Boyfriend
Meshell Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You say that's your boyfriend
You say I'm out of line
Funny… he said I could call him up anytime
You can say I'm wrong say I ain't right
But if that's you boyfriend he wasn't last night

Now I'm the kind of woman
I'll do almost anything to get what I want
I might play any little game
Call me what you like but you know it's true
You're just jealous ‘cause he wasn't with you
Don't mean no harm I just like what I see
And it ain't my fault if he wants me
Got what I wanted and the feeling was right
So if that's your boyfriend he wasn't last night!!!

Boyfriend boyfriend yes I had your boyfriend
Now late at night he calls me on the telephone
That's why when you call
All you get is the busy busy tone
You're upset ‘cause you're one stuck-up bitch
Maybe he needed a change a switch
And who am I not to oblige
Especially if the man is fly
So call me what you like




Call me what you like
While I boot slam your boyfriend tonight

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "If That's Your Boyfriend" by MeShell Ndegeocello depict a confrontational and assertive attitude towards a love triangle situation. The singer is approached by someone claiming to be the girlfriend of a man she has been involved with. However, the singer dismisses the claims, stating that the man had given her permission to contact him anytime. She challenges the girlfriend, asserting that she is willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants. She is unapologetic about her actions, claiming that the girlfriend is simply jealous because the man chose to be with her instead. The singer ends the song by emphasizing her satisfaction and suggesting that the girlfriend should not be upset but should rather accept the situation.


The lyrics convey a sense of empowerment and confidence by the singer, who refuses to apologize for pursuing what she desires. She challenges traditional notions of monogamy and ownership in relationships, suggesting that individuals have the right to explore different options if both parties are willing. The lyrics could also be interpreted as a critique of possessive and controlling behavior within relationships, highlighting the importance of communication and consent.


Line by Line Meaning

You say that's your boyfriend
You claim that the person I was with is your significant other


You say I'm out of line
You argue that my behavior is inappropriate


Funny… he said I could call him up anytime
Interesting... he explicitly told me that I can contact him whenever I want


You can say I'm wrong say I ain't right
You have the freedom to express your opinion that I am incorrect or not morally just


But if that's your boyfriend he wasn't last night
However, if the person I was with truly belongs to you, he was not in your company last night


Now I'm the kind of woman
I possess certain characteristics and tendencies as a woman


I'll do almost anything to get what I want
I am willing to go to great lengths in order to obtain my desires


I might play any little game
I am capable of engaging in various manipulative tactics


Call me what you like but you know it's true
Feel free to label me with derogatory terms, but deep down, you know it is an accurate representation


You're just jealous ‘cause he wasn't with you
Your feelings of envy arise because he was not in your presence


Don't mean no harm I just like what I see
I do not intend to cause any harm, I am simply attracted to what I perceive


And it ain't my fault if he wants me
It is not my responsibility if he desires my company


Got what I wanted and the feeling was right
I successfully obtained my desired outcome, and the experience was satisfying


So if that's your boyfriend he wasn't last night!!!
Therefore, if the person in question is indeed your partner, he was not present in your vicinity last night!


Boyfriend boyfriend yes I had your boyfriend
Boyfriend, boyfriend, yes, I indeed had an intimate connection with your partner


Now late at night he calls me on the telephone
Now, during the late hours of the night, he contacts me via telephone


That's why when you call
That is the reason why, when you attempt to contact him,


All you get is the busy busy tone
You only receive the busy signal as a response


You're upset ‘cause you're one stuck-up bitch
You are angry because your personality displays an aloof and arrogant demeanor


Maybe he needed a change a switch
Perhaps, he desired a shift or alteration in his romantic relationships


And who am I not to oblige
And why should I not fulfill his wishes


Especially if the man is fly
Particularly when the man in question is attractive and appealing


So call me what you like
Feel free to address me with any derogatory term


Call me what you like
Call me what you like


While I boot slam your boyfriend tonight
Meanwhile, I will have passionate and vigorous sexual relations with your boyfriend tonight




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@eugenevalentine5014

You say that's your boyfriend
You say I'm out of line;
Funny - he said I could call him up anytime
You can call me wrong - say I that ain't right;
But if that's you boyfriend, he wasn't last night...

Now I'm the kind of woman;
I'll do almost anything, to get what I want
I might play any little game;
Call me what you like, but you know it's true
You're just jealous, 'Cause he wasn't with you

Don't mean no harm, I just like what I see,
And it ain't my fault if he wants me;
Got what I wanted, and the feeling was right,
So if that's your boyfriend, he wasn't last night...

Boyfriend, boyfriend yes I had your boy;
Boyfriend, boyfriend, yes I had your boyfrined...

Now late at night, he calls me on the telephone
That's why when you call
All you get is the busy busy tone
You're upset cause you're one stuck-up bitch
Maybe he needed a change a switch;

And who am I not to oblige
Especially if the man is fly
So call me what you like
Call me what you like
While I boot slam your boyfriend tonight...

Boyfriend, boyfriend yes I had your boy;
Boyfriend, boyfriend, yes I had your boyfrined...



All comments from YouTube:

@RayfieldA

2022!! Almost 30 F-ing years later and this is STILL one of the SICKEST Bass & Piano chord collaborations Ever!! 🎸 + 🎹 =🔥

@Trustnoho

True❤

@nicknat1086

So true

@lallen8131

Yeah!!! Love this...still 2022

@tammyroland9159

Yes!!!

@glendahumphrey4063

Still loving this song in 2023 and I purchased this cassette when it first came out!

5 More Replies...

@boxingfred

This video was WAY ahead of its time. It's still fresh. If this video dropped tomorrow it would be a hit.

@derrickduke3433

It definitely was ahead it’s time

@donnabroner7148

She is killing the hell out that bass!

@michaelbarnes8649

I'm now learning to play bass because of this song!!!

More Comments

More Versions