Yeah Boy

Album: The First Time (2015)
Charted: 65
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Kelsea Ballerini sings on this fun and flirty song about a boy she has a crush on. She longs for a romantic relationship with the guy and is not shy in going after him.
  • The song was released as the fourth single from The First Time, following up "Peter Pan." "We went back and forth on whether to do another single from the album or do something new," Ballerini told Rolling Stone. "We just felt like 'Peter Pan' moved up [the charts] a lot quicker than we expected it to - which is such a blessing... But 'Yeah Boy' captures that fun youthfulness, and I thought it would be good to circle back and end on that note."
  • Ballerini wrote the song with newcomer Keesy Timmer and Louisiana born songwriter/producer Forest Glen Whitehead who penned six out of the 12 tracks on The First Time.
  • The '90s throwback video is a nod to some of Ballerini's favorite pop songstresses.

    "I definitely love pushing boundaries and I've always loved strong female artists in every genre," she told Teen Vogue. "Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Jessica Simpson are some of my favorites. I probably picked up some of their performance tendencies that I put in my live show and in this video."
  • The video was directed by Kristin Barlowe, who also worked with the singer on her "Love Me Like You Mean It" and "Peter Pan" visuals. "Keeping up with her energy is my biggest job," the director said.
  • Turns out the song has a totally unexpected influence: Public Enemy rapper Flavor Flav. "I went into this write and I had that commercial... in my head," Ballerini told Taste of Country. "We spent like 30 minutes Googling this commercial and it's a Super Bowl commercial for Doritos. And Flavor Flav is the 'Yeah boy!'"

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Heaven And Hell

Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath, Heaven And HellSongwriter Interviews

Guitarist Tony Iommi on the "Iron Man" riff, the definitive Black Sabbath song, and how Ozzy and Dio compared as songwriters.

Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust

Lajon Witherspoon of SevendustSongwriter Interviews

The Sevendust frontman talks about the group's songwriting process, and how trips to the Murder Bar helped forge their latest album.

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")

Terry Jacks ("Seasons in the Sun")Songwriter Interviews

Inspired by his dear friend, "Seasons in the Sun" paid for Terry's boat, which led him away from music and into a battle with Canadian paper mills.

Krishna Das

Krishna DasSongwriter Interviews

The top chant artist in the Western world, Krishna Das talks about how these Hindu mantras compare to Christian worship songs.

Gilby Clarke

Gilby ClarkeSongwriter Interviews

The Guns N' Roses rhythm guitarist in the early '90s, Gilby talks about the band's implosion and the side projects it spawned.