What a Good Boy
Barenaked Ladies
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
When I was born They looked at me and said What a good boy What a smart boy What a strong boy And when you were born They looked at you and said What a good girl What a smart girl What a pretty girl We've got these chains Hanging 'round our necks People want to strangle us with them Before we take our first breath Afraid of change Afraid of staying the same When temptation calls We just look away This name is the hair shirt I wear And this hair shirt is woven from your brown hair This song is the cross that I bear Bear with me Bear with me Bear with me Be with me tonight I know that it isn't right But be with me tonight I go to school I write exams If I pass if I fail if I drop out Does anyone give a damn? And if they do They'll soon forget 'Cause it won't take much for me To show my life ain't over yet I wake up scared I wake up strange I wake up wondering if anything in my life Is ever gonna change I wake up scared I wake up strange And everything around me stays the same It's the hair shirt I wear And this hair shirt is woven from It's woven from your brown hair This song is the cross that I bear Bear with me Bear with me Bear with me Be with me tonight I know that it isn't right But be with me tonight I couldn't tell you I was wrong Chickened out grabbed a pen and a paper Sat down and I wrote this song I couldn't tell you That you were right So instead I looked in the mirror Watched TV, laid awake all night We've got these chains Hanging round our necks People want to strangle us with them Before we take our first breath Afraid of change Afraid of staying the same When temptation calls, yeah This name is the hair shirt I wear And this hair shirt is woven from It's woven from It's woven from hair This song is the cross that I bear Bear with me Bear with me Bear with me Be with me tonight And when I was born They looked at me and said What a good boy What a smart boy What a strong boy And when you were born They looked at you and said What a good girl What a smart girl What a pretty girl, yeah, yeah
Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!
Written by: Ed Robertson, Steven Page
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Release Details"What a Good Boy" is a song by the Canadian rock band, Barenaked Ladies. The track was released in 1992 as the fourth single from their debut album, "Gordon."
|
Songwriting CreditsThe song was written by group members Steven Page and Ed Robertson, who serve as the primary songwriters for the band.
|
Lyrical AnalysisThe track explores themes of societal and parental expectation, with lyrics directly speaking to the pressure of maintaining a 'good boy' image. It also addresses the struggle of losing personal identity within these expectations.
|
Music VideoThe music video for "What a Good Boy" received heavy rotation on MuchMusic and was a significant factor in the band's growing popularity in their home country of Canada.
|
Chart PerformanceDespite its popularity domestically, "What a Good Boy" did not make a significant impact on international charts. It peaked at number 34 on Canada's RPM Top Singles Chart.
|
Critical ReceptionThe song received favorable reviews and is often cited as one of Barenaked Ladies' most beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant songs.
|
Live PerformancesDue to its popularity among fans, "What a Good Boy" is frequently included in Barenaked Ladies' live performances.
|
Song VariationsIn several live performances, the band often modifies the lyrics and instrumentations, leading to different versions of the song.
|
LegacyDespite not being one of the band's biggest hits in terms of chart performance, "What a Good Boy" stands as a fan favorite and is a mainstay in the Barenaked Ladies' concert setlists.
|
Cultural ReferencesThe band's live album, "Rock Spectacle," contains a reference to the song in the track "When I Fall," where lead vocalist Steven Page sings, "I look straight up below... What a good boy." This reference reinforces the themes of societal pressures and expectations featured in "What a Good Boy."
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"What a Good Boy Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 13 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/1280531/Barenaked+Ladies/What+a+Good+Boy>.
Discuss the What a Good Boy Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In