one “rainy afternoon in 1990” when he met her. It had been 20 years, but he couldn’t forget how she looked and how she made him feel.
Despite the passage of time, the narrator is unable to let go of her, particularly the love and happiness she brought him. Their relationship left lingering feelings even after they parted ways.
24. “Lollipop Train (You Never Had It So Good)” By The Grass Roots
At some point, some relationships turn toxic. That’s exactly the narrator’s realization in “Lollipop Train (You Never Had It So Good)” By The Grass Roots.
The song uses the candy reference of a “lollipop train” as a metaphor for life that is good and free of worries. The narrator’s love interest is riding a lollipop train, but she doesn’t seem to enjoy it.
Instead, she keeps on complaining about things. In particular, she keeps reminding him that he can’t give her the material things she wants.
At its core, the song’s message is about enjoying life and its simple pleasures. It’s about living in the here and now and not worrying about tomorrow.
25. “Cherry Popsicle” By Jann Arden
Last but not least is “Cherry Popsicle” by Jann Arden. The song uses a cherry popsicle as a metaphor to convey deep emotions and the dynamics of a romantic relationship.
In the lyrics, the narrator shares her experience of young love and the carefree days of her youth. She met someone who became her world and loved him “more than anything” and anyone.
The song’s chorus reflects what usually happens with puppy love. You tend to love hard to the point of losing yourself. The narrator could only reflect on this experience and remember how sweet, refreshing, and enjoyable it was – much like a cherry popsicle.
Summing Up Our List Of Candy Songs
As our list showed us, the songs used candy as a symbol to express feelings of desire, attraction, and sometimes the darker or more complex aspects of human relationships. Just like candy, life can be both delightful and sometimes painful.
The use of candy in song lyrics also adds a layer of relatability. We know the simple pleasure of enjoying a piece of candy, and it’s a powerful tool to communicate emotions and situations.
And that wraps up our topic for today. There are more songs out there that use candy to tell stories. If you think we missed something, let us know so we can add it to this list.
