Boys in the Street

## Single by Calum Scott

> [Holden] did an incredible job about telling a story about real pain, and longing to be accepted and be loved. It's a tragic but beautiful story between a son and his dad, and the song takes place over a full lifetime, The dad doesn't accept his (gay) son, and it takes him to his deathbed to finally accept that his son just wants to be loved regardless of what sexual orientation he has. It's about being accepted and loved. When I sing that song, there's not a dry eye in the house.
>
> *SongwriterUniverse Magazine*

"**Boys in the Street**" is a song written and performed by Greg Holden. It details a father's struggle to accept his openly gay son.

Calum Scott covered the song in 2022 as the fifth single and thirteenth track from his sophomore studio album, *Bridges*. It was released as a single on 9 September 2022 through RCA Records. He said of the record, "'Boys in the Street' is one of the few songs that has made me cry on the first listen. I connected to the original version instantly and had wanted to record my own interpretation for the last few years. When I'd finished my second album, I had the time to craft my own version, and immediately got in touch with Greg to ask for his blessing. I knew it would fit perfectly on *Bridges*, and in some ways was the song I was missing. I'm honored to include this powerful and inspiring piece on my sophomore record. I know it's a song that not only I can relate to but will resonate with others around the world".

During his Bridges World Tour on 31 July 2022 in Portland, Oregon, Holden joined him onstage for a duet.

## Credits and personnel

### Song

* Amy Langley, Rachael Lander – cello
* Andrew Yeates – producer, piano, programmer
* Calum Scott – vocals, writer
* Charlie Thomas – engineer
* Ciara Ismail, Emma Fry, Rosie Langley – violin
* Greg Holden – writer
* Jordan Bergmans, Rachel Robson – viola
* Matt Wolach – assistant mixing engineer
* Mark "Spike" Stent – engineer, mixing engineer
* Randy Merrill – mastering engineer

## Live performances

* Vevo
* Portland

## Lyrics

**Lyrics**
[Verse 1]

When I was younger

My daddy told me I would never

Never amount to nothing special

He'd come at me from every angle

He'd say, "You're the last thing I wanted, the last thing I need

How am I going to answer when my friends tell me

My son was kissing boys in the street

My son was kissing boys in the street?"

[Verse 2]

He tried to change me

Say I'm embarrassing my country

How could I do this to my family?

Do I wanna grow up being lonely?

He'd say, "We've worked for our money

We've put you in school

Is this how you repay us?

Do you think this is cool?

My son, stop kissing boys in the street

My son, stop kissing boys in the street"

[Verse 3]

Now that I'm older

My daddy's heart's a little warmer

But he still won't hold me like my brother

And he still won't kiss me like my mother

He'd say, "You're a part of this family

I made you myself

But the way that you act isn't good for your health

My son, stop kissing boys in the street

My son, stop kissing boys in the street"

[Verse 4]

My daddy's dying

And he's finally realized I'm not lying

We sit in silence, but we're smiling

Because for once, we are not fighting

He'd say, "There was no way of knowing 'cause all I was taught

Is men only love women, but now I'm not sure

My son, keep kissing boys in the street

My son, keep kissing boys in the street

And when I'm gone, keep kissing boys in the street"

## References

1. ↑ Kawashima, Dale (23 June 2022). "Calum Scott, Rising Pop Star & Powerful Vocalist, Talks About His Excellent New Album, *Bridges*, And His Songwriting". *SongwriterUniverse Magazine*.
2. ↑ "Calum Scott Premieres Powerful New Single & Video 'Boys in the Streets'"