Other Boys – English Lyrics

• By: Marshmello, Dove Cameron

Lyrics & Translation

Dive into the world of English music with “Other Boys” by Marshmello and Dove Cameron! This captivating synth-pop track is a perfect way to explore English vocabulary and expressions related to emotions, particularly those surrounding love and longing. Its clear vocals and relatable theme of unrequited affection make the lyrics easy to follow, allowing you to learn new phrases while experiencing a deeply resonant and danceable story. You'll grasp how English is used to convey vulnerability and desire, making your language learning journey both engaging and emotionally impactful.

[English]

Why can't you want me like the other boys do?

They stare at me while I stare at you

Summertime, East Side New York City

It's too hot to sleep

Half-alive, and my mind is drippin'

I'm twistin' the sheets

'Cause my heart can't be satisfied

By anyone but you tonight

And when I try, it only makes me blue

Why can't you want me like the other boys do?

They stare at me while I stare at you

Why can't you want me, baby, what can I do?

I don't want other boys, I just want you

I don't want other boys, I just want you

I don't want other boys

Silhouettes, a city of shadows

They all take your shape

In my defense, you've got me unraveled

And I can't see straight

'Cause my heart can't be satisfied

By anyone but you tonight

And when I try, it only makes me blue (why?)

Why can't you want me like the other boys do?

They stare at me while I stare at you

Why can't you want me, baby, what can I do?

I don't want other boys, I just want you

I don't want other boys, I just want you

I don't want other boys (I just want you)

Why can't you want me like the other boys do?

They stare at me while I stare at you

Why can't you want me, baby, what can I do?

I don't want other boys, I just want you

...

Key Vocabulary

Vocabulary	Meanings
want /wɒnt/ A2	verb - to have a desire to possess or do something
stare /steər/ B1	verb - to look intently at something for a prolonged period
sleep /sliːp/ A1	noun - a natural state of rest for the body and mind verb - to rest with eyes closed
mind /maɪnd/ A2	noun - the element of a person that enables them to be aware of the world and their experiences
heart /hɑːrt/ A2	noun - the organ that pumps blood around the body
satisfied /ˈsætɪsfaɪd/ B1	adjective - pleased or content
blue /bluː/ A1	adjective - feeling sad
boys /bɔɪz/ A1	noun - plural of boy
shape /ʃeɪp/ A2	noun - the external form or outline of something
defense /dɪˈfens/ B2	noun - the action of defending from or resisting attack
unraveled /ʌnˈrævəld/ B2	verb - become undone or disentangled
see /siː/ A1	verb - to perceive with the eyes
shadows /ˈʃædoʊz/ A2	noun - dark areas produced by blocking light
city /ˈsɪti/ A2	noun - a large town
tonight /təˈnaɪt/ A2	adverb - on this night
drippin' /ˈdrɪpɪn/ B1	verb - to fall in drops

Key Grammar Structures

• Why can't you want me like the other boys do?

  ➔ Subjunctive mood (after 'can't'), comparative structure ('like')

  ➔ The use of 'do' after 'like' is a common feature of the subjunctive mood, expressing a wish or hypothetical situation. The sentence compares the subject's desire to how 'other boys' behave. The word 'like' functions as a preposition here.

• I don't want other boys, I just want you

  ➔ Negative imperative/statement of preference, coordinating conjunction ('and')

  ➔ This sentence expresses a strong preference. The repetition emphasizes the speaker's exclusive desire for the person they are addressing. 'Just' functions as an intensifier.

• In my defense, you've got me unraveled

  ➔ Past perfect tense ('ve got'), passive voice implied ('unraveled')

  ➔ The phrase 'you've got me' is a contraction of 'you have got me'. 'Unraveled' implies a state of emotional confusion or disarray *caused* by the other person, though it's not explicitly stated as passive. The phrase 'In my defense' introduces a justification.

• They all take your shape

  ➔ Present simple tense, metaphorical language

  ➔ This line uses metaphorical language. 'Taking your shape' doesn't mean literally changing form, but rather that the singer sees qualities of the person they desire in everyone else. The present simple suggests a recurring observation.