Fences is the most recent project from Christopher Mansfield. The Berklee t… Read Full Bio ↴Fences is the most recent project from Christopher Mansfield. The Berklee trained and Brockton, Ma-native teamed up with producer Sara Quin (Tegan and Sara) to create a stunning 10 song, self-titled LP that was released in September 2010. About Fences, Spin Magazine said, "Fences mastermind Chris Mansfield looks like he could be a roadie for New Jersey hardcore band Thursday, but don't be fooled. It's his acoustic guitar and quiet stories of emotional torment that shine..."

Boys Around Here
Fences Lyrics

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These mighty eyes they looked at me with no intention
they hit me twice at first glance and then a second time
She said to me that shit u say can really hurt me
I wrote this note I read it once I feel like giving up
Boys around here don't respect a thing, don't respect a thing at all

Boys around here don't respect me, don't respect me at all
Its been a while since the night that I first met you

I still got dusty shoes fear of love fear of losing u
But I'll be alright if I can just stay in tonight
I don't wanna talk just let me drink tomorrow well get through

[Repeat: x7]

Boys around here don't respect a thing, don't respect a thing at all
Boys around here don't respect me, don't respect me at all

Overall Meaning

In "Boys Around Here", Fences depicts a narrative about a girl who's struggling with her relationships with boys. She introduces herself as someone who has been mistreated by the male figures in her life. Even her crush, who she met a while back, hasn't been treating her right. The lyrics suggest that she's been hurt both emotionally and physically, which is why she contemplates giving up. She feels that the boys around her do not care about her well-being and are not treating her with respect.

The chorus line "Boys around here don't respect a thing, don't respect a thing at all" serves as a powerful indictment of toxic masculinity and its effects on women. It's clear that she's been victimized by men, either in the form of violence or emotional abuse, and she's had enough. Despite all of this, she's still hesitant to let go of the love she has for her romantic interest. The lyrics "fear of love, fear of losing u" indicates that she's still holding on to hope that things will get better. However, she also acknowledges that staying in with the bottle of alcohol is the best course of action for her well-being.

Overall, "Boys Around Here" is a poignant song that captures the experiences of many women who have been mistreated by men. Fences uses powerful language to highlight the effects of toxic masculinity on relationships and the need for personal healing.

Line by Line Meaning

These mighty eyes they looked at me with no intention
I was gazed upon by piercing eyes that did not mean well

they hit me twice at first glance and then a second time
The gaze was so intense it felt like being struck twice

She said to me that shit u say can really hurt me
She warned me that the words I use can wound her deeply

I wrote this note I read it once I feel like giving up
I wrote a letter, but after reading it once, I feel like quitting

Boys around here don't respect a thing, don't respect a thing at all
The young men in this area have no respect for anything or anyone

Its been a while since the night that I first met you
It's been some time since we first met that night

I still got dusty shoes fear of love fear of losing u
I still have dusty shoes and fears of loving and losing you

But I'll be alright if I can just stay in tonight
I'll be fine if I can stay indoors tonight

I don't wanna talk just let me drink tomorrow well get through
I don't want to talk; let me drink. We'll get through tomorrow

Boys around here don't respect a thing, don't respect a thing at all
The young men in this area have no respect for anything or anyone

Boys around here don't respect me, don't respect me at all
The young men in this area have no respect for me.