Poor Boy
Carr Lyrics

New York boy in the grass
Referring to the persona's love interest with the identity of a guy from New York, lounging in the grass.

Blue eyes, black hair, all slicked back
Describing the physical appearance of the New York guy, who has slicked-back black hair and blue eyes.

You always look so cool
The persona remarks on how the guy from New York always looks cool and composed.

But you already know that
Acknowledging the fact that the New York guy is well aware that he looks cool.

I'll make it work if I want it
Asserting that the persona can make things work out as long as she wants it bad enough.

You're the nice guy, I'm the problem
Distinguishing herself as the troublemaker in contrast to the New York guy who is perceived to be nice.

I'll make you hurt if you want too
Stating that she can give the New York guy heartache if that is what he wants.

You're the good guy, you're the problem
Attributing the issues that may arise between them to the New York guy's character, which is personified as good.

My mom says that you're perfect
Quoting her mother's assessment of the New York boy as perfect.

I'm worth it, I deserve it
Affirming her value and worthiness to have someone like the New York guy.

I'll crash and burn on purpose
Planning to make an intentional crash or failure to arouse the New York guy's senses of excitement and adventure.

'Cause you're boring
Justifying her plan to crash and burn, as the New York guy is perceived as boring.

I think I want a poor boy
Expressing a preference for a boy with meager means, such as one who sleeps on an old mattress on the floor.

Mattress on the floor, boy
Elaborating on the fact that she finds a guy with a mattress on the floor appealing.

Stealing from the store, boy
Furthermore, she finds boys who pilfer goods from stores particularly attractive.

I love it when you treat me like a toy, boy
Reveling in the affection and attention that the 'poor boy' provides, treating her as a mere plaything.

Make me beg for more, boy
Requesting the 'poor boy' to arouse her and to establish control over her desire.

Leave me at the door, boy
Asking the 'poor boy' to leave her alone and exit the scene once he has had his way with her.

Then never talk again
Insisting on no communication after their encounter.

Let's never talk again
Repeating her desire to avoid any interaction in the future.

I like going way too fast
Admitting a penchant for going too fast, possibly in reference to intimacy.

Sometimes I wish you were a mess
Conveying an implicit desire for the New York guy to be less poised and more wild.

You said, 'I'm the best you ever had'
Recalling the New York guy's past declaration of being the best that she has had.

Now I feel bad 'cause
Expressing remorse over having developed an attraction to the 'poor boy,' after having heard the New York guy's earlier comment.