Sweet Sixteen by Billy Idol

Album: Whiplash Smile (1986)

Charted: 17 20

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This song was inspired by a true story. A man named Edward Leedskalnin was dumped by his fiancée Agnes Scuffs the day before they were to be married. He built Coral Castle, a monument complete with furniture made of coral, in Homestead, Florida hoping to win her back, but she still did not want to marry him. His nickname for her was Sweet Sixteen. >>>
Suggestion credit:
M - Orient, OH
Coral Castle might be the strangest attraction in Florida. In 1923, the story goes, the 26-year-old Leedskalnin immigrated to South Miami and spent the next 25 years of his life carving huge boulders into the ancient-looking roofless structure. How he did it remains a mystery, but there are affidavits on display from neighbors who swear it happened. Experts have studied this phenomenon to help figure out how the Great Pyramids and Stonehenge were built. A 25-minute audio tour guides you through the spot, now in the National Register of Historic Places.
At the Coral Castle gift shop, there are framed photos of Billy Idol during his visit to the attraction in the 1980s, probably taken when he was doing a video shoot there. >>>
Suggestion credit:
Leah - Brooklyn, NY, for above 2
Billy Idol wrote "Sweet Sixteen" after he'd broken up with singer and Hot Gossip dancer Perri Lister. Idol was still very much in love with her, so he used the story of Edward Leedskalnin to write a song about his heartbreak.

Comments: 12

Danny from DdDespite the story background of Coral Castle's creator, the sing to me implies that someone stole his girl, and by a richer guy than him. The lyrics say sweet 16, but I am guessing that it meant that's how old she was when they first met, not when she left him. My case was similar with my sweet 16 for 9 years.
ClaraI heard this song for the first time at age 32 on the car radio while visiting Munich, Germany. It was playing in the airport transfer vehicle. I believe it was on Classic FM. However, I have loved it ever since.
AnonymousI grew up to Billy Idol music, however never heard this song until I was adult. Song hits me. I was 16 when I got with my first husband, he was 23. I left home and we married. 16 years after I left him. He was abusive. But looking back yes, a few things made it very reason it was sweet 16. Love this song
Tyrone Chappell from Phenix City AlI love this song I was 22 years old when it came out in 1987 It was something different than I was accustomed to hearing his previous releases we're more aggressive rock songs but I loved it I feel like it brought out the sensitive laid back side of him I don't hear it on the radio no more but occasionally I'll pull it up on You Tube The song has become on of my favorite Billy Idol songs it's so laid back haunting and eerie but it still has that rock edge Brilliant!
Darin from Hapeville, Ga08-21-2021 and Google just played this randomly in a playlist for me. First time I have heard it. Quite a story about the inspiration and story behind it.
Jennifer Hollis from Ruidoso NmI was 17 when Sweet 16 was released. I was 16 When I First saw Stand By Me. Both are favorites of Mine. Billy Idol For Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. He’s Due.
Cc from Ga, Gaim 12 years old and i have had a crush on billy ever since i was 5 i love this song and every time i watch it it brings tears to my eyes just knowing how sad that guy must have felt
Fiona from Sydney, AustraliaInterestingly enough, I just found out that Edward Leedskalnin did some research and wrote some works on electromagnetism and gravitational force also MORALITY. Wow, I guess that was a big lesson he had to learn!
Fiona from Sydney, AustraliaI have always loved this song and it certainly has an interesting history. I think I saw the clip for the first time when I was about 11 or 12 and developed a huge crush on Billy Idol. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about how heart broken that poor guy must have felt.
Leah from Brooklyn, NyIf you go to Homestead, Florida and visit the Coral Castle, you can see the "rocking chair" that Idol refers to in the lyrics; a remarkable structure carved out of a single piece of coral stone and yes, it rocks.
Gerry Walsh from Melbourne, AustraliaWhen i was 17 i starting dating a girl named Karyn whom was 16. She was my sweet sixteen and when i hear this beautiful song i picture her and i back then, my 1st love.....
Danielle from Palm Coast, Flwas the girl 16? yeah it is an good song surprised someone would build all that for one person great song!

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