I want a boyfriend
But I just keep hitting dead ends
Try to take a shortcut, but I get cut
Again and again
I want a boyfriend
Tell me, are there any good ones left?
I keep finding wrong ones, but I want love
Again and again
I want a boyfriend

I been up all night
Pretty restlessly
Think I might know why (ah)
I've been doing just fine
But baby, that don't mean
That I'm feeling anti you and me

There's a difference between a want and a need
Some nights I just want more than me
I know that there's a fine line between
It's not what I need, but (yeah)

I want a boyfriend
But I just keep hitting dead ends
Try to take a shortcut, but I get cut
Again and again (yeah)
I want a boyfriend (uh-huh)
Tell me, are there any good ones left?
I keep finding wrong ones, but I want love
Again and again

I want a boyfriend
I want a boyfriend

I could phone a friend, use a hotline or something
But that won't get the job done (uh-huh)
'Cause every time I try (yeah, yeah, yeah)
Every time they lie (uh-huh)
I get a little anti you and me

There's a difference between a want and a need
Some nights I just want more than me
I know that there's a fine line between
It's not what I need, but (ooh, ooh)

I want a boyfriend
But I just keep hitting dead ends
Try to take a shortcut, but I get cut
Again and again (yeah)
I want a boyfriend (uh-huh)
Tell me, are there any good ones left?
I keep finding wrong ones, but I want love
Again and again

I want a boyfriend (ah, ay, yeah)
I want a boyfriend (ah, just wanna)
I want a (ah, yeah)
I want a boyfriend (ah, yeah)
I want a

Overall Meaning

In "Boyfriend," Selena Gomez sings about her desire to find a romantic partner. However, she has been struggling to find the right person and feels like she keeps hitting dead ends. She longs for love but keeps finding wrong people who are not what she truly needs. She has been up all night thinking about her predicament and is trying to figure out if there are any good potential partners left for her. Selena also acknowledges that there is a difference between what she wants and what she truly needs. Some nights, she just wants more than herself. Despite her struggles, she still has hope that she will find the right person to share love and a future with.

Line by Line Meaning

I want a boyfriend
Selena wants a romantic partner in her life.

But I just keep hitting dead ends
Selena has been unsuccessful in finding a suitable partner despite her efforts.

Try to take a shortcut, but I get cut
Selena has tried to speed up the process of finding a partner, but it has led her to disappointment.

Again and again
This pattern of failed attempts has been repeating for Selena.

Tell me, are there any good ones left?
Selena is losing hope and doubts if there are any decent potential partners out there for her.

I keep finding wrong ones, but I want love
Selena has encountered unsuitable people in her pursuit of love, but it hasn't deterred her desire for a meaningful relationship.

I been up all night
Selena is experiencing insomnia due to her preoccupation with her love life.

Pretty restlessly
Selena is tossing and turning in bed, unable to find restful sleep.

Think I might know why (ah)
Selena has a suspicion about the root cause of her love life struggles.

I've been doing just fine
Selena's life is going well beyond her relationship status.

But baby, that don't mean
Despite her overall happiness, Selena still feels the void of not having a boyfriend.

That I'm feeling anti you and me
The lack of a boyfriend in Selena's life is not a reflection of her feelings towards herself or potential partners.

There's a difference between a want and a need
Selena understands the distinction between wanting someone in her life and actually needing them.

Some nights I just want more than me
Selena experiences moments of loneliness and desires the companionship of another person.

I know that there's a fine line between
Selena recognizes that her desire for a boyfriend may border on dependence, but she is still seeking that connection regardless.

It's not what I need, but (yeah)
Selena acknowledges that a boyfriend is not a necessity for her well-being, but she still wants one.

I could phone a friend, use a hotline or something
Selena has considered reaching out to others for help in her love life.

But that won't get the job done (uh-huh)
Selena realizes that ultimately, she is the only one who can find a suitable boyfriend for herself.

Every time they lie (uh-huh)
Selena has encountered dishonest potential partners in the past.

I get a little anti you and me
Selena's past bad experiences with partners have caused her to be hesitant towards pursuing new relationships.

I want a (ah, yeah)
Selena's desire for a boyfriend remains strong.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Jonathan L. Wienner, Julia Michaels, Justin Drew Tranter, Sam Homaee, Selena Marie Gomez

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind