Candy's Room

Album: Darkness On The Edge Of Town (1978)
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Songfacts®:

  • In this song, Springsteen plays the part of a guy who is flush with passion for Candy, who is very popular with lots of guys. The guy in the song comes off a bit delusional, believing he is somehow special to her.

    Many assumed that Candy is a prostitute. Asked if this was true in a 2010 interview with Rolling Stone, Springsteen said, "Does it really matter? I'll never tell."
  • This is one of many Springsteen songs with a girl in the story, but unlike Wendy, Sandy, Sherry, and Rosalita, Candy isn't a typical love interest.
  • The song developed over the last few months of 1977. The working title at one point was "Candy's Boy," and like the other songs on the Darkness On The Edge Of Town album, it took a lot of takes to get right. It was one of 10 tracks to make the final track list out of about 40; Springsteen thought it fit the theme of the album, which he described as "people tryin' to hold on for the things they believe in, in the face of battering from the outside." (Quote from Springsteen by Robert Hilburn.)

Comments: 16

  • John Smith from ChicagoThis song is about Candace Smith. She was a bartender in a steak house by the Jersey shore in Red Bank and she hung out at Big Mans Bar in Red Bank in the mid 1970's
  • Dave from MontclairSo many people think it’s about a prostitute because that’s what the actual words of the song suggest. Strangers from the city call my baby’s number they bring her toys? why would that be, why would strangers call her and bring her gifts ? She has fancy clothes and diamond rings and men who give her anything she wants? Believe whatever you want or add whatever context you may know but the words of the song can easily be interpreted as Candy is trading sex for money.
  • Allen from The Edge Of NjThis song is about Candace Smith (maiden name). Originally from PA but lived in NJ for decades. Often found in the circles that over lapped in Monmouth and Ocean counties. She was a waitress/bartender in a famous steak house (still in Red Bank), raced boats, and often hung out at Big Mans west in Red Bank after hours, when the bars closed down. She was a single parent of 3 children at the time. The kids often stopped pursuers in their tracks, but her looks and spirit kept them coming back. The gifts were a way to keep the door open. At least this is the story that was often told by Candy on the edge of town.
  • Bill from NjBeautiful young woman from Lakewood NJ by the name of Candace (Candy) Yates.
  • Carol from Buffalo, NyI never thought it was about a woman, prostitute or not. I thought it was about LSD and I thought the very last word was not "tonight", but was " To Eat"
  • Jools from North Aurora,ilDefinitely not about a prostitute. Way to trivialize the pure, raw, desperate passion of this song into something cheap, something that can be bought. I agree with Curtis from Cornwall On Hudson; I have listened to this song literally multiple 1,000’s of times and never once caught any sense of that. Give Bruce, and “Candy”, whoever she was, real or mythical, a little more credit!
  • Brian from New JerseyI was told the song was about girlfriend/photographer Lynn Goldsmith.
  • Rob from NjI believe this song is about "Candy Mossler," in which she was the wife of a very rich businessman, Jacques Mossler, and she had an affair with her nephew Melvin Powers, Jacques was murdered and so it goes...
  • Jim from Long Beach, CaThis was his second song fom his 4/16/09 show at the LA Sports Arena show..Great song..Candy is a "ho", but she is torn between the rich guys that shower her with material things or Bruce...I bet she is kicking herself in the ass on that one...what do you think???...LOL!!
  • Christina from Fopo, NyGreat song. Best concert I've ever seen. 2nd row, center stage on the floor. We made eye contact!!!!!!!!
  • Lou from Scranton, PaI never got the idea she was a prostitutre. More likely she's from an industrial city like Freehold where Bruce grew up. Close to NYC and alot of glitz but not having any herself. She's torn between the guy she loves and the rich boys from the city and the finer thigns that come with them...
  • Mary from Pittsburgh, Pagreat great great song.
  • Curtis from Cornwall On Hudson , NyWhat???? She's a prostitute???? hmmmm...you'd think I would have picked up on that the first 576,723 times I listened to it...
  • Daniel from Melbourne, AustraliaThis song showcases MAx Weinberg's drumming and Bruce's lead guitar talents like no other!
  • Adrian from Kingston, Canadagood song.. oh wait every springsteensong is good
  • Matt from Wappingers Falls, Nyi dont like you then ashley
see more comments

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