Keen On Boys
The Radio Dept.
The Silent Struggles of Unspoken Love in 'Keen On Boys'
The Radio Dept.'s song 'Keen On Boys' delves into the complexities of unspoken emotions and the silent struggles of unrequited love. The lyrics paint a picture of a person who feels emotionally dead, unable to escape the haunting presence of their feelings. The line 'There's a sun in his eyes, it won't go away' suggests an overwhelming, persistent emotion that the protagonist cannot shake off, symbolizing the intensity of their unspoken love or infatuation.
The narrative unfolds with a sense of vulnerability and introspection. The protagonist reflects on a night spent with the object of their affection, marked by a kiss that the other person 'couldn't resist.' This moment of intimacy is bittersweet, as it leaves the protagonist feeling 'quite cheap' and questioning what they might have missed. The night ends with a poignant image of the protagonist sleeping on a couch, back turned to the wall, symbolizing a physical and emotional barrier between them and their feelings.
The morning after is marked by silence, a stark contrast to the emotional turmoil experienced the night before. The protagonist is left to ponder the significance of the kiss and the unspoken words that linger between them. The repeated question, 'And was I aware of what I missed?' underscores a sense of regret and longing, highlighting the pain of unfulfilled desires and the complexities of human emotions. The song captures the essence of unspoken love, the pain of unreciprocated feelings, and the silent struggles that often accompany such experiences.