Boys Like Us, an anthem in heels for not hiding

Two boys walk through glitter streets and one takes the other's hand where nobody can see them. That's how «Boys Like Us» begins, and the whole song is already in that image: love that first hides and then decides to step into the light, up on a pair of heels.

It's in English, but it talks about something understood in any language. Boys like us, says the chorus, who don't hide, who turn darkness into pride and who never fall. My favourite line is the one about wearing heels and standing tall: «we wear our heels, and stand tall». It makes me laugh and moves me at the same time, because the heels here work as armour.

The verses are full of neon and broken rules. Kisses like fire, crazy dances, a fight found in every look and a new shine in every night. In the bridge people whisper and stare, wondering why we shine, and the answer is a shrug: «we don't care». No speech needed. Just keep dancing.

The «oh-oh-oh-oh» chorus is made for shouting together, on a dance floor or on top of a Pride float. Uncomplicated Pride pop, the kind that lifts your mood even after a grey day. Turning the night into gold and never doing what you're told: if that's not a life plan, I don't know what is.

It's dedicated to any boy who still lets go of his boyfriend's hand when walking down certain streets. And to the ones who never let go any more.

It works best in the run-up to Pride, while you put your glitter on. Or on any old Tuesday, when you need to remember that nobody has to give you permission to shine.

The full lyrics are below. Listen on Spotify