The project first began in 1979 as a solo project for Joanne McDuffy, backup vocalist for singer and producer Rick James, whom she had supported on several tours. James developed tracks with McDuffy and session vocalists the Water Sisters, creating the "Mary Jane Girls" sound. Motown offered James a contract for what it believed was the girl group he wanted to produce; not wanting to lose the deal, James lied and told Motown that the Mary Jane Girls were a group and not McDuffy's solo project. Rick got whoever he could to provide photographs to Motown. McDuffy continued to sing lead and background with the Water Sisters for all Mary Jane Girl recordings and the band sang for the group with McDuffy on tour. It is commonly believed, though not confirmed, that the group was so named due to Rick James' affinity for marijuana; a common alternate term for the substance is "Mary Jane."
Their self-titled debut album, Mary Jane Girls was released in 1983, reaching #56 on the Billboard 200, and #6 in the Top Hip-Hop/R&B charts. The album's four singles, "Candy Man", "All Night Long", "Boys" and "Jealousy" all charted. In 1985, their sophomore effort, Only Four You, was released; the single "In My House" became the group's biggest single, reaching #7 on the Billboard 200. Shortly before the release of the album, Bailey left the group and was replaced by Marine.
The only song recorded by the Mary Jane Girls not composed by Rick James was "Walk Like a Man". A cover version of the famous song by The Four Seasons featured on the soundtrack for the film A Fine Mess, this turned out to be the Mary Jane Girls' last single, reaching #41 on the Billboard 2000. In the meantime, Rick James had a falling out with Motown, eventually resulting in the dissolution of the Mary Jane Girls in 1987.
Boys
Mary Jane Girls Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
BOYS ARE OLD
MOST MEN ACT LIKE BOYS IM TOLD
JUST ASK A BOY HIS POINT OF VIEW
HELL RUN THAT MAN STUFF DOWN ON YOU
A BOY WILL ASK YOU FOR YOUR NAME
BEFORE HE TRYS TO RUN HIS GAME
AND WHEN HES FINE THEY MADE HIS PLAY
WE LIKE THE BOYS
BUT WE STILL LIKE THE BOYS
WE LIKE THE BOYS
WE LIKE THE BOYS
White ones black ones, tall ones, skinny ones, white ones, black ones, red ones (4 times)
BOYS WITH CURLS WE LIKE A LOT
AND BOYS WITH BRAIDS ARE REALLY HOT
BOYS THAT DANCE AND DINE AND WINE
CAN HANG WITH US MOST ANY TIME
BOYS ARE BOYS CANT DO WITHOUT
IN EVERY MAN THERES A BOY ABOUT
COME LAY YOUR HEAD BOY ON MY BREAST
AND LET MY LOVE JUST DO THE REST
WE LIKE THE BOYS
BUT WE STILL LIKE THE BOYS
WE LIKE THE BOYS
WE LIKE THE BOYS
Ya know that ya know that by now ya know that ya know that by now
WE LIKE THE BOYS
WE LIKE THE BOYS
WE LIKE THE BOYS
YOU CAN CALL ME ANYTIME YOU GOT LOVIN ON YOUR MIND WHEN
YOU NEED ME BOY
AND ILL BE THERE
YOU CAN CALL ME ANY DAY WHEN YOU WANT SOMEONE TO PLAY WITH DONT HESITATE
OH YOU CAN CALL ME ANYTIME ANYDAY AND ANYWHERE CAUSE I LOVE YA BOY.
AND I MEAN THAT FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART
WE LIKE THE BOYS
WE LIKE THE BOYS
BUT WE STILL LIKE THE BOYS
WE LIKE THE BOYS
WE LIKE THE BOYS
WE LIKE THE BOYS
BUT WE STILL LIKE THE BOYS
WE LIKE THE BOYS
HEY GIRLS
WHAT?
CHECK THAT OUT
CHECK WHAT OUT
THAT?
HOW WOULD YOU LIKE SOME OF THAT
WELL ITS LIKE.I DONT KNOW. I DONT THINK I WANT ANY OF THAT
CHA CHACHECK OUT THE GUY WITH THE GERI CURL
HOW BOUT THE SCARY CURL LOOK AT THAT STUFF DRIPPING ALL OVER HIS SHIRT
MAXI .CHECK THE GUY OUT WITH THE TIGHT JEANS.CAN WE TAKE YOU HOME.UH UH I AINT IN NO SHAPE
OH CANDACE, LOOK AT THAT GUY OVER THERE WITH THE ORANGE SHOES
YOU MEAN THE ONE WITH THE PLATFORMS ON
YEAH
IS THAT A GUYOH MAN
I DONT KNOW I THINK HES IN BETWEEN
OH BUT WE STILL LIKE THE BOYS
OH LOOK AT THE ONE WITH THE BRAIDS
WE LIKE THE BOYS
WE LIKE THE BOYS
BOYS!
