Boys

Lizzo's "Boys" is a vibrant and unapologetic anthem celebrating female sexual agency and a broad, inclusive appreciation for all types of men. The song's core message is a powerful subversion of traditional dating narratives, where women are often portrayed as seeking commitment and emotional dependency. Lizzo flips this script, stating clearly in the pre-chorus, "Baby, I don't need you / I just wanna freak you." This line encapsulates the song's meaning: desire and attraction can exist purely on a physical and recreational level, free from the constraints of romantic necessity.

The song is an ode to her diverse dating pool. In the second verse, she famously lists her preferences, which are intentionally all-encompassing: "I like big boys, itty bitty boys / Mississippi boys, inner city boys." By including everyone from "pretty boys with the bow tie" to men with "a big beard," and explicitly mentioning "the playboys to the gay boys," she declares, "I don't discriminate, come and get a taste." This serves as a joyful statement against the idea of having a restrictive "type" and champions the idea of finding attraction in a wide spectrum of masculinity.

In an interview with Out magazine, Lizzo explained her intention: “From this black girl to the world, I want you to identify with my story no matter what you like in yo' holes. I want people to feel free, I want people to have fun.” This highlights the song's purpose as a vehicle for liberation, fun, and empowerment, encouraging listeners to own their desires without shame or apology. The track smashes gender double standards that often dictate that women should be monogamous or less openly sexual than men.

The song opens with a direct and flirtatious invitation. The narrator, Lizzo, addresses a boy, questioning his coyness and making her intentions clear. She’s not looking for games; she’s direct, asking if he’s home and alone, suggesting an intimate encounter. She immediately establishes a tone of sexual agency and confidence. She then catalogues the diverse types of men she's involved with, showcasing her wide-ranging taste. There’s the educated man with “degrees,” the rugged man from “the streets,” and the submissive man “on his knees” who transforms into a dominant figure in the bedroom. This variety is almost overwhelming, as she playfully remarks, “Sheesh, it’s all Greek to me,” highlighting the thrilling complexity of her dating life. The inclusion of a man speaking Spanish adds another layer to this multicultural tapestry of attraction.

The central message of the pre-chorus is one of independence and pure physical desire. She emphatically states, “Baby, I don’t need you, I just wanna freak you.” This line is a powerful declaration that her interest is not rooted in emotional dependency or a need for a relationship, but in mutual, consensual fun. She confirms this by adding, “I heard you a freak too,” establishing a connection based on shared sexual liberation. The countdown and playful question “What’s two plus two?” build anticipation, leading into the explosive, catchy chorus.

The chorus is a simple, repetitive, and infectious chant: “Boys, boys, boys / Make a girl go crazy.” This refrain acts as the song's energetic core, a joyful and unabashed expression of her excitement and passion for men. The repetition emphasizes her singular focus in the moment—the sheer thrill that her interactions with men bring her.

The second verse is the most iconic part of the song, where she provides a detailed and inclusive list of the types of men she finds attractive. It’s a rapid-fire celebration of diversity in masculinity: “I like big boys, itty bitty boys / Mississippi boys, inner city boys.” The list continues, embracing men who are polished (“pretty boys with the bow tie”) and those who embrace modern grooming trends (“Get your nails did, let it blow dry”). She appreciates contrasting styles, from “a big beard” to “a clean face,” underscoring her ultimate point: “I don’t discriminate, come and get a taste.” This open invitation extends to all types of men, explicitly including “the playboys to the gay boys,” and she crowns them all with affection, calling them her “fave boys.” This verse is a powerful statement against having a narrow “type” and instead promotes an all-encompassing appreciation for men in their various forms, subverting traditional expectations of female desire.

The song then cycles back through the pre-chorus and chorus, reinforcing the primary themes of desire without need, mutual pleasure, and the exhilarating effect that men have on her. The structure, with its minimal verses and highly repetitive, high-energy chorus, makes the song an anthem built for dancing and celebration. The outro continues the energetic chant, making it clear that this feeling of going “crazy” for boys is a source of joy and power for her.

"Boys" was released as a single on June 22, 2018, through Atlantic Records. The song was written by Melissa Jefferson (Lizzo), Ricky Reed, Nate Mercereau, and Aaron Puckett (also known as Lil Aaron). The production was handled by Ricky Reed, a frequent collaborator of Lizzo's.

Interestingly, the song originated during the creative period of her 2016 EP, Coconut Oil, but was released later. Lizzo mentioned that during the time she created the song, she was in full "playa playa" mode, stating, "I was just spitting hella game in this song." This reflects the song's confident and flirty lyrical content. The track was later included on the deluxe version of her breakthrough third studio album, Cuz I Love You, released in 2019.

The music video, directed by Quinn Wilson and Andy Madeleine, was released simultaneously with the single. Wilson, Lizzo's creative director, revealed that the video was created with limited resources while they were on tour. It was shot in Chicago and Minneapolis and features several homages, most notably to Prince. The opening scene in front of the Minneapolis music note wall at Schmitt Music is a direct reference to an iconic 1977 photoshoot of Prince. Lizzo's connection to Prince is also personal, as she had previously appeared on the Prince and 3rdEyeGirl song "Boytrouble".

The rhyme and rhythm of "Boys" are central to its infectious, dance-floor-ready energy.

Rhyme Scheme: The song predominantly uses a simple, effective rhyme scheme that prioritizes catchiness over complexity. The verses feature couplets (AABB), which makes the lyrics easy to follow and remember.

