Placebo - Nancy Boy

Kind of buzz that lasts for days
Had some help from insect ways
Comes across all shy and coy
Just another nancy boy 

I'm sure that just about anyone who is into contemporary rock music has heard of the British band, Placebo.  If you mention Placebo to me, the first tune that pops into my mind is, Running Up That Hill, their cover of Kate Bush's beautiful song, and, arguably, even better.  I love them both!  I also love the single, Meds.  Both songs are on their Meds album.

The group was formed in 1984, by lead singer-guitarist, Brian Molko, and  guitarist-bassist, Stefan Olsdal.  Per Wikipedia, They are known for their androgynous image and angst-fueled musical content.

Nancy Boy, was the most popular song from the group's debut album, self titled, released in 1996.  The title pretty much says it all and also sums up Brian Molko who is known to crossdress both on and off stage.

I'll always go to www.songmeanings.net to seek out the perceived meanings behind some songs.  This time, I came across this comment:

An anthem for all the girly boys of the world, Nancy Boy represents the next generation of males who care as much about gender roles as modern girls do. You don;t have to do what you were told growing up as a boy, the world is open and waiting for you. Grab your mascara, get yourself a groovy skirt and live your life in total freedom. If, that is, you want to. Choice. That's what it's all about. Girls have been fighting for choice for the last century and boys, sorry, but you're being left behind. Forget sexuality for just one moment and do what the hell makes you feel happy. 

For more information on Brian Molko, you can read, Misunderstood - The Brian Molko Story. Here's a description of the book, from Amazon:

Misunderstood looks behind the eyeliner to reveal the true story of one of the most notorious rock icons of the 21st century. Follow the reckless wild child turned devoted father as he replaces drug binges and erotic exploits with Buddhist meditation and kids' birthday parties. He's battled bipolar disorder, clinical depression, drug and alcohol addiction, loneliness and self-loathing to sell over ten million albums worldwide with the rock group Placebo. Combining punk rock anthems with designer dresses, the singer set out to prove he's far more than 'just another nancy boy.' He describes his music as both 'a transvestite on crystal meth' and 'cocktail hour at the mental hospital' - it's going to be a bumpy ride. Alongside quotes from the singer himself are exclusive interviews featuring Brian in the words of those who knew him best. Described as everything from a fallen angel to a brutal rock-star thug, this book looks beyond the well-worn 'drug crazed sex-dwarf' connotations to discover just why Brian Molko is so misunderstood.

Thanks to Adrienne for suggesting Nancy Boy be featured!


 
The Lyrics:

Alcoholic kind of mood
Lose my clothes
Lose my lube
Cruising for a piece of fun
Looking out for number one
Different partner every night
So narcotic outta sight
What a gas
what a beautiful ass

[Chorus]
And it all breaks down at the role reversal
Got the muse in my head she's universal
Spinnin' me round she's coming over me
And it all breaks down at the first rehearsal
Got the muse in my head she's universal
Spinnin' me round she's coming over me

Kind of buzz that lasts for days
Had some help from insect ways
Comes across all shy and coy
Just another nancy boy
Woman man or modern monkey
Just another happy junkie
Fifty pounds
Press my button
Going down

[Chorus]

does his makeup in his room
Douse himself with cheap perfume
Eyeholes in a paper bag
Greatest lay I ever had
Kind of guy who mates for life
Gotta help him find a wife
We're a couple
When our bodies double 

"Nancy Boy" as written by Brian Molko, Stefan Olsdal, Robert Schultzberg
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics powerd by LyricFind Read more at http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/9143/3/ASC/#RvXzefyshGfuT0Hz.99