Featured singer/guitarist Brandon Butler who went on to form groups The Farewell Bend (with Boys Life bassist John Rejba and Giants Chair drummer Paul Ackerman) and Canyon (with Boys Life guitarist Joe Winkle). He now performs as a solo artist. The drummer John Anderson formed the bands Higher Burning Fire and White Whale.
There was an earlier Boys Life as well, from Boston in the early 80s, or Malden, if you're really making intra-128 distinctions. Best remembered for their 1982 12" on Seco Records.
Clay Hill
Boys Life Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But that's okay - they're dead anyway
Mrs. Perfect has grown so fat
And Mr. Perfect won't take off his hat
And all the things you hide behind
Are all the things I left behind
And we'll miss you so much
Drop all collected names
Turn your back, walk again
To the people I call friends
The song "Clay Hill" by Boys Life seems to delve into the idea of moving on and leaving past relationships behind. The first verse talks about how the singer's friends have all gone away, but it's okay because they are "dead anyway." This could be interpreted to mean that friendships may fade away over time, but the memories and experiences shared are still impactful and meaningful.
The second verse sheds light on how the singer struggles with letting go of the past. "Mrs. Perfect" has grown fat, and "Mr. Perfect" won't take off his hat, both of whom could represent people who have changed drastically since the singer knew them. The singer also admits to hiding behind certain things in their life, which they have since left behind. The chorus seems to express regret at not being able to keep certain bridges from burning, but acknowledges the importance of moving forward in life.
Overall, the song appears to be a reflection on the bittersweet nature of growing up and moving on from certain relationships. While it can be difficult, it's a necessary part of life that everyone must face.
Line by Line Meaning
All your friends have gone away
You have lost touch with your former group of friends.
But that's okay - they're dead anyway
You don't miss them since they were figuratively dead to you already.
Mrs. Perfect has grown so fat
The perfect image you once had of someone has been tarnished by their physical appearance.
And Mr. Perfect won't take off his hat
The perfect image you once had of someone has been tarnished by their behavior or actions.
And all the things you hide behind
You are using certain things to avoid dealing with your problems or emotions.
Are all the things I left behind
The singer has moved past their own issues that they used to hide behind.
And we'll miss you so much
The singer and their new group of friends will feel the loss of the person using the avoidance tactics.
Burn bridges I have made
The artist has purposefully cut ties with people from their past.
Drop all collected names
Let go of any social status or connections you have made in the past.
Turn your back, walk again
Start fresh and leave those problems behind you.
To the people I call friends
The singer has found a new group of friends to rely on instead of their old ones.
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
joshmalli
1:34 is one of the most electric moments in my music history. Wish they would repeat that riff later in the song! Saw them at Moe's in Seattle and hadn't heard anything from them prior...
downallyourstreets
usta live across the street from the duplex on the cover, 1300 Block of Marion street Denver. One day I'm walking by and I'm thinking "shit thats the cover of Boys Life", best live band I've ever seen!
TheDiarmada
I was at that show too...there was a girl named Nishone working the door that night...good times.
Rocky Reyes
Old School...saw Boys LIfe at Huntington Beach Library circa 1995
Msfracture
finally. thank you ~_~
Krystal Racca
fugazi?