Story of a boy
side-b Lyrics


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A boy like that who'd kill your brother
Forget that boy and find another
One of your own kind
Stick to your own kind!

A boy like that will give you sorrow
You'll meet another boy tomorrow
One of your own kind
Stick to your own kind!

A boy who kills cannot love
A boy who kills has no heart
And he's the boy who gets your love
And gets your heart
Very smart, Maria, very smart!

A boy like that wants one thing only
And when he's done, he'll leave you lonely
He'll murder your love
He murdered mine
Just wait and see
Just wait, Maria
Just wait and see!

Oh no, Anita, no, Anita, no!
It isn't true, not for me
It's true for you, not for me
I hear your words and in my head
I know they're smart
But my heart, Anita, but my heart
A boy like that who'd kill your brother (Knows they're wrong)
Forget that boy and find another (and my heart is too strong)
One of your own kind (for I belong)
Stick to your own kind! (to him alone, to him alone)
One thing I know I am his
A boy who kills cannot love (I don't care what he is)
A boy who kills has no heart
And he's the boy who gets your love (I don't know why it's so) and gets your heart
Very smart, Maria, very smart!

Oh no, Anita, no, you should know better!
You were in love or so you said
You should know better

I have a love, and it's all that I have
Right or wrong, what else can I do?
I love him, I'm his, and everything he is
I am, too
I have a love, and it's all that I need
Right or wrong, and he needs me, too
I love him, we're one
There's nothing to be done
Not a thing I can do
But hold him, hold him forever
Be with him now, tomorrow
And all of my life!

When love comes so strong
There is no right or wrong
Your love is your life

Overall Meaning

"Story of a Boy" by Side B tells the tale of Maria and Anita discussing the consequences of being involved with a dangerous boy. The lyrics caution against falling for a boy who has committed violent acts, implying that such a person is incapable of love and will only bring sorrow. Maria is advised to forget about a boy like that and seek companionship within her own community, emphasizing the importance of sticking to her own kind to avoid heartbreak and tragedy.


The song emphasizes the fear and grief that can come from being with a boy who is capable of killing, highlighting the destructive nature of such relationships. It warns against the illusion of love and the fleeting nature of affection from someone who is ultimately only seeking their own gratification. The lyrics suggest that a boy who kills cannot truly love and has no capacity for empathy or emotional connection, painting a stark picture of the consequences of getting involved with such an individual.


Despite Anita's warnings and logic, Maria's heart remains steadfast in her love for the boy in question. She acknowledges the risks and the reasoning behind the advice to stay away from him, but her emotions override her rational thoughts. Maria expresses her deep devotion and commitment to the boy, stating that her love for him is all she has and needs, regardless of the dangers and warnings surrounding their relationship.


In the end, the song concludes with Maria declaring that when love is so powerful and consuming, there is no distinction between right and wrong. Love is portrayed as the essence of life, with the idea that loving someone completely and unconditionally is the ultimate purpose and fulfillment. The lyrics convey a sense of defiance and dedication to love, showcasing the singer's unwavering loyalty and willingness to embrace the complexities and uncertainties that come with it.


Line by Line Meaning

A boy like that who'd kill your brother
Recognizing the danger of being with someone who would hurt a loved one


Forget that boy and find another
Realizing the necessity of moving on from a toxic relationship


One of your own kind
Stressing the importance of being with someone who shares the same values and background


Stick to your own kind!
Emphasizing the idea of staying true to oneself and not compromising on beliefs


A boy who kills cannot love
Highlighting the inability of someone who inflicts harm to truly love another


A boy who kills has no heart
Expressing the lack of empathy and compassion in someone who is capable of committing such acts


And he's the boy who gets your love
Acknowledging that sometimes, people end up falling for the wrong individuals


And gets your heart
Indicating the power that such individuals may have over one's emotions


Very smart, Maria, very smart!
Acknowledging Maria's wisdom in recognizing the dangers of being with such a person


Oh no, Anita, no, Anita, no!
Expressing disagreement and concern over Anita's perspective on love


It isn't true, not for me
Disputing the idea that love can only bring pain and sorrow


A boy like that wants one thing only
Highlighting the selfish intentions of certain individuals in relationships


And when he's done, he'll leave you lonely
Foreshadowing the inevitable loneliness that follows being with such a person


He'll murder your love
Metaphorically describing the destructive impact such an individual can have on one's feelings


He murdered mine
Recounting a personal experience of being hurt by someone like that


Just wait and see
Suggesting that the truth about such individuals will eventually be revealed


But my heart, Anita, but my heart
Acknowledging the conflict between logic and emotions when it comes to love




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LEONARD BERNSTEIN, STEPHEN SONDHEIM

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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