In anticipation of her eagerly awaited third studio album, “Would You Still Love Me If You Really Knew Me?”, FLETCHER presents “Boy,” a heartfelt and revealing single that explores themes of identity, vulnerability, and authenticity. Simple yet deeply emotional, this song signifies a significant new phase in her development as a queer artist and bold storyteller.
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Stream: “Boy” – FLETCHER
FLETCHER has consistently embraced the truth, regardless of how complex or messy it may be. With the launch of her new single “Boy,” the first look at her forthcoming album, she reaffirms that emotional honesty in a raw, courageous, and hauntingly beautiful way.
Her third studio album, “Would You Still Love Me If You Really Knew Me?”, is set to be released on July 18th via Capitol Records.
Beginning with an intimate arrangement of piano and acoustic guitar, “Boy” delivers an immediate emotional impact, not through volume, but through sincerity. FLETCHER whispers, “I’ve been sitting on a secret and I don’t think I can keep it anymore,” establishing a tone that feels more like a confession than a pop track, as if FLETCHER is sharing her personal journal. In doing so, she captures a feeling that resonates universally: the fear and freedom that accompanies revealing one’s true self.
I’ve been sitting on a secret
And I don’t think I can keep it anymore.
I’ve been hiding out in Northern California
Where nobody knows who I was before.
Where they won’t judge me in the morning.
Produced and co-written with her longtime collaborator Jennifer Decilveo and country-pop songwriter Shane McAnally, “Boy” exemplifies restraint. It refrains from bombastic synths or typical pop structures. Instead, it showcases a quiet strength, allowing the narrative to be the focal point. The gently plucked guitars and heartfelt melodies intertwine with layered harmonies, creating a warm, almost live atmosphere as if FLETCHER is performing directly in your living room.
The chorus, featuring the poignant line “I kissed a boy and I know it’s not what you wanted to hear… I fell in love, and it wasn’t with who I thought it would be,” serves as more than just a revelation; it’s a confrontation. Every word embodies vulnerability while also hinting at emerging strength—it's the sound of someone realizing they no longer need to apologize for their identity.
We were counting down, the music stopped
We were waiting for the ball to drop
I closed my eyes and I leaned in
I kissed a boy
And I know it’s not what you wanted to hear
And it wasn’t on your bingo card this year
Well, it wasn’t on mine
I fell in love
And it wasn’t with who I thought it would be
And I’m scared to think of what you’ll think of me
His lips were soft
I had no choice, I kissed a boy.
“Boy” represents a moment of personal and artistic growth, beyond simply being another remarkable piece in her musical portfolio.
Though FLETCHER has frequently delved into themes of identity, love, and heartbreak in her work (as heard in 2019’s breakout album “you ruined new york city for me” or 2022's “Girl of My Dreams”), this track signifies a more profound exploration of aspects of herself that she has yet to fully reveal. The question posed by the album title “Would You Still Love Me If You Really Knew Me?” lingers throughout the song, and with “Boy,” we are given our first unfiltered insight.
Laying my cards on the table
I’ll admit I don’t know how to label it (Oh)
You can think that I’m a hypocrite, that’s cool
I’m just following my heart, that’s what it is (Mm)
And only time will tell.
There is a bold transparency in this song that stands out in a pop landscape often hesitant to embrace quieter moments. “Boy” makes no pretenses. It doesn't strive for commercial radio success; rather, it exists on its own terms—thoughtful, genuine, and rich in emotional depth. It’s a song about queerness, but more broadly, it’s about releasing expectations, telling the truth when it’s difficult, and the beautiful, terrifying nature of being completely known.
What amplifies the track's impact is FLETCHER’s vocal delivery, which is restrained yet deeply engaged. Her voice fluctuates with each line, infused with both uncertainty and determination. She’s not merely singing lyrics; she’s experiencing them in the moment. This authenticity elevates “Boy” beyond just a good song to something great.
The collaboration with Shane McAnally, known for his ability to capture
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FLETCHER is back with “Boy,” an intimate and heartfelt single that delves into themes of identity, vulnerability, and authenticity. This emotionally charged track, while minimalist in style, signifies a significant new phase in her evolution as a queer artist and audacious storyteller.