Boys
Bauhaus [Gotham] (live) 1999 Lyrics

The lyrics to Bauhaus' "Boys" explore the themes of identity, conformity, and self-expression. The song begins with a questioning tone, with the band asking if they can fly as high as society expects them to. They then declare that they don't believe they need to conform to these expectations, suggesting that perhaps they don't want to be part of the mainstream society that pressures them to be something they're not.

The lyrics then delve into the topic of personal appearance, with the band commenting on the fine details of their makeup and clothing. They seem to enjoy these aspects of self-expression, and the reference to "Nancy" may suggest the glamor and androgyny of 1960s icon Nancy Sinatra. The lyrics then take a turn to cynicism, as they suggest that these fashions and trends are always changing and faltering, leaving those who try to keep up feeling drained and ground down.

The chorus of the song turns almost desperate, as the band pleads with the world to acknowledge them and not pass them by. The repetition of "please don't pass by or I shall cry" perhaps speaks to a feeling of isolation or rejection, highlighting the difficulty of being different in a conformist culture. The song ends on a somewhat melancholic note, with the band seeming to resign themselves to the challenges of expressing themselves in a world that sometimes doesn't understand or accept them.

Overall, "Boys" is a thought-provoking exploration of identity and the challenges of expressing oneself. The lyrics suggest a resistance to conformism and a desire for individuality, while also acknowledging the difficulties and isolation that can come with this.