How To Kiss A Boy

Album: Remnants (2016)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In this song, Rimes explains how to kiss a boy after he first says "I love you." As the song goes on, the euphoria gives way to doubt, then heartbreak as he turns cold. When she kisses the boy at the end, it's a peck on the cheek to say goodbye.
  • Two top Nashville writers, Lori McKenna and Barry Dean, teamed up to write this track. In a Songfacts interview with Dean, he said, "That's a case where I thought, That would be an interesting thing to write a song called 'How To Kiss A Boy,' and really go through all the different kinds kisses that go into a relationship. But I knew Lori would know how to keep us honest. And she'll have an insight that's deeper than others. So, I showed this to Lori to see if she'd write it with me, and that night, and I think she knew I would know what she meant. I would know what her heart was feeling."
  • This piano ballad was the second single (following "The Story") from Rimes' 16th album, Remnants. This was her first album under a new deal with RCA, following 20 years at Curb Records.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

Mike Scott of The Waterboys

Mike Scott of The WaterboysSongwriter Interviews

The stories behind "Whole Of The Moon" and "Red Army Blues," and why rock music has "outlived its era of innovation."

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Justin Timberlake

Justin TimberlakeFact or Fiction

Was Justin the first to be Punk'd by Ashton Kutcher? Did Britney really blame him for her meltdown? Did his bandmates think he was gay?

Women Who Rock

Women Who RockSong Writing

Evelyn McDonnell, editor of the book Women Who Rock, on why the Supremes are just as important as Bob Dylan.