the candles actually area telling a story of sorts. They are the trapped souls of people killed by the wax witch as part of her ritual to hold back the gloom. Thats really about all there is to it. And yes, it is a set list of things they say, it just is randomized. if you save before shooting one, you can reload and repeat and eventually you'll hear all of them.

OK! Actually, it looks like the candles have a discrete set of words associated with them... I'll stop posting, but I'm still keeping track of the words. There may be some rhyme or reason to them...

ok please stop posting what candles are saying ^_^ read the comments on the first couple of candles and what was said in the guide: the candles say random lines and there is no rhyme or reason for anything they say, other than the established back story. thanks for your effort though!