Unpacking the Phallocentricity and Rampant Misogyny in Candyman’s “Knockin’ Boots” With Your 12-Year-Old Son

September 1, 2011

Colorful vest? Hightop fade and creeper/Mini-Steve Harvey 'stache? You best believe I've got 1990 in a New Jack death grip, son.

Dad, what’s he mean when he says “Understand I’m the Candyman, and I melt in your mouth, not in your hands”?

Well, it’s not a one-to-one metaphor, but what do you think he means?

That he’s a good kisser?

Noo… I mean, what would hands have to do with kissing?

Well, you know, like in the old movies where the guy kisses the girl’s hand, but you can tell he wants to do it with her?

You’re on the right track, son. The lyrics are definitely penis-oriented.

Oh. So, is it that… well…

C’mon son. We can talk about this stuff like grown ups.

Well, just… I heard that after a guy, you know…

Blows his wad? Makes the little man throw up? Once the one-eyed trouser cobra spits his venom? Once he jits? Skeets? Spooges?

Ejaculates. After he ejaculates, he goes soft. Sometimes. So maybe he’s saying that she’s not going to be able to make him ejaculate just with her hands?

I think that’s it precisely, son. Good work.

Okay, but what does he mean when he says “giving it up like a good girl has to/ living it up, eventually you ask to stay/ you’re going to pay for this.” Do good girls have to give it up? Why does she have to pay? What is the payment?

Well, son, that’s a lot of questions. But they can all be answered by a single word. And that word is misogyny.

Oh.

Do you want to talk about misogyny?

I’m pretty tired from talking about ejaculating. Is it okay if I say no?

Of course, son.

Okay, no. I’m going to go to my room now and lay down.

Are you going to your room to masturbate?

Is it okay if I don’t say?

Of course, son. Although you just did.

In the pre-inflationary 80's, when a 12 ounce can of Olde English was still worth something, and the term "misogyny" hadn't yet been coined.

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