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Song Stories

“Candy-O”

The Cars | 1979

Judging by its lyrics, the title track of the Cars' second album, Candy-O, appears to be about a man smitten by a woman (as evidenced by the song's repeated line, "Candy-O, I need you so"). But the Boston-based group put forth a different theory as to meaning behind the New Wave pop song's title. When asked if the "O" in "Candy-O" stood for "Ocasek" or "Orr" — the surnames of the Cars' two singers, Ric Ocasek and Benjamin Orr — Ocasek replied, "The 'O' stands for 'obnoxious.'"

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

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