Meaning of "The Boy" by Shannon & The Clams

The lyrics of "The Boy" delve into the emotional journey of the narrator as they reflect on their upbringing and the lessons they learned as a child. The opening lines, "When I was a boy I learned not to cry, My daddy would scream, I learned how to rhyme" highlight the oppressive environment the narrator grew up in, where expressing vulnerability or sadness was discouraged. The line "That fool cut off this ribbon of mine" represents the narrator's innocence being taken away, possibly by their father. This loss of innocence manifests in the narrator's struggle to connect with their own emotions, as indicated by the line "But what do you do when there's nothing inside?" The feeling of emptiness and being lost is further emphasized in the line "Lost in the dirt covered in vines."

The chorus, "If you ever change your mind, Touch me and then teach me how to cry, If you ever change your mind," reveals the narrator's longing for someone to come back into their life and help them rediscover their ability to feel and express emotions. It represents a plea for emotional guidance and support. The repetition of the line "If you ever change your mind" suggests a glimmer of hope that things can be different and that the narrator can finally find healing.

The line "This bone will break along a line, Been drawn for a long time, Time" symbolizes the internal conflict and pain the narrator has carried with them for a significant period. It implies that the damage done runs deep and has become a constant presence in their life. The repetition of the plea in the final lines, "Touch me and then teach me how to cry, If you ever change your mind," reflects the narrator's deep desire for emotional growth and the hope that someone will come to their aid.

Overall, "The Boy" explores the theme of emotional suppression and the consequences it can have on an individual's ability to experience and express emotions. It highlights the importance of emotional support, guidance, and the potential for healing.