They released an album in 1991, Shadow King, had one live performance, then disbanded. Vivian Campbell joined Def Leppard soon after, while Gramm and Turgon joined the reunited Foreigner.
Boy
Shadow King Lyrics
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Now I ain't no innocence
I never been shy
And when I hurt myself
Don't pity me 'cause boys don't cry
You want a little love
I need it closer to the bone
I run my life, baby, as if it was my own
Hey!
I can't think with my heart
No, whoa!
I've got to throw away my toys
Hey, yeah!
I guess I'll be your man, baby
Remember this, I remain a boy
Now I get so cynical
I never have to try
You need to know where and when
I need to know why
Am I this man you really love
It's to the girl I made the pledge
You think I let you down
So bite your tongue, baby
When I play along the edge
Hey!
I can't think with my heart
No, no!
I've got to throw away my toys
Hey, yeah!
I guess I'll be your man, baby
Remember this, I am still a boy
Hey!
I can't think with my heart
No, no!
I'll never throw away my toys
Hey, yeah!
I guess I'll be your man, baby
Remember this, I'll always be your boy
Hey, yeah, yeah!
You're pushing me
It's still a man's world
Hey!
I can't think with my heart
No, no!
I can't throw away my toys
Hey, yeah!
I guess you need a man, baby
Remember this, I'll remain a boy
Hey!
I can't think with my heart
No, no!
I'll never throw away my toys
Hey, yeah!
I guess I'll be your man, baby
Comes down to this
I remain a boy, I remain a boy
Yeah!
The Shadow King’s song “Boy” is a classic representation of the duality of masculinity. From the very first line “Now I ain't no innocence, I never been shy,” the singer is asserting his masculinity and projecting a tough and emotionally resilient exterior. He seems to be warning the person he’s addressing about feeling pity for him, as he believes that “boys don’t cry.”
The chorus, “I can’t think with my heart, I’ve got to throw away my toys,” suggests that the singer is willing to do whatever it takes to toughen up and be a man, even if it means abandoning things that bring him joy or comfort. He seems almost resentful of the idea of love, stating that he needs it “closer to the bone” and that he is running his life “as if it was his own.”
In the second verse, he continues to assert his masculinity and independence, insisting that he is cynical and always needs to know “where and when” while his partner needs to know “why.” He implies that he has made a pledge to someone, but it’s unclear who or what that pledge is. Perhaps he feels that he is perceived as letting someone down, but he urges them to “bite their tongue” and let him “play along the edge.”
Line by Line Meaning
Now I ain't no innocence
I have experience in life and I am not naive
I never been shy
I am outgoing and not hesitant in any way
And when I hurt myself
When I make a mistake or end up in trouble
Don't pity me 'cause boys don't cry
I don't want any sympathy, as men aren't supposed to display emotions
You want a little love
You want affection
I need it closer to the bone
I need a deeper connection and more intense emotions
I tell you here and now
I am telling you directly
I run my life, baby, as if it was my own
I am in control of my life and I am independent
I can't think with my heart
I make decisions based on logic rather than emotions
I've got to throw away my toys
I need to let go of my light-hearted and childish ways
I guess I'll be your man, baby
I will take on the role of your partner
Remember this, I remain a boy
However, I still maintain some aspects of my personality from when I was younger
You need to know where and when
You need to have a clear direction and plans
I need to know why
I need to understand the reasons and motivations for every decision and action
Am I this man you really love
I question whether you love me for who I am or what I can provide you
It's to the girl I made the pledge
I made a promise to you
You think I let you down
You believe that I have disappointed you
So bite your tongue, baby
You should keep your complaints to yourself
When I play along the edge
I am willing to take risks and push limits
You're pushing me
You are challenging me
It's still a man's world
Society values masculinity and dominance
I guess you need a man, baby
You want someone to take care of you and protect you
Comes down to this
Ultimately, the decision rests on this
I remain a boy, I remain a boy
Regardless of my situation, I am still who I am
Contributed by Bentley F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.