In the song Boys by Mary Jane Girls, the group talks about their affection for boys regardless of their age or race. The lyrics suggest that although boys can behave immaturely, they still possess certain endearing qualities that girls cannot resist. The chorus repeats the line "we like the boys," emphasizing the central message of the song. The verses highlight the different types of boys they favor, including those with curly hair or braids, those who dance and wine and dine, and those who are not afraid to ask for love.
The song also subtly touches on the power dynamics within relationships, with the lyrics "just ask a boy his point of view, he'll run that man stuff down on you" implying that boys can sometimes be overly dominant in their interactions with girls. However, the girls in the song seem to enjoy this dynamic, with a line in the second verse saying "come lay your head boy on my breast, and let my love just do the rest."
Overall, Boys is a catchy and fun song that celebrates the charm and appeal of boys, particularly those with a certain swagger and confidence.
Line by Line Meaning
BOYS ARE YOUNG
Males can be young and inexperienced
BOYS ARE OLD
Males can also be old and wise
MOST MEN ACT LIKE BOYS IM TOLD
Many adult men exhibit immature behavior
JUST ASK A BOY HIS POINT OF VIEW
Young males have different perspectives and opinions
HELL RUN THAT MAN STUFF DOWN ON YOU
They will communicate and indoctrinate you with their male-centric ideas and beliefs
A BOY WILL ASK YOU FOR YOUR NAME
Young men will make an effort to introduce themselves
BEFORE HE TRYS TO RUN HIS GAME
Before he attempts to flirt with you or pursue a romantic interest
AND WHEN HES FINE THEY MADE HIS PLAY
When he feels confident and secure, he will make his move on you
THATS WHEN THE BOY WHO RUNS AWAY
However, some boys will back out or flee when faced with potential rejection or discomfort
WE LIKE THE BOYS
Girls are fond of boys, of all types and backgrounds
BUT WE STILL LIKE THE BOYS
Girls continue to have a crush on boys even as they grow older
White ones black ones, tall ones, skinny ones, white ones, black ones, red ones (4 times)
Girls find attraction in boys of different races, body types, and appearances
BOYS WITH CURLS WE LIKE A LOT
Girls find guys with curly hair attractive
AND BOYS WITH BRAIDS ARE REALLY HOT
Girls are also attracted to guys with braided hair
BOYS THAT DANCE AND DINE AND WINE
Girls admire guys who can dance, go out to eat, and drink with them
CAN HANG WITH US MOST ANY TIME
Males who share these common interests are welcome to spend time with girls anytime
BOYS ARE BOYS CANT DO WITHOUT
Girls appreciate boys for who they are and can't imagine life without them
IN EVERY MAN THERES A BOY ABOUT
Even older men have a youthful side and inner child
COME LAY YOUR HEAD BOY ON MY BREAST
Girls offer love and comfort to boys in need of emotional support
AND LET MY LOVE JUST DO THE REST
Love has the power to heal and soothe any emotional wounds
YOU CAN CALL ME ANYTIME YOU GOT LOVIN ON YOUR MIND WHEN
Girls are available for guys who need love and affection
YOU NEED ME BOY
Girls are eager to fulfill the emotional needs of boys
AND ILL BE THERE
Girls promise to be there for their loved ones, no matter what
YOU CAN CALL ME ANY DAY WHEN YOU WANT SOMEONE TO PLAY WITH DONT HESITATE
Guys can reach out to girls anytime if they want companionship and fun
WE LIKE THE BOYS
Girls reiterate their fondness for guys
YA KNOW THAT YA KNOW THAT BY NOW YA KNOW THAT YA KNOW THAT BY NOW
Girls assume that it's clear how much they love guys
YOU MEAN THE ONE WITH THE PLATFORMS ON
Girls discuss and point out guys they find attractive
IS THAT A GUYOH MAN
Girls are unsure whether a particular person is male or female
I DONT KNOW I THINK HES IN BETWEEN
They are unsure of the gender of the person in question
OH BUT WE STILL LIKE THE BOYS
Girls reiterate their attraction to guys despite being uncertain about one person's gender
Contributed by Grace K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John Browneyes
Rick James & Mary Jane Girls!!! Had the cassettes in the 80s!!! Played my boom box- yes we did carry it as we walked down the street and played so everyone heard!!! Then find some space and dance dance dance !
Eric Hill
Preach!!!!!!
Md Hh
🙌💯🙌💯🙌💯
63 SS 209
And everyone would stare😁
Trisha Andrews
My fave Mary Jane Girls song, next to their remake of the Four Seasons' "Walk Like a Man." Rick James, may God rest his soul, was the Prince of Motown Records.
Marquesha Martin
You know I forgot all about that until i glance through the comments....Thanks so much...
dancinghiphop metalqueen
She was saying Rick was like Prince, just that Rick was with Motown :)
B Taylor
Naw Prince was on Warner Bros......
Barbara Jester
This was my jam!!!
John Browneyes
Totally remember girls wearing the ankle socks with pumps. And jelly bracelets, mini skirts, neon earrings, big hair, lots of make up! FUN! We guys wore those half-shirts with jeans.....yikes- I couldn't wear a half shirt now! But it was the 80s!!!!