AVERY LYNCH “THE BOYS WHO DON’T KNOW WHAT THEY WANT” SONG REVIEW

BY HOLLY VAN NESS

Avery Lynch’s latest ballad, “the boys who don’t know what they want,” is a beautiful exploration of the frustration, desperation, and eventual self-realization that comes with navigating the messiness of young relationships–a story that so many young individuals can relate to. With a sound that is both emotional and empowering, the song continues to establish Avery as the (unofficial) Queen of Ballads. 

I first learned about Avery back in 2020 on TikTok when I stumbled upon a song she had written about distance. Avery posted the video in the heart of the pandemic and I was instantly hooked, amazed at her ability to somehow capture my exact feelings in a 30-second snippet. Since then, Avery has amassed over 100 million streams across different platforms, proving that her heartfelt ballads are relatable and necessary for individuals to express their emotions. 

“the boys who don’t know what they want” opens with nothing but Avery’s soft, soulful vocals and her piano, forcing the listener to focus entirely on the emotional delivery of her lyrics. From the first note, it’s clear that the song is raw and came straight from Avery’s heart. The minimal production emphasises the vulnerability of the song, letting Avery–and only Avery–take center stage.

The track unpacks the all-too-common experience of being involved with someone who seems to want a relationship, but never follows through in the long run. In typical Avery fashion, she captures a sense of quiet frustration with lyrics like, “I don’t want to be wanted that way” as she sings about boys who are half in, half out, and frequently leave the relationship in a limbo state. 

Avery describes the song as a sister-song to her previous track, “you’re just a guy.”

“...and, just like [“you’re just a guy”], [“the boys who don’t know what they want”] doesn’t feel specifically sad to me, it feels more matter-of-fact. It’s just something I’ve observed that we’ve all experienced and don’t want to experience anymore,” Avery elaborates. 

The repetition of the line "I’m done" in the chorus acts as both a declaration of independence and a quiet yet powerful act of self-empowerment, a subtle yet assertive statement about letting go of unreciprocated labor in relationships and taking control of your love. 

Throughout the song, Avery isn’t railing against indecisive men. Rather, she’s observing, reflecting, and moving on for herself. It’s this maturity that elevates the song from a sad breakup anthem to a nuanced ballad about acknowledging the kind of relationship someone deserves and learning to walk away when you don’t get it. 

“the boys who don’t know what they want” is a quiet moment of clarity in the confusing world of young love and modern relationships. The track is another example of Avery Lynch’s beautiful songwriting capabilities and her ability to create something emotionally intelligent that speak from a place of growth. Avery continues to carve out a space for herself as one of the most genuine artists in the indie scene and I’m incredibly excited to hear her next story.