Candy Man [1928]

Song Meaning

This tune paints a vivid picture of a charismatic figure, the "candy man," who arrives in town and immediately captures the attention of the local women. The repeated phrase "It's the candy man" acts like a siren call, drawing listeners into the narrative of his enticing offerings. The initial lines establish a sense of communal excitement and anticipation, suggesting a shared secret or a highly desirable commodity being introduced. The core tension lies in the suggestive nature of the "candy" and the "candy man's" interactions. While ostensibly about sweets, the lyrics employ double entendre with phrases like "stick of candy just nine inch long" and the implication that he "leaves a big candy stick in your hand." The women's eagerness, like Sister Johnson taking a stick to bed or Sister Bad taking "all he had," hints at a transaction or experience that is deeply satisfying and perhaps even addictive, extending beyond simple confectionery. The most striking craft element is the persistent, almost hypnotic repetition of "It's the candy man." This refrain, coupled with the specific, phallic imagery of the "nine inch long" stick, transforms the mundane act of selling candy into something far more charged. The idea that his candy "don't melt away" and "just gets better" further amplifies the suggestive undertones, implying a lasting, superior pleasure that the women crave. Ultimately, the lyrics are effective because they create a playful yet potent sense of innuendo. The narrator uses the innocent guise of candy to allude to sexual satisfaction and desirability, making the song a clever piece of coded language. The women's enthusiastic reception and the lasting impact of the "candy" suggest a powerful, almost irresistible allure, leaving the listener to ponder the true nature of this "good sweet candy man's" offerings.