Boys Don't Cry
XOV Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Is it love or money
Tell me why you shot right at me
Can't you see I'm happy
Is it love or money
Like AK47 with words
Semi-automatic, shoot where it hurts
Man up, man up
Boys don't cry
Na na, na na na
Boys don't cry
Na na, na na na
My best friends turned to demons
Family, left me bleeding
Now was that love, or money
You won't believe where I found freedom
On the bottom of the sea and
Without love or money
Like AK47 with words
Semi-automatic, shoot where it hurts
Right in the bulls eye
Man up, man up
Boys don't cry
Na na, na na na
Boys don't cry
Na na, na na na
Boys don't cry
Na na, na na na
Boys don't cry
Na na, na na na
The song "Boys Don't Cry" by XOV conveys a lot of emotions about something the singer seems to be running away from, yet isn't entirely clear about what exactly that is. Possibly a love or money dilemma, the lyrics are open to interpretation. The opening lines: "Tell me why you're running from me, is it love or money?" suggests that the singer is trying to make sense of why someone is avoiding them. The use of "AK47 with words" metaphorically implies that the singer believes the other person is hurtling harsh words at them, aiming for their weak spots. The line "Man up, man up, boys don't cry", is an age-old phrase that is often used to tell boys to not be emotional or to not cry, and the singer seems to be insinuating that this phrase doesn't apply anymore.
The second verse suggests that the singer's family and friends don't seem to care as much about them, with "my best friends turned to demons, family left me bleeding," which leaves a sense of confusion as to whether their support was based on their love or money. The final line, "You won't believe where I found freedom, on the bottom of the sea, and without love or money" presents a sense of irony where the singer found freedom in a place where one would usually struggle to breathe or survive, and didn't find it in love or money.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell me why you're running from me
I want to know why you're avoiding me
Is it love or money
Are you avoiding me because of money or love?
Tell me why you shot right at me
Why did you shoot at me?
Can't you see I'm happy
I'm happy and don't want any trouble
Is it love or money
Are you shooting at me because of love or money?
Like AK47 with words
My words are like an AK47 - powerful and hurtful
Semi-automatic, shoot where it hurts
I can hurt you with my words without even trying
Right in the bulls eye
My words hit their intended target perfectly
Man up, man up
Be brave and deal with the situation
Boys don't cry
Don't show emotions like crying, be tough
Na na, na na na
This line is a filler and doesn't have a specific meaning
My best friends turned to demons
My friends betrayed me and became evil
Family, left me bleeding
Even my family hurt me deeply
Now was that love, or money
I'm wondering if they hurt me because of love or money
You won't believe where I found freedom
I found freedom in an unexpected place
On the bottom of the sea and
I found freedom in a place where most people wouldn't think to look
Without love or money
I found freedom without having to rely on love or money
Boys don't cry
Don't show emotions like crying, be tough
Na na, na na na
This line is a filler and doesn't have a specific meaning
Boys don't cry
Don't show emotions like crying, be tough
Na na, na na na
This line is a filler and doesn't have a specific meaning
Writer(s): Damian Ardestani, Jonas Saeed
Contributed by Kaitlyn A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Cathy Taylor
I've been looking so long for music that isn't mainstream. XOV just has such a unique and soothing sound. Can't wait until he releases an album, it will be fantastic.
Cathy Taylor
@Sondre Tjensvold omg he is my favorite rapper haha!!! His lyrics are absolutely incredible and meaningful :D
Moneytann
+Cathy Taylor IF ur looking for less mainstream rap i recomend NF he is very talented xD
JineVune
ATTENTION EVERYONE: LETS KEEP THIS SONG TO OURSELVES! Can't have everyone listening to such a great song!!! This will be our little secret!
Ssssshhhhhhh
angelina c
yes
ASM Hasan
+JineVune Nah man, we can't be that selfish! world must know this guy properly!
Diego Acosta
@JineVune although i agree, i believe it is our duty to help XOV become the famous artist he deserves to be, Talent shouldnt be hidden.
Tori Johansson
my thought exactly
Andreas Castello Dahlström
word
loser
I'm more into rock/metal but I absolutely love his music.