Based on sales, Boyz II Men is one of the most successful R&B groups of all time, having recorded five #1 pop hits between 1992 and 1997. They have since topped sales of 25 million records. Three of their #1 hits, "End of the Road", "I'll Make Love to You", and "One Sweet Day" (a duet with Mariah Carey), set and broke records for the longest period of time a single remained at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Boyz II Men were originally signed to Motown Records from 1990 to 2000, at which point they were moved to parent label Universal Records. After the 2000 album Nathan Shawn Michael Wanya, Boyz II Men moved to Arista Records. In 2003, Michael McCary left the group due to chronic back problems resulting from scoliosis. As of 2005, Wanya Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Nathan Morris continue to tour and record as a trio.
Good Guy
Boyz II Men Lyrics
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I thought we were happy guess I was mistaken
Give you all my love and attention
Say you don't want me 'cause something's missing
Gave you all you wanted and you know it's true
All that I was doing meant nothing to you
And if I told you why we'd probably be cool
But I was so good to you so good
But you want a guy that's real nice
That will spend his dough and his time
But then you change and want to thug guy
Who won't act right
Stay with him but he makes you cry
Tell me why it doesn't pay to be the good guy
'cause every time
(Hook)
I try to be the good guy
You take me for granted throw me to the side
Rather have a man that would tell you lies
Tell my why tell my why tell me why
Why should I be the good guy
And get left for the man who don't treat you right
There's nothing good in being good guys
Tell me why tell me why tell me why
I don't understand your reasons
Say you love me then say your leaving
The situation here has really changed me
Don't want to fall in love 'cause you played me
You gotta be kidding me, trying to get rid of me
I did more to you than any brother would do
I was good to you so good
Plus you want to guy that's real nice
That will spend all his dough and his time
But then you change your mind and want to thug guy
Who won't act right
It doesn't pay to be the good guy
You callin' me late nights
Tellin me how he won't act right
Stay with him but he makes you cry
(Hook)
I was good 2 you
Played a fool 4 you
You messed it up for the next girl in my life
I'll never do the things I do for you
Our love just wasn't true
I was so good, so good to you, so good to you
Every time
(Hook x2)
In "Good Guy," Boyz II Men tells the story of a man who has been good to his partner but has been left behind for someone who treats her poorly. The song depicts the pain of unrequited love and feeling taken for granted. The singer expresses his confusion and frustration over how his partner can go from wanting a nice, loving guy to suddenly desiring a thug-like guy who treats her badly. The lyrics convey the message that being a good guy is not always appreciated and that it can be heartbreaking when this is the case. The singer has been played by his lover and now feels reluctant to fall in love again.
The song tackles relatable topics of love and heartbreak, with lyrics that can resonate with many listeners. Boyz II Men's soulful harmonies and powerful vocal performance make the song even more poignant. Through their music, the band has been able to explore and express the varied emotions and experiences that come with love and relationships.
Line by Line Meaning
I don't understand your thinking
I cannot comprehend your thought process
I thought we were happy guess I was mistaken
I believed we were content, but my assumption was incorrect
Give you all my love and attention
I devoted all of my affection and focus to you
Say you don't want me 'cause something's missing
You claim that there is a void in our relationship that I cannot fulfill
Gave you all you wanted and you know it's true
I provided you with everything you desired, and you are aware of this fact
All that I was doing meant nothing to you
Despite my efforts, my actions held no significance to you
And if I told you why we'd probably be cool
If I explained the reasons behind our situation, we could possibly reconcile
But I was so good to you so good
Regardless, I treated you exceptionally well
But you want a guy that's real nice
You desire a man who is kind and considerate
That will spend his dough and his time
Someone who will invest both his money and energy into you
But then you change and want to thug guy
However, you switch up and desire someone who is more rugged or rebellious
Who won't act right
A person who will not behave properly or according to societal norms
Stay with him but he makes you cry
You choose to remain in that relationship despite the fact that it brings you pain
Tell me why it doesn't pay to be the good guy
Explain why it is not beneficial to be a well-behaved and honorable man
I try to be the good guy
I attempt to act in a positive and respectful manner
You take me for granted throw me to the side
You do not value my actions or contribution to the relationship, casting me aside
Rather have a man that would tell you lies
You prefer a person who is dishonest over someone who is truthful
Tell my why tell my why tell me why
Please explain to me the reasoning behind your actions and choices
Why should I be the good guy
What is the point of me acting properly and ethically
And get left for the man who don't treat you right
Only to be abandoned for a person who does not demonstrate the same level of respect and kindness
There's nothing good in being good guys
Being virtuous and upright does not have any positive outcomes
I don't understand your reasons
I am unable to comprehend the justification behind your choices
Say you love me then say your leaving
You express affection for me, but then you decide to depart
The situation here has really changed me
The circumstances of our relationship have significantly impacted me
Don't want to fall in love 'cause you played me
I am hesitant to enter into another romantic situation since you have deceived me
You gotta be kidding me, trying to get rid of me
You must be joking if you think you can easily discard me
I did more to you than any brother would do
I have gone above and beyond for you, more so than any friend or sibling
Plus you want to guy that's real nice
Moreover, you still desire a person who is kind and considerate
You callin' me late nights
You contact me during late hours
Tellin me how he won't act right
You are explaining to me how the person you are with is behaving inappropriately
I was good 2 you
I treated you well
Played a fool 4 you
I acted foolishly to please you
You messed it up for the next girl in my life
Your actions have potentially negatively impacted future relationships I may pursue
I'll never do the things I do for you
I am unwilling to repeat my past actions for you
Our love just wasn't true
Our relationship lacked authenticity and sincerity
Every time
Consistently and repeatedly
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MICHAEL MCCARY, NATHAN MORRIS, SHAWN STOCKMAN, WANYA MORRIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind