Thin Lizzy – The Boys Are Back In Town (Official Lyric Video)
Inspiration Behind the Boys are Back in Town:
While this song is referring to the Manchester underworld, sports broadcasters in America use Thin Lizzy’s The Boys are Back in Town as a way to let fans know that their baseball team is back in town. One of the theories is that the boys are referring to the Quality Street Gang who Thin Lizzy encountered as a child at his mother’s nightclub. Members of this group were known for their sharp stylish attire worn at local clubs.
Biblical Application:
A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil. 20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm, Proverbs 13:19-20.
Exegesis of the Boys are Back in Town:
Guess who just got back today
Them wild-eyed boys that had been away
Haven’t changed, hadn’t much to say
But, man, I still think them cats are crazy
Either Thin Lizzy has been out at one of the local Manchester clubs or a friend let him know that members of the Quality Street Gang are back.
They were asking if you were around
How you was, where you could be found
I told them you were living downtown
Driving all the old men crazy
Some of the guys were looking for an old friend.
The boys are back in town, the boys are back in town
(I said) the boys are back in town
The boys are back in town
The boys are back in town, the boys are back in town
The boys are back in town, the boys are back in town
This chorus lets everyone in Manchester know this gang is back.
You know that chick that used to dance a lot?
Every night she’d be on the floor, shaking what she’d got
Man, when I tell you she was cool, she was red hot
I mean, she was steaming
Thin Lizzy recalls one of the regulars who was attractive and a great dancer.
And that time over at Johnny’s place
Well, this chick got up and she slapped Johnny’s face
Man, we just fell about the place
If that chick don’t wanna know, forget her
Thin Lizzy is reminiscing about memorable events that stand out in his mind.
The boys are back in town, the boys are back in town
(I said) the boys are back in town
The boys are back in town
The boys are back in town, the boys are back in town
The boys are back in town, boys are back in town
Repetitive chorus lets everyone know who is back.
Spread the word around
“Guess who’s back in town?”
Just spread the word around
The word is spreading as Manchester seems excited to have these boys back.
Friday night, they’ll be dressed to kill
Down at Dino’s Bar and Grill
The drink will flow and blood will spill
And if the boys want to fight, you better let them
Thin Lizzy summarizes a typical night at one of the local clubs.
That jukebox in the corner blasting out my favourite song
The nights are getting warmer, it won’t be long
Won’t be long ’til summer comes
Now that the boys are here again
Warm weather brings back locals and tourists.
The boys are back in town, the boys are back in town
The boys are back in town
The boys are back in town
Thin Lizzy is excited to see the guys.
The boys are back in town, the boys are back in town
(Spread the word around)
The boys are back in town, the boys are back in town
(The boys are back, the boys are back)
Thin Lizzy looked up to this gang when he was younger.
The boys are back in town again
Been hanging down at Dino’s
The boys are back in town again
Word on the street allows Thin Lizzy to catch up with these guys.
Final Thoughts:
Every town has a local hangout that is hopping every weekend. For me, this place was the Charcoal Pit, a diner on the main drag which served great ice cream dishes. With a mini jukebox in every booth, teenagers were coming and going throughout the night, bouncing to the music. If I wanted to see one of my friends, this is where I would go either on or after my date. Some of my fondest memories of high school occurred at the Charcoal Pit. Subsequently, I understand Thin Lizzy’s desire to connect with old friends.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 