Boys Will Be Boys
Goldfrapp Lyrics


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I've had nights I will never forget
I've had nights I will always regret
But I can take it on the chin
And say,
Boys will be boys

There's been girls that have stolen our hearts
But their arms simply couldn't be prised apart
And they'll never let us in, say,
Boys will be boys

I felt driven and I felt obliged
I've had feelings like a thorn in my side
I hope you never let us down, say:
Boys will be boys

Boys will be boys
They cheat and they lie
Boys will be boys




Boys will be boys
Mm

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Goldfrapp's song "Boys Will Be Boys" seem to deal with the generalizations and stereotypes that are often associated with the male gender. The author describes having nights that they will never forget and others that they will always regret, but ultimately they can take it on the chin and move on, as boys will be boys. The author seems to be accepting of the flaws and mistakes of males, as if they're inherent traits of being male. Perhaps the author is also acknowledging a societal acceptance of these types of behaviours or a role that society has placed on male behaviour to behave poorly at times.


The second verse mentions girls who have stolen male hearts but would not let their arms be prised apart, indicating a failed relationship or perhaps an unrequited love. Again, the author suggests that this is simply a product of the male gender; "boys will be boys," as if the behaviour is out of their control. The author also mentions feeling driven and obliged to certain actions, and experiencing feelings like a thorn in their side. It's not entirely clear what the author is referring to, whether it is a sense of societal pressure on male behaviour or an internal conflict. However, they express a hope that they will never let anyone down and again, citing that boys will be boys.


Overall, the lyrics of "Boys Will Be Boys" seem to be a commentary on the way society has pigeonholed the male gender into certain stereotypes, behaviours, and expectations. Men are expected to behave a certain way, both in their own personal relationships, and as a societal expectation. Still, the author seems to find comfort and solace in the idea that, even in the face of their own personal struggles and short-comings, that they can always fall back on the excuse that boys will be boys.


Line by Line Meaning

I've had nights I will never forget
I have experienced incredible nights that will forever stay in my memory.


I've had nights I will always regret
There are nights that I will regret forever.


But I can take it on the chin
However, I can handle the consequences of my actions.


And say, Boys will be boys
I can excuse my behavior by saying it's typical of male behavior.


There's been girls that have stolen our hearts
There have been girls that we have fallen in love with.


But their arms simply couldn't be prised apart
Unfortunately, we cannot have their love in return.


And they'll never let us in, say, Boys will be boys
Despite our attempts to win their hearts, we can simply dismiss their rejection as 'boys will be boys'.


I felt driven and I felt obliged
I have been motivated and felt obligated to act a certain way.


I've had feelings like a thorn in my side
These specific feelings have been unpleasant and irritating, constantly bothering me.


I hope you never let us down, say: Boys will be boys
As a plea, I ask that you excuse our actions and behaviors as typical male behavior.


Boys will be boys
A phrase that has been long used to excuse male behavior.


They cheat and they lie
Men have been known to cheat and lie, often excused away using 'boys will be boys'.


Boys will be boys
Yet another example of using the phrase to excuse male behavior.


Mm
Just a simple vocalization that adds to the mood and feel of the song.




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CHARLES COCHRAN, ROGER F. COOK

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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