"Boys Keep Swinging" has exactly the same chord sequence as the song "Fantastic Voyage" from the same album ("Fantastic Voyage" was also the B-side to the single of "Boys Keep Swinging").
Regarding the subject matter, Bowie shared in a 2000 interview with Bust: "The glory in that song was ironic. I do not feel that there is anything remotely glorious about being either male or female. I was merely playing on the idea of the colonization of a gender."
Boys Keep Swinging
David Bowie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The clouds part for ya
Nothing stands in your way
When you're a boy
Clothes always fit ya
Life is a pop of the cherry
When you're a boy
When you're a boy
You can wear a uniform
When you're a boy
Other boys check you out
You get a girl
These are your favorite things
When you're a boy
Boys
Boys
Boys keep swinging
Boys always work it out
Uncage the colors
Unfurl the flag
Luck just kissed you hello
When you're a boy
They'll never clone ya
You're always first on the line
When you're a boy
When you're a boy
You can buy a home of your own
When you're a boy
Learn to drive and everything
You'll get your share
When you're a boy
Boys
Boys
Boys keep swinging
Boys always work it out
In "Boys Keep Swinging," David Bowie explores the idea of masculinity and the privileges that come with being a man. The opening lines, "Heaven loves ya / The clouds part for ya / Nothing stands in your way / When you're a boy" suggest that everything comes easy for men, as if they have been given a special pass in life.
Bowie goes on to describe some of the benefits of being male, such as having clothes that always fit and being able to wear a uniform. He also discusses the idea that being a boy means that other boys will check you out and that it is easy to get a girl. These lyrics illustrate the way in which society values masculinity and emphasizes the importance of fitting into traditional gender roles.
The chorus, "Boys keep swinging / Boys always work it out" suggests that men are able to handle any situation and that they are constantly on the move, always pushing forward. Overall, the song presents a somewhat tongue-in-cheek commentary on the way in which masculinity is valued and celebrated in our culture.
Line by Line Meaning
Heaven loves ya
You are lucky and blessed.
The clouds part for ya
Everything seems to be going well for you.
Nothing stands in your way
You have no obstacles you cannot overcome.
When you're a boy
Being male brings with it certain privileges and advantages.
Clothes always fit ya
You always look good, as clothes are designed for your body type.
Life is a pop of the cherry
Life is exciting and full of new experiences.
You can wear a uniform
You have access to a wide range of clothing options, including uniforms.
Other boys check you out
Male attractiveness is valued and admired by other males.
You get a girl
Being male makes it easier to attract and pursue romantic relationships with women.
These are your favorite things
These are some of the benefits and joys of being male.
Boys
Males in general.
Boys keep swinging
Males are resilient, adaptive, and can overcome challenges with strength and energy.
Boys always work it out
Males are resourceful and can find solutions to problems.
Uncage the colors
Be bold, expressive, and free in your self-expression.
Unfurl the flag
Show your patriotism and pride in your country.
Luck just kissed you hello
You're starting off on the right foot and have good fortune in your life.
They'll never clone ya
You're unique and irreplaceable.
You're always first on the line
You have advantages and privileges that put you ahead of others.
You can buy a home of your own
You have the financial means and stability to own property.
Learn to drive and everything
As a male, you have access to driving and all the freedom and opportunities that come with it.
You'll get your share
Being male ensures that you'll have access to your fair share of opportunities and rewards.
Boys
Males in general.
Boys keep swinging
Males are resilient, adaptive, and can overcome challenges with strength and energy.
Boys always work it out
Males are resourceful and can find solutions to problems.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Bowie, Brian Eno
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ciocan Flavius
Lyrics:
Heaven loves ya
The clouds part for ya
Nothing stands in your way
When you're a boy
Clothes always fit ya
Life is a pop of the cherry
When you're a boy
When you're a boy
You can wear a uniform
When you're a boy
Other boys check you out
You get a girl
These are your favourite things
When you're a boy
Boys
Boys
Boys keep swinging
Boys always work it out
Uncage the colours
Unfurl the flag
Luck just kissed you hello
When you're a boy
They'll never clone ya
You're always first on the line
When you're a boy
When you're a boy
You can buy a home of your own
When you're a boy
Learn to drive and everything
You'll get your share
When you're a boy
Boys
Boys
Boys keep swinging
Boys always work it out
Robin Garrison
The man had it all: good looks, great voice, cool sense of fashion, slick moves on the dance floor & incredible creativity. RIP unforgettable David Bowie.
Dolores
I've only just recently seen some of his interviews and he was also so smart and so pleasant.
Robin Garrison
@Dolores Can't forget that he was well-mannered & intelligent, also! Thanks for reminding me. Be safe.
Simo-Pekka Sunila
1979
Philip Marson
and a great sense of humour
EAST COAST SAILING CENTER
silent cry from me when they cremated his body .....
mitch
Can we just appreciate his dancing like I'm living
William Sherry
Great fun talent love it
Laura Bowden
Ru Paul is quaking
Stardust Treasures
Sarah Seneviratne, by far my favorite video of him dancing. Absolute love