Boyfriends

Grace VanderWaal's song 'Boyfriends' delves into the complex emotions of loneliness and disconnection, despite being surrounded by people. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a young person who feels isolated, even when they are in the company of others. The opening lines, 'I'm not going out tonight, I'm hanging out with the lights,' suggest a preference for solitude over social interaction, highlighting a sense of comfort found in being alone rather than in the company of friends or romantic interests.

The recurring theme of unspoken feelings and misunderstood emotions is evident in lines like 'You don't know me like I know you, If you'd ask, you'd hear.' This suggests a deep-seated frustration with the superficiality of relationships, where true understanding and meaningful connections are lacking. The chorus, 'I hate my summers, I hate my friends, I bite my tongue again and again,' underscores the protagonist's dissatisfaction with their social circle and the repetitive nature of their interactions, which seem to lack depth and genuine connection.

The phrase 'Got so many boyfriends and got no damn friends' is particularly striking, as it encapsulates the paradox of having numerous romantic relationships but feeling devoid of true friendship. This line speaks to the hollow nature of these relationships, where quantity does not equate to quality. The song's repetitive 'La-da-da-da' refrain adds a haunting, almost mocking tone to the narrative, emphasizing the cyclical and unchanging nature of the protagonist's experiences. VanderWaal's poignant lyrics and emotive delivery make 'Boyfriends' a powerful exploration of the loneliness that can exist even in the midst of social interactions.