Bananarama, formed in London in 1981 by Sara Dallin, Keren Woodward, and Siobhan Fahey, became one of the most successful female pop groups of the 1980s.
Known for their catchy melodies, distinctive vocal harmonies, and stylish image, the trio first gained attention with early new wave hits before achieving global fame through their collaboration with producers Stock, Aitken & Waterman. With chart-topping singles such as “Cruel Summer,” “Venus,” and “Love In The First Degree,” Bananarama secured a place in pop history, earning a Guinness World Record as the all-female group with the most chart entries worldwide.
Even as their lineup evolved, the group maintained a loyal fan base and continued recording and performing, celebrated for their role in shaping the sound and style of 1980s pop music.
Bananarama’s 1982 single “Shy Boy” marked an early breakthrough for the group, capturing their playful energy and instantly recognizable harmonies. Produced by Steve Jolley and Tony Swain, the upbeat track combines bright pop hooks with a carefree charm that helped establish Bananarama’s signature sound.
Reaching the UK Top 5, “Shy Boy” showcased the trio’s fun, youthful spirit and set the stage for the international success that would follow with later hits like ‘Cruel Summer’ and ‘Venus.‘ Decades on, it remains a fan favorite — a feel-good slice of ’80s pop that perfectly reflects Bananarama’s enduring appeal.
The song peaked at No. 04 in the UK Singles Chart on the 24th July 1982.
| A-Side | Shy Boy (3:13) (Steve Jolley, Tony Swain) Produced By Steve Jolley, Tony Swain |
| B-Side | Don’t Call Us… (3:00) (Steve Jolley, Tony Swain) Produced By Steve Jolley, Tony Swain |
| Genre | Electronic, Pop |
| Release Date | 25th June 1982 |
| Label | LONDON |
| Catalogue Number | NANA 2 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 10th July 1982 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 04 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 08 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [8 Weeks] – 10th July 1982 – 28th August 1982 |
Officially Released Versions
Shy Boy (Single Version) (3:13)
Shy Boy (Extended Version) (5:50)
Shy Boy (Don’t It Make You Feel Good) (US Long Version) (7:20)
Shy Boy (Don’t It Make You Feel Good) (US Dub Version) (9:23)
Shy Boy (Don’t It Make You Feel Good) (US 7″ Mix) (3:32)
Shy Boy (Instrumental) (2:41)
Versions On Spotify
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Lyrics
He used to be a shy boy
Until I made him my boy
I never missed a heartbeat
Just sitting in the back seat
I’m gonna give him all my love
Each and every night
One thing I know he’s dreaming of
I wanna squeeze and hold him tight
But don’t it make you feel good
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
And don’t it make you feel good
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
Don’t it make you feel good
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
And don’t it make you feel good
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
Everything we put together
Seems to last forever
He knows about a good time
Gonna make him all mine
He gives me lovin’ like nobody else
I like the way he turns me on
I wanna keep him all to myself
If my heart could beat that strong
But don’t it make you feel good
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
And don’t it make you feel good
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
Don’t it make you feel good
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
And don’t it make you feel good
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
I’m gonna give him all my love
Each and every night
One thing I know he’s dreaming of
I wanna squeeze and hold him tight
But don’t it make you
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
But don’t it make you
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
He gives me lovin like nobody else
I like the way he turns me on
I wanna keep him all to myself
If my heart could beat that strong
But don’t it make you feel good
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
And don’t it make you feel good
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
Don’t it make you feel good
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
And don’t it make you feel good
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
But don’t it make you feel good
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
And don’t it make you feel good
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
Don’t it make you feel good
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
And don’t it make you feel good
(Shoop shoop aaahh)
Written by Steve Jolley, Tony Swain
1 Comment
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