"Candy Says" is a song released by the band consisting of Lou Reed, John Cale, and Nico, known collectively as The Velvet Underground. The song was included on their self-titled album in 1969. The lyrics revolve around a character named Candy who expresses her dissatisfaction with her body and the expectations placed upon her in society. Candy feels a deep dislike for her physical form and all the demands it entails. She also despises the tranquility of places that remind her of the inevitable future. The line "I'm going to watch the blue birds fly over my shoulder" suggests Candy's desire to escape and observe from a distance. She hopes to witness the carefree nature of the birds and be unaffected by her own personal struggles. Candy wonders if, with a different perspective, she would find something different or more meaningful. Overall, the song delves into the internal struggles and self-doubts experienced by Candy. It speaks to themes of body image, societal pressures, disconnection, and the longing for freedom. Lou Reed, John Cale, and Nico express these emotions through melancholic yet introspective lyrics, inviting listeners to empathize with Candy's feelings of longing and dissatisfaction.
