Boys Will Be Boys

Benny's song 'Boys Will Be Boys' delves into the societal expectations and pressures placed on men, particularly the toxic aspects of masculinity. The lyrics reflect a sense of exhaustion and frustration with the unchanging rules and illusions that govern male behavior. The opening lines, 'I'm so tired of your illusions / Rules never change,' set the tone for a critique of the rigid norms that dictate how men should act and feel. Benny questions the unconditional nature of love and the relentless noise of societal expectations, suggesting a need for a moment of respite and self-reflection.

The chorus, 'Cause if boys will be boys / We do the best that we can / Cover for our brothers while we suffer from our own hands,' highlights the internal and external struggles men face. The phrase 'boys will be boys' is often used to excuse harmful behavior, but Benny flips it to show the pain and suffering that come with adhering to these outdated norms. The imagery of mothers losing their sons and fathers watching them go underscores the emotional toll and the generational cycle of these expectations.

In the latter part of the song, Benny addresses the emotional suppression that men often experience. Lines like 'If boys don't cry not a man am I?' and 'Not a day goes by that I've had to lie' reveal the internal conflict and the facade men are forced to maintain. The song ends with a poignant repetition of 'When mothers lose their sons / And fathers watch them go,' driving home the devastating consequences of toxic masculinity. Benny's 'Boys Will Be Boys' is a powerful commentary on the need for change in how society views and treats men, advocating for a more compassionate and understanding approach to masculinity.