"So Like Candy" is a song by Elvis Costello, written in collaboration with Paul McCartney. The song is from Costello's 1989 album "Brutal Youth." The lyrics depict a breakup or the aftermath of a failed relationship. The opening lines describe the remnants of the person who has left, with their belongings scattered around the room. The references to powder, perfume, pretty clothes, lipstick, and face highlight the image of a woman's presence in the room. The chorus expresses the narrator's frustration and confusion about why the person they loved had to leave. The repetition of the phrase "So like Candy" suggests that Candy (the person being referred to) is elusive, like something sweet and tempting, yet ultimately unattainable. The second verse introduces a picture of Candy with another man, triggering a sense of nostalgia and longing. The mention of a certain look in her eyes that the narrator thought they had left behind indicates that the relationship was not entirely free of problems. The bridge reflects on the happy past, when the picture was taken, and the narrator's mistaken belief that Candy was sweet and genuine. However, the chorus returns to emphasize the disappointment and confusion caused by Candy's behavior. In the final verse, records that Candy scratched symbolize her destructive actions and the note attached to the sleeve implies her detachment and lack of closure. The line, "She just can't face the day, so she turns and melts away," suggests that Candy may be avoiding her problems or using avoidance as a coping mechanism. Overall, "So Like Candy" explores the emotions of heartbreak, longing, and the disappointment of unfulfilled expectations in a relationship.
