Other Boys
Marshmello Lyrics
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They stare at me while I stare at you
Summertime, East Side, New York City
It's too hot to sleep
Half alive and my mind is dripping
I'm twistin' the sheets
By anyone but you tonight
And when I try, it only makes me blue
Why can't you want me like the other boys do?
They stare at me while I stare at you
Why can't you want me, baby, what can I do?
I don't want other boys, I just want you
I don't want other boys, I just want you
I don't want other boys
Silhouettes, a city of shadows
They all take your shape
In my defense, you've got me unraveled
And I can't see straight
'Cause my heart can't be satisfied
By anyone but you tonight
And when I try, it only makes me blue (why?)
Why can't you want me like the other boys do?
They stare at me while I stare at you
Why can't you want me, baby, what can I do?
I don't want other boys, I just want you
I don't want other boys, I just want you
I don't want other boys, I just want you
Why can't you want me like the other boys do?
They stare at me while I stare at you
Why can't you want me, baby, what can I do?
I don't want other boys, I just want you
The lyrics of Marshmello's song "Other Boys" speak to the singer's longing and desire to be wanted by someone they are deeply infatuated with. The opening line, "Why can't you want me like the other boys do?" expresses the singer's frustration and disappointment with the fact that they aren't receiving the same level of attention or affection as others. The following line, "They stare at me while I stare at you," further emphasizes the singer's obsession and the stark contrast between their feelings and the lack of reciprocation.
The lyrics also depict a setting in New York City during summertime, where the heat is overwhelming and inhibits sleep. This physical discomfort mirrors the emotional turmoil the singer is experiencing. The line, "Half alive and my mind is dripping, I'm twisting the sheets," suggests a restlessness and inner turmoil caused by unrequited love.
Throughout the song, the singer expresses that their heart can only be satisfied by the person they desire, and their attempts to seek fulfillment elsewhere only leave them feeling empty and melancholic. The repeated question, "Why can't you want me like the other boys do?" reflects the singer's longing for validation and a plea for the person they desire to recognize their worth and reciprocate their feelings.
In summary, "Other Boys" delves into the themes of unrequited love, longing, and the frustration of not being wanted by someone you deeply desire. The lyrics paint a picture of emotional and physical discomfort during the hot summer nights in New York City, while emphasizing the singer's desire for reciprocation and their inability to find fulfillment with anyone else.
Line by Line Meaning
Why can't you want me like the other boys do?
Why don't you desire me the way other boys do?
They stare at me while I stare at you
While I look at you, others are fixated on me
Summertime, East Side, New York City
During the summer, on the East Side of New York City
It's too hot to sleep
The weather is too warm to fall asleep
Half alive and my mind is dripping
I feel partially alive and my thoughts are overwhelming
I'm twistin' the sheets
I am anxiously turning and tangled up in bed sheets
'Cause my heart can't be satisfied
Because my heart cannot find contentment
By anyone but you tonight
Except for you tonight
And when I try, it only makes me blue
And when I attempt to seek satisfaction elsewhere, it only brings me sadness
I don't want other boys, I just want you
I have no desire for other boys, I only desire you
Silhouettes, a city of shadows
Dark outlines, a city filled with shadows
They all take your shape
They all resemble you
In my defense, you've got me unraveled
In my defense, you have caused me to become unravelled
And I can't see straight
And I cannot see clearly
I don't want other boys, I just want you
I have no desire for other boys, I only desire you
Why can't you want me like the other boys do?
Why don't you desire me the way other boys do?
Why can't you want me, baby, what can I do?
Why don't you desire me, baby? What actions can I take?
I don't want other boys, I just want you
I have no desire for other boys, I only desire you
I don't want other boys, I just want you
I have no desire for other boys, I only desire you
I don't want other boys
I have no desire for other boys
Why can't you want me like the other boys do?
Why don't you desire me the way other boys do?
They stare at me while I stare at you
While I look at you, others are fixated on me
Why can't you want me, baby, what can I do?
Why don't you desire me, baby? What actions can I take?
I don't want other boys, I just want you
I have no desire for other boys, I only desire you
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Marshmello, Dove Cameron, Hugo Gruzman, James Lyell, Nicholas Gale, Sarahh Solovay, Grace Barker
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@leslieknope3394
Oooh!!! I like that this samples Crave You by Flight Facilities! I love both this and the original, what a throwback 💕💕🥹
@Corranhorn122
So agreed!
@tesslacoell6023
it uses the whole hook, both lyrical and melodic from Crave You. I feel like Guetta did it with Blue so now others are going to start taking hooks from old songs. That being said - I tend to like Dove's voice in general so... I give it a pass.
@shiftingSAND
A true EDM fan 😊❤
@aejandc
I'm glad you realized this too! I only found out about Crave You about a month ago hahaha then this came out. I was like, hold up
@jeremybcerveny
This brought back memories. i listened to this song when i was 17 going to london for my first solo adventure and thats where i met my first love. Wow this is nostaligic❤
@moonknowshome
Her voice is so hypnotizing <3
@Miguel__angel
Ready to have this on replay all week
@Cyberkidd1000
Same here bro 😎
@randomdude4636
Glazing🍩