• Verse 1 Example:
  "Ay, boy, whatcha say, boy? / You tryna play coy like a Gameboy? (A) / Hit my phone boy, is you home boy? / Are you alone boy? Come give me dome, boy (A)"
• Verse 2 Example:
  "I like the pretty boys with the bow tie (B) / Get your nails did, let it blow dry (B) / I like a big beard, I like a clean face (C) / I don't discriminate, come and get a taste (C)"

Rhythm and Tempo: The song features a bouncy, upbeat tempo characteristic of funk and pop music. The rhythm is driven by a strong, syncopated bassline and a steady, thumping beat that creates an undeniable groove. Lizzo's vocal delivery plays with this rhythm, alternating between the more rapid-fire, almost spoken-word cadence of the verses and the more melodic, sung chorus. This rhythmic interplay between her vocals and the minimalist instrumental track keeps the song dynamic and engaging. The countdown "(Four, three, two, ow!)" before the chorus serves as a rhythmic break that builds tension and releases it into the explosive, danceable hook.

"Boys" is a masterclass in creating an infectious and memorable track through a combination of clever musical and literary techniques.

Musical Techniques:

• Retro-Funk Production: The song is built on a retro-inspired funk and electropop foundation. It features a sparse but powerful arrangement characterized by a heavy, groovy bassline, a distinct "tinkling cowbell," and taut funk guitar licks, reminiscent of artists like Prince. This instrumental choice gives the song a timeless, danceable quality.
• Call and Response: The track employs a Pharrell-esque call-and-response structure, particularly in the pre-chorus and chorus, which enhances its catchy, chant-like feel and encourages audience participation.
• Minimalist Arrangement: The production is notably sparse, which allows Lizzo's charismatic vocal delivery and lyrical wordplay to take center stage. The thumping beat and simple instrumentation ensure the focus remains on her message and attitude.
• Vocal Delivery: Lizzo's performance fluidly shifts between rapping in the verses and singing a pop-heavy chorus. Her delivery is confident, playful, and packed with attitude, perfectly matching the lyrical content.

Literary Techniques:

• Listing (Catalogue): The second verse is a prime example of a literary catalogue, where Lizzo lists the diverse types of boys she likes. This technique is used for emphasis, creating an overwhelming sense of inclusivity and showcasing the breadth of her attraction.
• Antithesis: Within the list, she uses antithesis by pairing opposites: "big boys, itty bitty boys," "Mississippi boys, inner city boys," "big beard, a clean face." This rhetorical device reinforces her message that she doesn't discriminate.
• Simile: The song opens with the simile, "You tryna play coy like a Gameboy?" This immediately creates a playful, slightly challenging tone.
• Repetition: The simple, repetitive chorus ("Boys, boys, boys / Make a girl go crazy") is a key stylistic choice. Its repetition makes the song incredibly memorable and transforms it into an easily chantable anthem.

"Boys" made a significant cultural impact as a viral sensation and a key track in Lizzo's ascent to mainstream stardom. Initially released in 2018, the song gained massive traction in 2019, particularly on the video-sharing app TikTok. Snippets of the song, especially the second verse listing different types of boys, were used in countless videos, helping Lizzo connect with a younger audience.

The song's second verse also sparked a popular Twitter meme format, where users would pair each line of her lyrics with corresponding pictures of animals (like lizards or dogs) or other objects, which Lizzo herself acknowledged and celebrated. This viral spread solidified the song's status as a fan favorite and a piece of internet culture.

Critically, the song was well-received, with Time magazine naming it one of the top ten best songs of 2018. It was often praised for its fresh, feminist, and body-positive themes, presented in a fun, danceable package. While not her highest-charting single, it became Lizzo's first to enter a commercial chart, reaching the top forty in Belgium. The track's themes of unabashed sexuality and inclusivity resonated strongly, and it has been celebrated as a modern summer anthem and a spiritual companion to Charli XCX's 2017 song of the same name.

While "Boys" is largely direct and literal in its celebratory message, it employs some playful metaphors and symbols to enhance its themes of empowerment and desire.

• Gameboy Metaphor: The opening line, "You tryna play coy like a Gameboy?", uses the retro gaming console as a metaphor for a man being playful or evasive. It immediately establishes Lizzo's directness; she's not interested in playing games and prefers straightforward communication, setting a tone of confident control from the outset.
• The Inclusive List as Symbol: The famous second verse, which catalogues various types of men, functions as a powerful symbol of inclusivity and the rejection of narrow beauty standards. By listing contrasting pairs like "big boys, itty bitty boys" and "big beard, clean face," she symbolically dismantles the idea of a single ideal man. The list itself represents her open-minded, non-discriminatory approach to attraction, which is a core theme of the song.
• Minneapolis Music Wall: The use of the Schmitt Music "music note wall" in Minneapolis in the music video is a significant symbol. It serves as a direct homage to Prince, another Minneapolis-based artist known for his boundary-pushing expressions of sexuality and musical genius. By placing herself in this iconic location, Lizzo aligns herself with his legacy of sexual liberation and artistic freedom.

The most prominent recurring elements in "Boys" are designed for maximum impact and memorability, functioning as the song's central pillars.

• The word "Boy(s)": Unsurprisingly, the word "boy" or "boys" is the central lyrical motif. It's repeated constantly throughout the song, particularly in the chorus: "Boys, boys, boys / Make a girl go crazy." Its repetition acts as a joyful, almost primal chant, cementing the song's theme as a direct and unambiguous celebration of men.
• The Pre-Chorus Hook: The lines "Baby, I don't need you / I just wanna freak you / I heard you a freak too" form a crucial recurring phrase. This section appears before each chorus and encapsulates the song's core message of desire without dependency. It’s a powerful declaration of sexual agency that defines the narrator's motivations.
• The Countdown: The playful countdown "(Four, three, two, ow!)" is a recurring musical motif that precedes the chorus. It acts as a sonic cue, building anticipation and signaling a transition into the song's high-energy peak. It's a simple but incredibly effective hook that adds to the track's fun, party-starting atmosphere.