Lesley Gore – That’s the Way Boys Are

About the song

“That’s the Way Boys Are” by Lesley Gore is one of the standout tracks from the early 1960s, a song that combines catchy pop melodies with a bit of sass and youthful energy. Released in 1964, it was a part of Gore’s second studio album, Lesley Gore Sings All About Love, and quickly became one of her most iconic hits. Written by Gore herself along with Mitch Murray and Peter Callander, this upbeat track captures the confusion, frustration, and charm of young love from a distinctly female perspective, making it a significant contribution to the pop landscape of its time.

At the heart of “That’s the Way Boys Are” is a straightforward yet relatable theme about the complexities of relationships between young women and men. The song centers on a girl’s realization that boys, while charming and attractive, can often be fickle and hard to understand. The catchy refrain, “That’s the way boys are,” acts almost as a mantra, an acceptance of the sometimes frustrating, yet inevitable, behavior of boys. The tone is light and playful, yet there’s a knowing edge to the lyrics. The song’s protagonist sings about her frustration with boys who don’t always behave the way she’d like them to, but she comes to the conclusion that it’s just part of the game—“That’s the way boys are.” This was a refreshingly candid sentiment for a young woman’s pop song in the early ’60s, offering a perspective on relationships that was often overlooked in favor of more conventional romantic themes.

Musically, “That’s the Way Boys Are” is infectious, with its upbeat tempo, catchy hooks, and the kind of vibrant arrangement that typified much of the early 1960s pop. The song is driven by a bright, bouncy melody, complemented by lush orchestration that was typical of the Brill Building pop sound—a style that fused catchy melodies with sophisticated arrangements. Lesley Gore’s vocal delivery, full of youthful energy and emotion, adds to the charm of the song. She sings with a mix of vulnerability and empowerment, perfectly capturing the essence of a teenager coming to terms with the ups and downs of romance.

The meaning of “That’s the Way Boys Are” lies in its exploration of the gender dynamics and expectations in relationships, particularly during the 1960s. At the time, most pop songs portrayed idealized, often unrealistic, portrayals of love and romance. However, Lesley Gore offered a refreshing take on the topic—one that didn’t shy away from the more frustrating aspects of love. Her song became a kind of anthem for young women who were navigating the complexities of adolescence and young adulthood. It speaks to the universal experience of realizing that love isn’t always as simple as it seems, and boys don’t always behave in the way we might want them to. The acceptance of this truth, summed up in the song’s refrain, makes “That’s the Way Boys Are” a smart, insightful, and empowering piece of pop music.

From a social perspective, the song was part of a larger cultural moment in the early 1960s when young women were beginning to assert themselves in new and important ways. The track’s candid exploration of teenage relationships was significant at a time when the pop music landscape was often dominated by idealized portrayals of romance and love. Lesley Gore’s approach to the subject matter was ahead of its time, providing a voice for young women that was more realistic and relatable than what was typically found in popular music. Her approach to the narrative was both lighthearted and knowing, striking a balance between playful fun and the deeper emotional undertones of growing up.

Moreover, “That’s the Way Boys Are” was part of Lesley Gore’s early rise to fame, making her a trailblazer in the world of teen pop. Released at the height of the American “girl group” era, Gore’s voice stood out because it was not only sweet and youthful, but also had a certain strength and maturity that was rare for a young pop singer of the time. In this way, “That’s the Way Boys Are” helped define her as an artist, someone who could deliver catchy, fun pop hits while also giving her audience a dose of reality, balancing the fun of young love with its inevitable disappointments.

In terms of legacy, “That’s the Way Boys Are” has endured as one of Lesley Gore’s signature songs. It is still fondly remembered by fans of 1960s pop and continues to be appreciated by new generations of listeners discovering the era’s music. Its combination of upbeat energy, relatable lyrics, and Gore’s distinctive voice makes it a timeless pop classic. In addition to its influence on the pop landscape of the ’60s, the song also paved the way for other female artists who would later explore themes of self-empowerment and authenticity within the pop genre.

In conclusion, “That’s the Way Boys Are” by Lesley Gore is a pop gem from the 1960s that captures the essence of young love with wit, charm, and a hint of realism. Released in 1964, the song’s playful yet insightful lyrics continue to resonate with listeners today. It’s a testament to Gore’s unique ability to blend catchy melodies with meaningful content, offering both a fun and thought-provoking take on the challenges of adolescence and relationships. This track remains a defining moment in Lesley Gore’s career and an essential part of the 1960s pop music landscape, demonstrating her role as one of the era’s most influential female artists.

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