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1982 Bananarama

Bananarama – Shy Boy

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Story Behind The Song

“Shy Boy” is the infectious, upbeat track that helped solidify British vocal trio Bananarama as a dominant force in 1980s pop music. Released in 1982, it served as the lead single for their self-titled debut studio album, Deep Sea Skiving. The track marked a significant musical evolution for the group, transitioning them from their early indie-punk collaborations into a polished, mainstream pop arena.
Produced by the hit-making duo Tony Swain and Steve Jolley, the song is built on a bouncy, synth-driven bassline and punctuated by bright brass hooks. Sara Dallin, Siobhan Fahey, and Keren Woodward deliver their signature unison vocals, creating a playful, casual delivery that perfectly captures the youthful, lighthearted theme of chasing an elusive, introverted love interest.
The track was a major commercial breakthrough, climbing to number four on the UK Singles Chart and entering the top ten in multiple countries, including Australia and Canada. It also introduced American audiences to their distinctive, unchoreographed charm. “Shy Boy” remains a definitive piece of early-80s synth-pop, showcasing the effortless, cool attitude that would define Bananarama’s historic career.

The song peaked at No. 04 in the UK Singles Chart on the 24th July 1982.

Eighties Archive Song Number

EA-0018

Highest Chart Position

No. 04

Date Released

25th June 1982

Genre

Electronic, Pop

Date Of UK Top 40 Entry

10th July 1982

Record Label

LONDON RECORDS

Catalogue Number

NANA 2

ALL information on this page was obtained from numerous sources. These include The Official Charts website, Discogs, 45Cat, Polyhex, and many other sites.

Some images have been cleaned up using CHATGPT.

A-SIDE & B-SIDE COVERS

UK 7'' Cover - Front
UK 7'' Cover - Back

TRACK LISTING

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

CHART PERFORMANCE

UK Top 40 Chart Run [8 Weeks] – 10th July 1982 – 28th August 1982
29
09
04
06
07
10
19
39

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)

See ALL releases of ‘Shy Boy’ on Discogs.

OFFICIAL VIDEO

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

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