Some things can stay in the past, and this song is one of them.
It’s always funny how songs that are years and years old will suddenly have a resurgence on social media. Having a viral hit truly has no boundaries, and it often shocks the artists when they see a song they thought fans had long forgotten about start to gain an odd resurgence.
However, just because a song goes viral does not necessarily mean it’s good. A prime example is Graham Barham’s “Oil Money.” It has taken off on TikTok, partly because of Sydney Thomas’ appearance in the single’s promo, but the song itself can go straight to the trash.
Another recent song that has had a sudden viral moment is RaeLynn’s “Boyfriend.” The track was released over a decade ago in 2012, as her debut single, but was re-released in 2018 and featured on her sophomore record, Origins.
Of course, RaeLynn had a significant hit with “God Made Girls” off the same record, but she hasn’t maintained her prominence in the industry since then.
The song’s lyrics highlight that even though a man from RaeLynn’s past is no longer her, she is singing to his new girlfriend, noting that she wants her man back…but don’t worry, she’s never actually steal him.
“I want your boyfriend just thought you should know
That he and I go back so far oh my gosh we lived in his first truck
First time we heard Shania Twain I think we were on our way to Lubbock
And I know you think he loves you now
Seen so many girls come in and out
It sounds a bit insensitive
But the truth is what it is
I want your boyfriend…”
While I’m not sure what made this song resurface, many people are finding humor in the fact that “Lubbock” sounds like she’s singing “Love Bug.”
@raelynnofficial Should we change it to lovebug? 😂💕❤️ #boyfriends #raelynn ♬ Boyfriend – RaeLynn
Many TikTok users use the song to relive their first love or comment on how they know they will always be the girl that got away to one of their ex-boyfriends. While the trend with this song has some cute posts, the more I hear “Boyfriend” as I scroll through my FYP, the more I dislike this song.
I was never a big fan of “Boyfriend,” as it always seemed like a cliche country song, but after hearing it this many times, it’s starting to feel like nails on a chalkboard. The twang feels so forced, and RaeLynn is duetting every post because, let’s face it… this is her chance for people to remember her name.
She also recently shared a clip of her singing the viral portion of the lyrics, and while her vocals sound much better years later, this song in total is still a “no” from me.
@raelynnofficial You asked for it, love y’all so much 🙌❤️ #boyfriend #countrymusic #raelynn ♬ original sound – RaeLynn
Much to my surprise, many of the commenters on these various posts are very positive, many recalling some of their songs. But a handful of people like me would rather keep this song in the past.
“This song suu ucks, just thought you should knowwww”
“Not the country cursive.”
“If someone made a song about my man like that, I would crash out.”
Some songs should stay in the past for a reason…
But here’s the thing, if an old RaeLynn song is gonna explode on TikTok, how about this one? Titled “Love Triangle,” it was released in 2016 as the lead single from her debut album, and it’s just phenomenal.
Written by Raelynn alongside Nicolle Galyon and Jimmy Robbins, the song tackles the heartache and struggle of a child whose parents are divorced, and how once the parents split, they’re essentially in a “love triangle” of sorts.
It’s a powerful song… honest, authentic and heartbreaking, and of course it was released right as bro-country was just beginning its decline, but still had a firm grasp on country radio. It sadly didn’t do much on the charts and barely broke the Top 30 on country radio, but to this day, remains one of the best songs RaeLynn ever released.
How about we make this one viral and not “Boyfriend,” eh?
