They additionally have had several other dance-inspired tunes throughout the 80s and early 90s that gained underground popularity. Other examples of their songs include 1986's "You Make Me Feel So Good" and "Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes)" as well as 1991's "Alice Everyday" and 1992's "Flower in My Hand". The group's new wave sound has showed a debt to eccentric art rock as well as electronic music artists of the early 80s. For example, their remix of Mike Oldfield's "Tubular Bells (Theme From the Exorcist)" was another number one smash for them.
Book of Love came to an end in 1993, with the group being dormant for some time. A best-of collection titled 'I Touch Roses: The Best of Book Of Love' came out in 2001. Receiving some critical praise, with Allmusic's Michael Gallucci labeling it as having "spare synth-pop and sunny melodies", a new Peter Rauhofer remix of "Boy" successfully hit the dance charts and brought the group back into the spotlight. They're toured occasionally since then. Ted and Lauren have also released music recently with a new project called The Myrmidons. Ted has done production work for NYC-based duo Dangerous Muse as well.
BOY
Book of Love Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I'm not allowed
I wait outside of the boy's bar
I wait for them to all come out
I'm not a
Boy
That I'm not a boy
It's not my fault
I don't have those toys
I'm not a
Boy
And now it's alright
Without those boys
I stay at home at night
And I play with my toys
I'm not a
Boy
The chorus of Book Of Love's "Boy" is an expression of adolescent alienation and gender nonconformity. The singer, who identifies as female or non-binary, desires to be where the boys are but is prevented from doing so. The line "I'm not allowed" suggests that the singer is subject to parental or societal rules that restrict their behavior based on gender. This is reinforced by the fact that the singer has to wait outside of the boy's bar, indicating that they are not old enough to enter or would not be allowed to do so even if they were.
The following two lines—"I wait for them to all come out" and "I'm not a boy"—clarify the singer's position. They are not interested in being a boy or becoming one. Rather, they are fascinated by and drawn to the world of boys, which may signify a desire for freedom or a rejection of the limitations imposed by their gender. The verse lines "It's not my fault / That I'm not a boy / It's not my fault / I don't have those toys" reinforce this idea by acknowledging that gender identity is not a choice and that the singer does not possess the cultural markers typically associated with boys (such as cars, sports equipment, etc.).
The second half of the chorus reveals a resolution to the singer's predicament. They now understand that it is "alright" to stay at home and play with their own toys. This could be interpreted as a realization that gender is a construct and that the singer is free to define themselves in their own way. Alternatively, it could be seen as a retreat from the outside world and a withdrawal from the desire to belong. Either way, the repetition of the line "I'm not a boy" underscores the importance of gender identity to the singer and the struggle inherent in nonconformity.
Line by Line Meaning
I want to be where the boys are
I desire to be in the same location as the males
But I'm not allowed
However, it is not permitted for me to do so
I wait outside of the boy's bar
Therefore, I wait outside the establishment where males frequent
I wait for them to all come out
Anticipating for them to exit, as they are the object of my attention
I'm not a
Boy
Despite my longing for male companionship, it's important to note that I am not a male myself
It's not my fault
That I'm not a boy
I should not be blamed for my biological sex
It's not my fault
I don't have those toys
I am not at fault for lacking the stereotypical male interests and behaviors.
And now it's alright
Without those boys
However, it has become acceptable for me to live without the company of men
I stay at home at night
And I play with my toys
I find solace in staying at home, indulging in my own interests, rather than seeking male company.
I'm not a
Boy
It's essential to emphasize that, indeed, I am not male.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CHARLES SPAULDING GLADFELTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@justglenn1037
In the early 90's I stopped in a deli in Connecticut and saw a photo of the this group near the cash register. I asked the lady if she likes the band also, she said "of course... my son is in the band" I thought that was so cool!
@RaymondGinn1978
BS story. They were Philly and the ONLY male in the band had a sister ALSO in the band. So, she would have said ‘my kids’ are in the band.
Typical YouTube story.
🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡
@justglenn1037
@@RaymondGinn1978 If I was going to lie, I would probably choose a much bigger and well known band. I bet if you were to do some digging, you would find out one of the band member's parent's owned a neighborhood deli in Connecticut in the Summer of1989. True story
@RaymondGinn1978
Story full of Swiss cheese.
@philc1884
This was one of those small bands that only kids who listened to new wave/alternative knew about. Their music was so distinct and so representative of the genre and will forever be part of my music memories. I haven't heard this in well over 20yrs but I knew every note and lyric. Will never forget them, much love to BOL.
@krackermanbolverk
ditto! saw them open for Depeche in'87 @ Astroworld in Houston.
@philc1884
@@krackermanbolverk that must've been awesome. I saw DM twice in Long Island and once in Madison Sq Garden. All great shows. Violator is one of best albums ever produced. Time goes by so fkng fast. Enjoy the memories, brother.
@krackermanbolverk
@@philc1884 it wasn't all that great seeing them an AstroWorld because as soon as I got up to start dancing and security came and told me to stay seated
@philc1884
@@krackermanbolverk oh jeeze, at a concert? Sounds like Footloose. 😅
@canaryinacoalmine7267
I always thought they were from the UK. Everything good to me seemed like it was from England.
Like Kate Bush, etc.