The Meaning Behind The Song: Candy Everybody Wants by 10,000 Maniacs

The Background

“Candy Everybody Wants” is a hit song by the American alternative rock band, 10,000 Maniacs. The group was formed in 1981 in Jamestown, New York, and was fronted by singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant until she left the band in 1993 to pursue a solo career. The song was released in 1993 as part of their album “Our Time in Eden.”

The Lyrics

The song is about the pursuit of happiness and how people often focus on the wrong things in life. The lyrics talk about how everyone wants candy, which is a metaphor for material possessions and the pursuit of fame and fortune.

The song begins with the lines, “When I was just a little boy / I wanted all the world to see / But nothing is for free / That’s why it’s me against the world.” This sets the tone for the song and highlights the struggle for success in a world where nothing comes easy.

The chorus of the song goes, “Candy everybody wants / But you can’t have it all / Candy everybody wants / But you can’t have it all.” This line emphasizes the idea that everyone wants something in life, but not everyone will be able to have it all.

The Meaning

The song is a commentary on the culture of consumerism and how people often prioritize material possessions over more meaningful things in life like relationships and personal growth. The lyrics suggest that the pursuit of happiness through material means is a never-ending cycle that leads to disappointment and disillusionment.

The candy in the song is a metaphor for all the things that people desire, whether it be wealth, fame, success or something else. The repeat of the line, “But you can’t have it all,” emphasizes the idea that people have to make choices in life and that they cannot have everything they want.

The song encourages listeners to think about what really matters in their life and to prioritize accordingly. It suggests that true happiness comes from within and that material possessions are not the key to a fulfilling life.

FAQs

1. What inspired 10,000 Maniacs to write this song?

The band wrote this song as a commentary on the culture of consumerism and the idea that people often prioritize material possessions over more meaningful things in life like relationships and personal growth. They wanted to encourage listeners to think about what really matters in their life and to prioritize accordingly.

2. What does the candy metaphor mean in this song?

The candy in the song is a metaphor for all the things that people desire, whether it be wealth, fame, success, or something else. The song suggests that the pursuit of happiness through material means is a never-ending cycle that leads to disappointment and disillusionment.

3. What is the message behind the chorus of the song?

The chorus of the song reinforces the idea that everyone wants something in life, but not everyone will be able to have it all. It emphasizes the importance of making choices in life and prioritizing what really matters to achieve true happiness.

4. Why do you think this song was successful?

This song was successful because it resonates with people on a deep level. It speaks to the universal human experience of wanting something more in life and the idea that material possessions are not the key to a fulfilling life. The catchy melody and Natalie Merchant’s powerful vocals also contributed to the success of this song.

5. How does this song relate to modern society?

The song is still relevant today because the culture of consumerism and the pursuit of material possessions is still a prevalent issue in modern society. The song encourages listeners to think about what really matters in their life and to prioritize accordingly, which is a message that is still very relevant today.

6. What is the significance of the line, “That’s why it’s me against the world”?

This line is significant because it highlights the struggle for success in a world where nothing comes easy. It suggests that success is something that has to be fought for and that there will be obstacles along the way.

7. What is the tone of the song?

The tone of the song is reflective and contemplative. It encourages listeners to think about their actions and the things they prioritize in life. The use of the candy metaphor creates a whimsical and somewhat playful tone, but the overall message of the song is serious and thought-provoking.

8. How does this song compare to other songs by 10,000 Maniacs?

Compared to other songs by 10,000 Maniacs, “Candy Everybody Wants” is more upbeat and catchy. While other songs by the band may be more introspective or melancholic, this song has a more optimistic and hopeful tone.

9. What impact did this song have on the band’s career?

This song was one of the band’s biggest hits and helped to solidify their place in the alternative rock scene of the early 1990s. It was also one of the last songs that Natalie Merchant recorded with the band before leaving to pursue a solo career.

10. What other songs by 10,000 Maniacs are worth listening to?

Other notable songs by 10,000 Maniacs include “These Are Days,” “Because the Night,” and “What’s the Matter Here?” All of these songs showcase Natalie Merchant’s powerful vocals and the band’s ability to write thought-provoking lyrics with catchy melodies.

11. How has the meaning of this song changed over time?

The meaning of this song has not changed over time, but its message is still relevant today. It speaks to the universal human experience of wanting something more in life and the idea that material possessions are not the key to a fulfilling life.

12. How can listeners apply the lessons from this song to their own life?

Listeners can apply the lessons from this song to their own life by reflecting on what really matters to them and prioritizing accordingly. The song encourages listeners to think about the pursuit of happiness in their own life and how they can achieve it in a meaningful way.