Lonely Boy
Iggy Pop & Ginger Baker Lyrics


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Well, I′m so above you, and it's clean to see
But I came to love you in a way
So you pull my heart out
And I don′t mind bleeding
Any of the time you keep me waiting, waiting, waiting
Oh, oh, oh, I got a love that keeps me waiting
Oh, oh, oh, I got a love that keeps me waiting
I'm a lonely boy
I'm a lonely boy
Oh, oh, oh, I got a love that keeps me waiting
Well, your mama kept you, but your daddy left you
And I should have done you just the same
But I came to love you, am I born to bleed?
Any of the time you keep me waiting, waiting, waiting
Oh, oh, oh, I got a love that keeps me waiting
Oh, oh, oh, I got a love that keeps me waiting
I′m a lonely boy
I′m a lonely boy
Oh, oh, oh, I got a love that keeps me waiting
Oh, oh, oh, I got a love that keeps me waiting
Oh, oh, oh, I got a love that keeps me waiting
I'm a lonely boy




I′m a lonely boy
Oh, oh, oh, I got a love that keeps me waiting

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Lonely Boy" by Iggy Pop and Ginger Baker depict an emotional and complex relationship between two people. The singer describes himself as superior to the other person, but he is still drawn to them and loves them deeply. Despite being repeatedly hurt by the person, he remains devoted and unresolved in his feelings. The phrase "I'm a lonely boy" is used as a refrain throughout the song, illustrating an underlying sense of isolation and desperation.


The lyrics also suggest that the other person had a difficult upbringing, with a father who left them and a mother who held onto them tightly. The singer acknowledges that he should treat them similarly, but he is unable to resist his feelings for them. There is a sense of martyrdom in his willingness to endure the pain and waiting that comes with the relationship, and a theme of self-destructiveness emerges as well.


Overall, the lyrics of "Lonely Boy" paint a picture of a complicated and intense relationship, full of passion and pain. The singer's love is unwavering, even in the face of mistreatment, and his sense of isolation underscores the intensity of his feelings.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, I'm so above you, and it's clean to see
I feel superior to you in every way, and it's evident for everyone to see.


But I came to love you in a way
Despite feeling superior, I fell in love with you in a unique way.


So you pull my heart out
You have the ability to break my heart easily.


And I don't mind bleeding
I'm willing to go through emotional pain for you.


Any of the time you keep me waiting, waiting, waiting
I'm always waiting for you, no matter how long it takes.


Oh, oh, oh, I got a love that keeps me waiting
I have a deep love for you that always keeps me waiting for you.


I'm a lonely boy
Despite being in love, I feel alone because of this waiting.


Well, your mama kept you, but your daddy left you
Your mother took care of you, but your father abandoned you.


And I should have done you just the same
I should have also left you alone like your father did.


But I came to love you, am I born to bleed?
Nevertheless, I fell in love with you, but I wonder if my purpose is to suffer because of it.


Oh, oh, oh, I got a love that keeps me waiting
My love for you is still keeping me waiting.


I′m a lonely boy
I feel lonely even though I am in love.


Oh, oh, oh, I got a love that keeps me waiting
I am stuck waiting because of my love for you.


Oh, oh, oh, I got a love that keeps me waiting
Once again, my love for you is making me wait.


Oh, oh, oh, I got a love that keeps me waiting
No matter how much time passes, my love for you still keeps me waiting.


I'm a lonely boy
Despite the love, I remain lonely.




Writer(s): Paul Anka

Contributed by Avery H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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