Loggins was born in Everett, Washington and is the youngest of three brothers. His mother was Lina (née Massie), a homemaker, and his father, Robert George Loggins, was a salesman. They lived in Detroit and Seattle before settling in Alhambra, California. Loggins attended San Gabriel Mission High School, graduating in 1966. He formed a band called the Second Helping that released three singles during 1968 and 1969 on Viva Records. Greg Shaw described the efforts as "excellent punky folk-pop records" that were written by Loggins who was likely to be the bandleader and singer as well; Shaw included "Let Me In" on both Highs in the Mid-Sixties, Volume 2 and the Pebbles, Volume 9 CD.
Loggins had a short gig playing guitar for the New Improved Electric Prunes in 1969 before writing four songs for the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, which were included in their Uncle Charlie & His Dog Teddy album. During his early twenties, he was part of the band Gator Creek with Mike Deasy. An early version of "Danny's Song" (later recorded by Loggins and Messina and a No. 7 Hot 100 hit for Anne Murray in 1973) was included in a record on Mercury Records.
Loggins appears in the 2013 video game Grand Theft Auto V playing himself as the host of an in-game radio station called Los Santos Rock Radio. He also lends the songs "Danger Zone" and "I'm Free (Heaven Helps the Man)", and sings station jingles.
In 2014, Loggins appeared as himself in the episode "Baby Shower" of the fifth season of the animated comedy series Archer. His song "Danger Zone" had been a recurring joke in the show. At the end of the episode and during the credits, Loggins also performs a country version of "Danger Zone" as a duet with the character of Cherlene. Loggins stated in a later interview that his in-show nickname 'K-Log' is a complete creation of the show, stating, "It was always a joke. That's why it works, because it's so absurd.
Playing With The Boys
Kenny Loggins Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To walk away
When dreaming takes you nowhere
It's time to play
Bodies working overtime
Your money don't matter
The clock keeps ticking
When someone's on your mind
I'm moving in slow motion
Feels so good
It's a strange anticipation
Knock, knock, knocking on wood
Bodies working overtime
Man against man
And all that ever matters
Is baby who's ahead in the game
Funny but it's always the same
Playing, playing with the boys
Staying, playing with the boys
After chasing sunsets
One of life's simple joys
Is playing with the boys
Said it was the wrong thing
For me to do
I said it's just a boys' game
Girls play too
My heart is working overtime
In this kind of game
People get hurt, I'm thinking of the people like me
If you want to find me, I'll be
Playing, playing with the boys
Staying, playing with the boys
After chasing sunsets
One of life's simple joys
I don't want to be the moth around your fire (with the boys)
I don't want to be obsessed by my desire
You're shining, You're smiliny
I've seen enough
With the boys
I've seen enough
You play too rough
Playing, playing with the boys
I'll be staying, playing with the boys (with the boys)
After chasing sunsets (sunsets)
One of life's simple joys
Is playing with the boys
Playing with the boys
Playing (playing with the boys)
Playing (playing with the boys)
Playing (playing with the boys)
Playing (playing with the boys)
The lyrics to Kenny Loggins's song "Playing with the Boys" describe the experience of participating in a competitive, high-energy game, and the complex emotions that can come with it. The song opens with Loggins suggesting that it's time to "walk away" from the "dreaming" that can hold a person back, and instead engage in activities that involve physical and mental exertion (bodies working overtime). He emphasizes that in these kinds of situations, "your money don't matter," suggesting that the game is a level playing field that requires skill and strategy rather than wealth or status.
Loggins then shifts into describing the experience of playing the game itself, using phrases like "moving in slow motion" and "strange anticipation" to highlight the intensity of the moment. He acknowledges that the game is often a matter of "man against man," emphasizing the competitive nature of the activity. However, he also recognizes that "people get hurt" in these kinds of games, and that it can be stressful to be constantly thinking about who's "ahead in the game."
The chorus of the song reiterates the idea that playing with the boys is "one of life's simple joys," highlighting the exhilaration of participating in competitive activities and experiencing the thrill of victory. However, Loggins also recognizes that it's important to find a healthy balance between competition and obsession, suggesting that he doesn't want to be "obsessed by [his] desire" or "the moth around [someone's] fire."
Overall, "Playing with the Boys" is a complex, introspective song that explores the emotions and experiences associated with competitive activities. It highlights the joy and excitement that can come from playing games, while also acknowledging the potential for stress and injury that comes with intense competition.
Line by Line Meaning
I'd say it was the right time
I believe that now is the perfect time
To walk away
To leave the current situation
When dreaming takes you nowhere
When you're living in a fantasy world without any practical results
It's time to play
It's time to be more active and less passive
Bodies working overtime
Exerting a lot of physical effort
Your money don't matter
What's important isn't the money you have
The clock keeps ticking
Time is passing by quickly
When someone's on your mind
When you're preoccupied with somebody
I'm moving in slow motion
I'm not in a rush, taking things easy
Feels so good
The experience is pleasurable
It's a strange anticipation
A weird but exciting feeling
Knock, knock, knocking on wood
A phrase to drive away any possible bad luck
Man against man
It's a competition
And all that ever matters
The one thing that is important
Is baby who's ahead in the game
The only thing that counts is who's winning
Funny but it's always the same
Ironically, it's a pattern that repeats itself every time
Playing, playing with the boys
Having fun and competing with male companions
Staying, playing with the boys
Keep having fun and engaging with male friends
After chasing sunsets
After a day of excitement and adventure
One of life's simple joys
One of the simple pleasures in life
Said it was the wrong thing
Argued that it was inappropriate
For me to do
For me to engage in
I said it's just a boys' game
I argued that it's a game that can be played by anyone
Girls play too
Females are also able to participate
My heart is working overtime
I'm emotionally invested in the game
In this kind of game
This specific competition
People get hurt, I'm thinking of the people like me
Individuals can get injured, and I'm worried about myself
If you want to find me, I'll be
If you want to locate me, I can be found
I don't want to be the moth around your fire (with the boys)
I don't want to burn myself out by being with male friends
I don't want to be obsessed by my desire
I don't want to obsess over my wants or needs
You're shining, You're smiliny
You look happy and radiant
I've seen enough
I've witnessed sufficient experiences like this one
You play too rough
You're too aggressive, which isn't appealing
Playing with the boys
Collaborating with male counterparts
I'll be staying, playing with the boys (with the boys)
I will remain playing with male companions
After chasing sunsets (sunsets)
After amusing excursions of the day
One of life's simple joys
One of the simple pleasures in life
Is playing with the boys
Engaging in fun and competition with male counterparts
Playing (playing with the boys)
Being active and having fun with male friends
Playing (playing with the boys)
Engaging and competing with male opponents
Playing (playing with the boys)
Having fun and working hard with male peers
Playing (playing with the boys)
Enjoying life and collaborating with male companions
Lyrics © Gnossos Music / Milk Money Music, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: KENNY LOGGINS, PETER WOLF, INA WOLF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind