Big Boy
The Snails Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Fancy suit, attaché
Big bow tie with my slicked back hair
Going to office, all for pay
Mama don't cry I've made my way

I want to be a big boy
I want to be a big boy
Oh oh oh oh oh

Driving home in my fancy car
To my loving wife, my baby girl
She runs her fingers through my luscious hair
I beg her slowly woah lazy girl

I want to be a big boy
I want to be a big boy

Oh oh oh oh oh

Don't worry, don't worry no
Don't worry, no no no no no no
Don't worry, don't worry no





I want to be a big boy
I want to be a big boy

Overall Meaning

The Snails' song "Big Boy" paints a picture of a man who has achieved success and is enjoying the fruits of his labor. The opening verse describes the man's appearance, with his fancy suit and bow tie, slicked back hair, and attaché. He is on his way to the office, presumably to collect his paycheck. The lyrics suggest that the man has come a long way from his humble beginnings, as he reassures his mother to not cry because he has "made his way."


The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "I want to be a big boy" several times. This can be interpreted in a few different ways. On one level, it could be seen as the man's desire to continue climbing the ladder of success and become even more accomplished. On another level, it could be a nod to the idea of masculinity and societal expectations around what it means to be a "big boy" or a "real man".


The second verse offers a glimpse into the man's personal life. He has a loving wife and baby girl, and he drives home in a fancy car. The reference to the wife running her fingers through his hair and him begging her "slowly woah lazy girl" suggests a certain level of intimacy and comfort between the two partners. Overall, the song presents a picture of someone who has achieved material success and stability, but may still be grappling with deeper questions about what it means to be a "big boy."


Line by Line Meaning

Fancy suit, attaché
I'm dressed up in my finest clothes with my briefcase


Big bow tie with my slicked back hair
I have a large bow tie and my hair neatly styled back


Going to office, all for pay
I'm headed to work to make money for myself and my family


Mama don't cry I've made my way
Don't worry, Mom, I'm successful now


I want to be a big boy
I aspire to be a successful, powerful person


Driving home in my fancy car
I'm cruising in my luxury vehicle


To my loving wife, my baby girl
I'm coming home to my spouse and child whom I adore


She runs her fingers through my luscious hair
My wife tenderly touches my full head of hair


I beg her slowly woah lazy girl
I ask her for a slow, lazy night together


Don't worry, don't worry no
There's no need to worry or stress


I want to be a big boy
Once again, I desire to be successful and powerful




Contributed by Scarlett B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@jacksondiamond01

Thanks for posting.... Love Future Islands and now I love The Snails! 

@michaeljivan1986

Saw them at Mercury Lounge last night. I have seen Daft Punk come out for a Phoenix encore, and David Byrne for Hot Chip. Caught a foam golf ball hit by Trey Anastatio off the stage of MSG. And Sam and the snails performance last night was easily my favorite ny music moment to date. Seeing is believing.

@terenceokane

lol! I have also seen David Byrne with Hot Chip, and a friend gave me one of those golf balls because I didn't make it.. so that all means a lot!

@MariaPratiwiU2

perfect Sam!

@jmunzo10

fucking awesome i want to be a big boy 

@mchlcollyer

My jam

@bobsondugnutt5688

LOL this rules

More Versions