I was busy thinkin’ ’bout boys, boys, boys
Always busy dreamin’ ’bout boys, boys, boys (XCX)
Head is spinnin’ thinkin’ ’bout boys
I need that bad boy to do me right on a Friday
And I need that good one to wake me up on a Sunday
That one from work can come over on Monday night
I want ’em all, I want ’em all
And when they finally leave me, I’m all alone but
I’m lookin’ down and my girls are blowin’ my phone up
Them twenty questions, they askin’ me where I’m at
Didn’t hit ’em back
I’m sorry that I missed your party
I wish I had a better excuse like
I had to trash the hotel lobby
But I was busy thinkin’ ’bout boys, boys, boys
I was busy dreamin’ ’bout boys, boys, boys
Head is spinnin’ thinkin’ ’bout boys
In every city I’ve got one with different ringtones
Flyin’ from L.A. all the way to Puerto Rico
My girls are callin’ me askin’ me where I’m at
Didn’t hit ’em back
I’m sorry that I missed your party
I wish I had a better excuse like
I can’t even lie, you got me
I was busy thinkin’ ’bout boys, boys, boys
I was busy dreamin’ ’bout boys, boys, boys
Head is spinnin’ thinkin’ ’bout boys
Don’t be mad, don’t be mad at me (No, no, no, no)
Darling, I can’t stop it even if I wanted
Don’t be mad, don’t be mad at me (No, no, no, no)
Missed what you were sayin’, I was miles away, yeah
Don’t be mad, don’t be mad
Not like I had a choice
I was busy thinkin’ ’bout boys, boys, boys
I was busy dreamin’ ’bout boys, boys, boys
I was busy thinkin’ ’bout boys, boys, boys
I was busy dreamin’ ’bout boys, boys, boys
Head is spinnin’ thinkin’ ’bout boys
Dreamy Distractions and Playful Confessions
Charli XCX’s hit single “Boys” is a shimmering pop confession about daydreaming and distraction. The lyrics capture a candid and relatable honesty, where Charli admits to being preoccupied with thoughts of boys, even at the expense of social plans and responsibilities. The playful repetition of the chorus, “I was busy thinkin’ ’bout boys,” echoes throughout, turning the song into an anthem for anyone who’s ever found their mind wandering to crushes and flirtations instead of the task at hand.
Modern Romance and Independence
The verses reveal Charli’s unapologetic embrace of modern romance, referencing different boys in different cities and the ease with which she moves through these relationships. There’s a sense of freedom and agency in her words, as she balances girlhood friendships with her own desires, making no apologies for her choices. The song’s upbeat, catchy production matches its carefree lyrical spirit, making “Boys” both a summer bop and a tongue-in-cheek celebration of youthful longing.
Song Credits
“Boys” was written by Charlotte Aitchison (Charli XCX), Cass Lowe, and Emily Warren. The track was released in 2017 under Asylum Records.