That's The Way Boys Are
Lesley Gore Lyrics
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And I feel so hurt deep inside, I wish that I could die
Not a word do I say
I just look the other way
'Cause that's the way boys are
That's the way boys are
When he treats me rough and he acts as though he doesn't really care
Plus, he loves me and I know it
But he's just afraid to show it
'Cause that's the way boys are
That's the way boys are
Oh, when he wants to be alone
I just let him be
'Cause I know that soon enough
He will come back to me
When we have a fight
I think that I won't see him anymore
Then before I know it, there he is
Standin' at my door
Well I let him kiss me then
'Cause I know he wants me back again
That's the way boys are
Yes, that's the way boys are
Oh, I love him
Well now, that's the way boys are
I said that's the way boys are
The lyrics to Lesley Gore's "That's The Way Boys Are" explore the complex emotions that young women can feel in relationships with boys. The first verse describes the feeling of jealousy that the singer experiences when her "guy" looks at other pretty girls. She feels hurt and wishes she could die, but doesn't say anything. This may be a reflection of societal expectations for women to be passive and submissive in relationships, even when they feel hurt or jealous.
The second verse talks about how the singer's boyfriend can be rough with her and seem like he doesn't care, but she knows deep down that he loves her. This suggests that the singer is willing to put up with behavior that may be emotionally or physically harmful because she believes that her boyfriend truly cares for her. This could be another reflection of societal expectations for women to prioritize their relationships with men, even at the expense of their own well-being.
The third verse touches on the idea of making up after a fight. The singer expresses a fear of losing her boyfriend, but ultimately suggests that she is willing to forgive him because she loves him. This may reinforce the societal stereotype of women as nurturers who are expected to forgive men who hurt them.
Overall, the lyrics of "That's The Way Boys Are" suggest a complex dynamic between men and women in relationships, with women expected to be emotionally passive and forgiving while men are allowed to act in ways that can cause emotional distress.
Line by Line Meaning
When I'm with my guy and he watches all the pretty girls go by
When my boyfriend looks at other girls, it makes me upset.
And I feel so hurt deep inside, I wish that I could die
His actions make me feel so bad that I wish I could disappear.
Not a word do I say
I don't tell him how I feel.
I just look the other way
Instead, I try to ignore it.
'Cause that's the way boys are
I accept that this is just how guys act sometimes.
That's the way boys are
It's just the way it is with men.
When he treats me rough and he acts as though he doesn't really care
Sometimes he's not very nice and ignores me.
Well, I never tell him that he is so unfair
I don't confront him about it.
Plus, he loves me and I know it
I have no doubt in my heart that he loves me.
But he's just afraid to show it
However, he has a hard time expressing his feelings.
'Cause that's the way boys are
It's just typical male behavior.
Oh, when he wants to be alone
Sometimes he wants to be by himself.
I just let him be
I give him space.
'Cause I know that soon enough
I understand that he'll come back to me eventually.
He will come back to me
He'll return to our relationship.
When we have a fight
When we argue.
I think that I won't see him anymore
I worry that we'll break up for good.
Then before I know it, there he is
But inevitably, he returns.
Standin' at my door
He comes back to the place where we connect.
Well I let him kiss me then
I forgive him and allow for physical intimacy.
'Cause I know he wants me back again
I sense that he regrets our fight and desires a fresh start.
That's the way boys are
Men can have a difficult time expressing their emotions and showing affection.
Yes, that's the way boys are
It's just the way it is with males.
Oh, I love him
Despite everything, I care for him deeply.
Well now, that's the way boys are
It's part of what makes men different from women.
I said that's the way boys are
Again, it's just typical male behavior.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management
Written by: BEN RALEIGH, MARK BARKAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@miltonmoore5294
The photo presented in the opening is a sine qua non example of the ONE picture in the high school yearbook that all the guys would drool over! Lesley Gore possessed one of the most seductively beautiful voices
God ever created.
The Divine Creator
worked overtime
designing her voice box and vocal chords. I
always lamented
that her her string
of hit songs did
not last longer.
With a voice as
glorious as hers,
she could sing the
phone book, and
I think her best shot at success after she milked
the female "tween
angst" genre for
all it was worth would have been
to switch to country music.
Quite a few great
country songs
were written in
the 70's, enough
to have kept her
on top for at least
another decade.
At any rate, throw
roses on the stage
for one of the most talented and loveable vocalists
of all time, and when she becomes eligible for the honor of
appearing on a
USA POSTAGE STAMP in a couple of years,
SHE BETTER BE
ON ONE!
@RBAILEY57
It isn't one her biggest hits, but it's my favorite. RIP, Leslie.
@jackjules7552
It was a big national hit. It hit #12 on the national charts.
@Texaslawhorn
@@jackjules7552She had been having consecutive Top 10 hits before this though with the massively successful #2 "You Don't Own Me" right before this.
@camilleciampa7410
Love her so much! Great songs! Great voice! RIP Lesley 💗
@jimisaac7209
Such a great talent from the best era of music ever 60s RIP Leslie
@robertsamson4610
One of my all-time favorite songs by Lesley. Great arrangement. Love the backup singers in the background.
@johnfulton4061
Didn't the backup singers back in the sixties really make.the records popno pun intended
@billbright1755
Superb talent. She danced with the notes. Absolutely perfect control.
All time great for sure. What a voice!
@jerrychristman7560
Everyone from the 50's and 60's can identify with this great voice... Leslie thanks for all the beautiful music
@watertype4334
Love, love, love this song..................almost forgot about it until they played it today on the radio. Loved her voice - - - RIP Leslie.