The song "Boyfriend" by Marika Hackman explores themes of love, desire, and gender expectations. In the lyrics, the narrator expresses that they have the boyfriend of someone else on their mind and suggests that he knows the person stayed with them the previous night. The narrator acknowledges that they took on a role in the love triangle by engaging in a physical relationship with this person's boyfriend. However, they believe that he is a better match for their partner than they are, so they assume he won't feel guilty about the situation. The narrator goes on to say that being just a girl, their actions don't hold as much weight or significance as they would for a man. Society tends to devalue women's experiences, reducing their actions to mere flings or dreams. They comment on the expectation that a woman needs a man to make her shout, implying that women are not seen as independent or fully satisfied without a male partner. The lyrics also touch upon the strain and messiness caused by the love triangle. The narrator feels like no one takes their relationship seriously because of their gender and appearance. Despite the complications, they still cherish their connection with the person, though they acknowledge that it may just be a dream. They continue to assert that women need men to make them scream, implying that their desires and experiences are often overshadowed or controlled by societal expectations. Overall, the song delves into themes of societal norms, gender roles, and the complexities of love and desire. It challenges the traditional views of relationships and highlights the power dynamics at play.
