Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie
Lyric guide

Boy Wanted

Read Boy Wanted lyrics by Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie on LyroVerse, with linked artist context and related song paths.

Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie visibility1 visits Video on page
person Curated by Ethan Walker LyroVerse team
Reference snapshot

The page facts to cite before the commentary

Use this page for the lyric text, linked artist context, and any LyroVerse editor's note attached to the song. Listener comments remain user-generated and should not be treated as the primary source.

Page type: lyric reference Artist: Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie Canonical path: /ella-fitzgerald-e-count-basie/boy-wanted Related lyric paths: 6 Video embedded: yes
Lyrics

Boy Wanted

The lyric stays readable and compact here; the note and related paths sit nearby so you do not lose the song while looking for context.

Verse:

I've just finished writing an advertisement

Calling for a boy.

No half-hearted Romeo or flirt is meant;

That's the kind I'd not employ.

Though anybody interested can apply,

He must know a thing to qualify.

For instance:

Refrain 1:

Teddy:

He must be able to dance.

he must make life a romance.

I said a boy wanted,

One who can smile;

Boy wanted,

Lovable style.

He must be tender and true,

And he must know how to woo.

I know we'll get acquainted mighty soon,

Out in a garden 'neath a harvest moon;

And if he proves to be the right little laddie,

I'll make him glad

He'll answer my ad!

Refrain 2:

Toots:

To be the boy of my choice,

He needn't own a Rolls Royce.

The kind of boy wanted*

Needn't have gold;

Boy wanted,

Mustn't be cold.

If he has oodles of charm,

I'll even life on a farm.

if he fits into my picture of a home,

I'll be so nice he'll never have to roam.**

Yes, if he proves to be the right little laddie,

I'll make him glad

He answered my ad.

Refrain 3:

Babe:

He must like musical shows,

And he must wear snappy clothes.

Yes, that is my story,

And to it I'll stick;

There's no glory

In having a hick.

He must know how to say "Yes!"***

When I look at a new dress.

Oh, I'll be ready when the right one calls,

And I'll start vamping him until he falls;

And if he subsidises me, oh, sweet daddy!

I'll make him glad

He answered my ad!

Refrain 4:

Bunny:

The movies he must avoid,

He'll know his Nietzsche and Freud.

I said a boy wanted,

One who knows books;

Boy wanted

Needn't have looks.

He must be such a saint,

But, Oh! he dassent say 'ain't.'

I don't care if his bankroll totals naught,

For we can live on love and food for thought.

If he's a scholar, when I see him I'll holler,

'My lad, I'm glad

You answered my ad!'

*Alternative version of this line: 'The sort of boy wanted'

** Alternative version of this line: 'I'll be so nice he'll nevercare

to roam'

*** Alternative version of refrain 3, lines 7-8:

'And so his boots mustn't squeak;

And he must love like a sheik.'

Primrose Version:

Verse:

I've just finished writing an advertisement

Calling for a boy.

No half-hearted Romeo or flirt is meant;

That's the kind I won't employ.

Though anybody interested can apply,

He must know a thing to qualify.

For instance:

Refrain 1:

To have a ghost of a chance,

He must be able to dance.

The sort of boy wanted

Must have a smile

Boy wanted,

Lovable style.

He must be tender and true,

And if he knows what to do,

I think I'll learn to love him very soon;

I'll want him morning, night and afternoon.

So if you know of one who's wanting employment,

Just tell him that

I'm wanting a boy!

Refrain 2:

To be the boy of my choice,

He's got to own a Rolls Royce.

He must be quite reckless

Buying me things:

Pearl necklace,

Diamond rings.

He must be ready to pay

A dozen bills ev'ry day.

I'll simply smothing him with tender care

If I could find a multimillionaire.

So if you could seen one dining at the Savoy-oh!

Just tell him

I'm wanting a boy!

Refrain 3:

I won't have anyone small,

He must be handsome and tall.

I said a boy wanted,

Beautifully dressed;

Boy wanted,

Trousers well pressed.

He must have wonderful eyes;

He must wear wonderful ties.

I want a boy who'll always look as though

He's only just come out of Savile Row.

So if some Paris wants a Helen of Troy-oh!

Just tell him that

I'm wanting a boy.

Quick answers

What this page can answer fast

Who performs "Boy Wanted"?

Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie performs "Boy Wanted", and this lyric page sits inside the Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie catalog on LyroVerse.

Are there related songs to explore after "Boy Wanted"?

Yes. The related section below points to A Fine Romance and All That Jazz with a short reason for opening each page next.

Where can I find more songs by Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie?

Use the artist link near the top of the page or the related paths section below to keep moving through Ella Fitzgerald & Count Basie's lyric pages.

Song Room

Interpretations, questions, and corrections for this song

Interpretations, questions, memories, and correction notes live together here. The room stays noindex while the best insights are reviewed.

Open Song Room
0 followers Selected insights only surface after moderation
Listener comments

What people are saying

0 comments
Add a short interpretation or memory

A strong comment here is specific: the phrase you keep hearing, the mood you come back for, or the reason this song stays in rotation.

Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.

No listener comments on Boy Wanted yet.