The group was led by Chris Butler, although lead vocals were performed by Patty Donahue. Donahue died of lung cancer on December 9, 1996, at the age of 40. They are best known for songs "I Know What Boys Like" (featured on countless multi-artist compilation albums), "Square Pegs" (the theme song to the cult TV show starring Sarah Jessica Parker), and their Christmas song "Christmas Wrapping." The latter was originally available on the Ze Records original collection 'A Christmas Record'. Considered to be a modern day Christmas classic, it has received more plays than any other Waitresses song.
Chris Butler's diverse musical interests are apparent from the use of prepared piano on "No Guilt", the micro-tonal background vocals on the chorus of "Wise Up", and the tape loops and short wave receiver on "Jimmy Tomorrow". As well, the title of track "Make the Weather" was taken from Hugo Ball's autobiography 'Flight out of Time'. The Waitresses explored various genres from pop to rock to jazz to blues and more. In terms of songwriting, some reviewers have compared Butler to Elvis Costello in terms of talent, both of them composing lyrics with both cynical bite and tunefulness.
Though achieving some commercial success, the original Waitresses sadly only managed two full studio albums before folding. Bassist Tracy Wormworth went on to play with Sting, and she later appeared on television daily as she played in the house band for 'The Rosie O'Donnell Show'. Mars Williams has played saxophone with The Psychedelic Furs since the mid-80s. Billy Ficca, who was also a founding member of the band Television, returned to that band when they reunited in 1991.
They released two full studio albums: 'Wasn't Tomorrow Wonderful' and 'Bruiseology'. Both titles have been out of print for many years and neither has ever been available on CD officially. Fortunately, their music has been available on compilations such as 'The Best of the Waitresses' (Polydor 1990), releases that have recived critical praise.
Official Albums:
1981 - 'I Could Rule The World If I Could Only Get The Parts'
1982 - 'Wasn't Tomorrow Wonderful'
1983 - 'Bruiseology'
1983 - 'Make the Weather EP'
1990 - 'The Best of the Waitresses'
1997 - 'King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents The Waitresses'
2003 - '20th Century Masters: The Best of the Waitresses'
The Waitresses released three singles:
1981 "Christmas Wrapping" from "I Could Rule the World if I Could only Get the Parts" (Latest known version on "The Best Christmas Album In The World Ever".)
1982 - "I Know What Boys Like" from Wasn't Tomorrow Wonderful (23 on Mainstream Rock Tracks, 62 on Pop 100)
1983- "Make The Weather" (did not chart, but the video was played on MTV and is still played on Vh-1 Classic.)
Band members included:
* Patty Donahue (lead vocals)
* Chris Butler (guitars)
* Mars Williams (saxophone, reed instruments)
* Billy Ficca (drums)
* Dan Klayman (keyboards)
* Tracy Wormworth (bass, background vocals) (mid-1982-83)
* David Hofstra (bass) (1981-82)
* Ariel Warner (background vocals) (1981-82)
BOY
The Waitresses Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know what guys want
I know what boys like
I've got what boys like
I know what boys like
I know what guys want
I see them looking
I like to tease them
They want to touch me
I never let them
I know what boys like
I know what guys want
I know what boys like
Boys like, boys like me
But you, you're special
I might let you
You're so much different
I might let you
Mmm, would you like that
I might let you
I know what boys like
I know what guys want
I know what boys like
I know what's on their minds
I know what boys like
I know what guys want
They talk about me
I got my cat moves
That so upset them
Zippers and buttons
Fun to frustrate them
They get so angry
Like pouty children
Denied their candy
I laugh right at them
I know what buys like
I know what guys want
I know what boys like
Boys like, boys like me
I feel sad now
I will let you
Sorry I teased you
I will let you
This time I mean it
I will let you
Anything you want
You can trust me
I really want to
You can trust me
How would you like it
You can trust me
Sucker
Hmmmm
I know what boys like
I know what guys want
I know what boys like,
Boys like, boys like me
The Waitresses' song BOY is a playful and androgynous commentary on the power dynamics between men and women. The lyrics describe the singer's awareness of what "boys" or "guys" like and want, indicating that she possesses a level of sexual knowledge and confidence that appeals to them. She enjoys teasing them and creating desire, but ultimately never lets them have what they want. The chorus repeats the assertion that she knows what boys like, and that they like her specifically.
