The single reached number 36 on the UK Singles Chart, ten places lower than his last single, "Dagenham Dave".
The Boy Racer
Morrissey Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
He's got too much money and
He's got too many girlfriends
I'm jealous, that's all
Have you seen him go, though, oh?
Have you seen him go, though, oh?
Boy racer
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
He's got too many girlfriends
He thinks he owns this city
He overspeeds and he never gets pulled over
Have you seen him go, though, oh?
Have you seen him go, though, oh?
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
He thinks he got the whole world in his hands
Stood at the urinal
He thinks he got the whole world in his hands
And I'm gonna ... kill him !
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
Oh...
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
He's just too good-looking
He's just too good-looking
He's just too good-looking, and
And, and ...
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
The song "The Boy Racer" by Morrissey is a critique of a wealthy and privileged young man who, in the eyes of the singer, has too much going for him. The lyrics express a sense of jealousy and resentment towards the boy racer's good looks and excessive lifestyle, particularly his collection of girlfriends. The chorus repeatedly states that they are going to "kill this pretty thing," suggesting a desire to bring down and perhaps destroy the boy racer's luxurious existence.
The second verse reinforces the singer's disdain for the boy racer's sense of entitlement, as he believes he owns the city and uses his car to overspeed without consequence. Even the mundane act of standing at a urinal becomes an opportunity for the singer to express his anger towards the boy racer, declaring that he will "kill him!"
Overall, the song is a commentary on privilege, class, and envy. Morrissey's character is the working-class outsider who watches as the rich and entitled boy racer flaunts his wealth and success. In the end, he desires to destroy not only the boy racer but the system that allows such inequality to exist.
Line by Line Meaning
He's just too good-natured and
He is too kind-hearted but also rich and has too many girlfriends which makes me jealous.
He's got too much money and
He is very wealthy.
He's got too many girlfriends
He is dating many girls at once which is the cause of my envy.
I'm jealous, that's all
I am envious of his extravagant lifestyle.
Have you seen him go, though, oh?
Have you seen him driving recklessly around the city?
Boy racer
A person who drives a fast sports car recklessly and dangerously, usually in city traffic.
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
We will metaphorically take down his foolish behavior.
He thinks he owns this city
He feels he is entitled to do whatever he wants around the city.
He overspeeds and he never gets pulled over
He speeds excessively and illegally, yet he never gets caught by the police.
He thinks he got the whole world in his hands
He feels he has all the power and control.
Stood at the urinal
He is in a public restroom, implying he is a typical man, albeit a vain one.
And I'm gonna...kill him!
I am very frustrated with his behavior and actions and wish to metaphorically 'take him down.'
He's just too good-looking
He is very attractive, causing envy in others.
And, and...
Implying there is more to the situation than can be expressed in words.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MORRISSEY, WHYTE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Try to Calm me now
He's just too good-natured and
He's got too much money and
He's got too many girlfriends
I'm jealous, that's all
Have you seen him go, though, oh?
Have you seen him go, though, oh?
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
He's got too many girlfriends
He thinks he owns this city
He overspeeds and he never gets pulled over
Have you seen him go, though, oh?
Have you seen him go, though, oh?
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
He thinks he got the whole world in his hands
Stood at the urinal
He thinks he got the whole world in his hands
And I'm gonna ... kill him !
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
Oh, no!
Oh...
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
He's just too good-looking
He's just too good-looking
He's just too good-looking, and
And, and ...
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
Boy racer
Boy racer, oh
We're gonna kill this pretty thing
glortw
I didn't used to like this song, but it's so catchy, it's grown on me. They don't all have to be deep and meaningful. Love him.
Kade Bronson
It's one of his best songs.
Madison
I loved this song as a kid. I would actually run around my house to this song.
cc92103
In your fuzzy slippers, lol.
Scott H Jackson
the flailing at 1:34 is one of those Mozisms - that if you're a Morrissey fan - are impossibly charming - Have seen him play live twice and have always loved the flailing
Practising Troublemaker
Agreed. I adore the flailing. He knows exactly what he's doing.
ivan rincon
Wooooaw! ! ! He is a great artist, many words many feelings and some reality! !!
Carolan Nathan
Yes...and hope to meet him when he comes to L A...he is a client of my brother...
susan rubalcava
Carolan Nathan can you get me to meet him somehow ????? ahhaah...
susan rubalcava
Carolan Nathan I am located so close to LA I will literally do anything....