First, there was a news report of an 18-year old that was arrested because he’d had sex with his 17-year old girlfriend—who was two weeks younger than him. Then the Beatles sang, “She was just seventeen, if you know what I mean.” Wink, wink. Nudge, nudge. It started with pondering how numerical ages are so important, then it went down its own dark path.
She was all of seventeen
But looked a year older
Drank coffee with brown sugar
In a slit-back dress
She read a magazine
Where the editors told her
Get more of what you’re lookin’ for
Candy cigarettes
I heard her history
Told her mine was much longer
She said the future comes
Like a blind-hand bet
Why risk a mystery
When the present is stronger
Reach out and take ahold of some
Candy cigarettes
Well I shouldn’t say yes
When I’d only want more
Like a kid cut loose
In a confectionary store
Sugar can burn at a thousand degrees
But when I stand in the fire
There’s only her and my desire
INSTRUMENTAL
Well I shouldn’t say yes
When I’d only want more
Like a kid cut loose
In a confectionary store
Sugar can burn at a thousand degrees
But with my hand in the flame
There’s no one else to blame
If you’re gonna play fire
Don’t forget the matches
She told me as she undid
The safety net
We went out on the wire
Where nobody could catch us
And fell into the heat of her
Candy cigarettes
Candy cigarettes
Oh, candy cigarettes
You got me on burnin’
‘Cause you’re nothing but smoking
Light it up light it up
Candy cigarettes
© 2007 Jim Hayes