Billy Idol

Lyrics

[Intro]
I'll do anything
For my sweet sixteen
And I'll do anything
For little runaway child

[Verse 1]
Gave my heart an engagement ring
She took everything
Everything I gave her
Oh, sweet sixteen
Built a moon
For a rocking chair
I never guessed it would
Rock her far from here
Oh, oh, oh, oh

[Pre-Chorus]
Someone's built a candy castle
For my sweet sixteen
Someone's built a candy brain
And filled it in

[Chorus]
Well, I'll do anything
For my sweet sixteen
Oh, I'll do anything
For little runaway child
[Verse 2]
Well, memories will burn you
Memories grow older as people can
They just get colder
Like sweet sixteen
Oh, I see it's clear
Baby, that you are
All through here
Oh, oh, oh, oh

[Pre-Chorus]
Someone's built a candy castle
For my sweet sixteen
Someone's built a candy house
To house her in
Oh oh, someone's built a candy castle
For my sweet sixteen
Someone's built a candy brain
And filled it in

[Chorus]
And I do anything
For my sweet sixteen
Oh, I do anything
For little runaway girl
[Bridge]
Yeah, sad and lonely and blue
Yeah, gettin' over you
How, how do you think it feels
Yeah, to get up in the morning, get over you
Up in the morning, get over you
Wipe away the tears, get over you, get over, get over

[Chorus]
My sweet sixteen
Oh, runaway child
Oh, sweet sixteen
Little runaway girl

[Verse 3]
Gave my heart an engagement ring
She left everything
Everything I gave her
Oh, sweet sixteen
Built a moon
For a rocking chair
I never guessed it would
Rock her far from here
Oh, oh, oh

[Pre-Chorus]
Someone's built a candy castle
For my sweet sixteen
Someone's built a candy house
To house her in
Oh, someone's built a candy castle
For my sweet sixteen
Someone's built a candy house
To house her in
[Chorus]
And I'll do anything
For my sweet sixteen
Oh, I'll do anything
For this little runaway child
Do anything
For sweet sixteen
I'll do anything
For little runaway girl
Little runaway girl
Oh, sweet sixteen
Oh, sweet sixteen
Oh

Are you familiar with the song "Sweet Sixteen" by Billy Idol? Released as the third single from his album Whiplash Smile, the song tells the remarkable story of Edward Leedskalnin and the Coral Castle he constructed in Florida. The track made its way to number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and remains a classic among Billy Idol fans today. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the inspiration behind this intriguing song.

About Sweet Sixteen

"Sweet Sixteen" by Billy Idol tells the captivating story of Edward Leedskalnin, a Latvian emigrant who built the Coral Castle in Florida in honor of his beloved, Agnes Scuff, whom he called his "sweet sixteen." The song drew its inspiration from this true story, and the lyrics delve into the perplexing relationship dynamics that led to the creation of this unusual castle.

The story behind the Coral Castle is a fascinating one. Edward Leedskalnin had been engaged to Agnes Scuff, who was ten years his junior, and had affectionately called her his "sweet sixteen." When Scuff broke off their engagement just one day before their wedding, Leedskalnin was said to be heartbroken and inconsolable. In an attempt to win back his lost love, he set out to build her a castle made entirely out of coral as a testament to his love for her.

It took Leedskalnin over twenty years to build the Coral Castle, which was constructed entirely out of solid coral rock. His dedication to the construction was remarkable, given that he worked alone and without machinery, confounding many who saw the castle risen up before their eyes. He worked tirelessly, using only basic tools to sculpt and shape the rock, and even managed to construct a stone table and chairs that still stand today.

The Coral Castle is made up of more than 1,000 tons of coral rock and comprises over 25 individual structures, including a 9-ton gate that rotates a full 360 degrees on a pin point, with just one hand! Many who have seen the Coral Castle up close have remarked at its beauty and the sheer scale of the structure, which was proudly built by one man as a symbol of his unwavering love.

When we turn to the song "Sweet Sixteen," we see how Billy Idol took this fascinating story and lined it up with his own experiences to create an immersive listening experience. While the song might seem perplexing at first, with lyrics such as "I'm dreaming of you, babe, but you're not here" and "I feel the magic in your caress," it's clear that the story of Edward Leedskalnin is one that continues to captivate and inspire, even all these years later.

Concluding Thoughts

"Sweet Sixteen" by Billy Idol is a classic song that tells an extraordinary story of love and perseverance. Inspired by the remarkable Coral Castle, it continues to captivate listeners with its mysterious lyrics and haunting melody, inviting us to reflect upon the mysteries of the human heart. Whether you're a lifelong Billy Idol fan or just discovering this song for the first time, "Sweet Sixteen" is an absolute must-listen.

• Release Date: October 20, 1986
• Artist: Billy Idol