Towards the end of the song, the tone shifts slightly, as the singer addresses a particular individual who is "so much different" and "special." She hints that she may be willing to give this person what he wants, but then pulls back, apologizing for teasing him and suggesting that she is playing a game. The song ends with the singer laughing and returning to her original assertion that she knows what boys like.
Overall, the song is a provocative and satirical take on male-female dynamics, highlighting the ways in which sexual knowledge and power can be used to manipulate and control. The singer presents herself as both confident and vulnerable, toying with the listener's expectations and desires.
Line by Line Meaning
I know what boys like
I understand the preferences of boys
I know what guys want
I am aware of the desires of males
I see them looking
I notice them checking me out
I make them want me
I attract their attention and interest
I like to tease them
I enjoy provoking and flirting with them
They want to touch me
They desire physical contact with me
I never let them
I refuse to satisfy their physical desires
Boys like, boys like me
Young males are fond of girls like me
But you, you're special
However, you are an exception
I might let you
I may permit you to touch me
You're so much different
You stand out from the others
Mmm, would you like that
Would you be interested in that?
I know what's on their minds
I am aware of their thoughts and intentions
They talk about me
I am the subject of their conversations
I got my cat moves
I possess attractive and agile movements
That so upset them
That causes them to feel frustrated and angry
Zippers and buttons
Clothing fasteners
Fun to frustrate them
Amusing to cause them annoyance
They get so angry
They become very upset
Like pouty children
Resembling sulking kids
Denied their candy
Deprived of what they desire
I laugh right at them
I find their reactions amusing
Boys like, boys like me
Males have an affinity for girls with my qualities
I feel sad now
I am experiencing a negative emotion
I will let you
I am willing to fulfill your desires
Sorry I teased you
I apologize for provoking you
This time I mean it
I am genuine in my intentions
Anything you want
I am willing to do whatever you desire
You can trust me
You can rely on me
I really want to
I am eager and willing to do what you want
How would you like it
What is your preference?
Sucker
A term used to indicate contempt or disdain
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Spirit Music Group
Written by: CHRIS BUTLER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
WhosThatRavenclaw
"She's counting the days, until real life arrives." This gets to me a lot, because I feel like I'm just waiting for my life to begin... BOY is beautiful, and I love them to death. <3
David Simmons
Like many I suspect, I discovered them by the YT video of the New York crowd singing along to "Little Numbers" to the extent that Valeska couldn't keep going because she was so overwhelmed. It was such a sweet moment, and I liked the song so I bought the album.
I've had it for two weeks and I'm in LOVE. I just ordered their second one and cannot wait for it to arrive.
"Mutual Friends" is stunning. Every song is terrific, and the sequence tells a story. What a sublime rarity!
Hélène brtn
love that song !! love their job !! love their voice !! just... love.
Cantbehappeier
fresh voice, enchanted feeling is giving out!!!:) Lovely new singing group!
Claire schr
After all this years, still amazing to listen to 😍
mapi boix
Love this song!
Miri Am
soooo incredibly chilling and wonderful song :)
Mayy Likescats
oh my goddd I LOVE THIS SONG SO MUCH <3
꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡ ♡˖꒰ᵕ༚ᵕ⑅꒱
I've heard this song from a japanese radio station, im so glad i found it!! Just gonna stamp this so i wont forget 12/13/2021 currently 02:55 AM ꒰◍ॢ•ᴗ•◍ॢ꒱
꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡ ♡˖꒰ᵕ༚ᵕ⑅꒱
@Tim Herzer i forgot the name of the station unfortunately, so i dont know if they have a stream. i just listened to it through an app called radio garden