How JORDY Made ‘A Song for [His] Inner Child’ With ‘Story of a Boy’
When we first realized what JORDY was doing with his latest single, "Story of a Boy"—reimagining the classic 2000 hit "Absolutely (Story of a Girl)" by Nine Days, with a queer twist—it was love at first listen.
While the choruses resonate with a cozy, familiar feel, the verses paint an entirely new picture and soundscape as JORDY sings about yearning for love and pining after a guy who barely knows he exists. The track features a gay perspective JORDY wishes he could have heard more of growing up—and that many more can benefit from today. The track has also taken a life of its own as part of a viral TikTok sound, starting with Nine Days' "This is the story of a girl," before a needle drop sound effect transitions the music into JORDY's "This is the story of a boy," with hundreds of trans guys sharing the joy of their transitions with the world. We had the pleasure of catching up with JORDY to discuss the track and its impact, and he shared it all with us in the interview below.
Sweety High: What made you decide to do your own version of "Absolutely (Story of a Girl)" with your own queer twist? What story did you hope to tell with your own take on the classic song?
JORDY: I wanted to make a song for my inner child. My younger self would listen to songs on the radio all day that he couldn't relate to because there weren't many openly queer artists at the time; so the goal was to make the song I needed back in that stage in my life. I also made the song for all of the queer millennials who knew the original song and finally get to hear themselves in the new interpolation, and for the younger generation of queer folks who deserve to grow up with music they can fully relate to and understand.
SH: What was the process of getting permission from Nine Days' to interpolate the song? How did John Hampson then get involved with the music video?
JORDY: I had my team send John's team my demo of the song, and after they listened to it, we set up a call. I explained to them the meaning behind my version, why it was so important to me, and how I think it could benefit the world we're living in now, 23 years later. After that, we got word that John approved and was so excited for this new take on his hit song. When we were planning the music video, I wanted to include him, because at the end of the day, this song wouldn't exist without him. He has become a massive part of my journey as an artist, and I am so happy we could meet and collaborate.
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SH: What does "Story of a Boy" mean to you, and what do you hope it will mean to your listeners?
JORDY: It's the love song I needed when I was younger. It's the song for anyone who feels invisible or feels that love might be out of reach. I've been single for a couple of years now, and I've spent plenty of time fantasizing love stories in my head with men who have no idea I exist. Typical Pisces behavior, but I know I'm not alone!
(Photo credit: Dante Velasquez)
SH: What's your favorite lyric from your song? Why?
JORDY: I think in the second verse when I say, "He's golden, I'm invisible." Even though it may seem on social media that I maintain a very confident persona, it couldn't be further from the truth. I have so many insecurities, just like the rest of the world.
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SH: We've also been seeing the TikTok trend of transgender men using "Story of a Boy" to share their journeys of embracing their authentic selves. What does it mean to you that people are resonating with the song in this way? Was that something you ever expected when you wrote the song?
JORDY: I never expected this to become a trend—and it's blown my mind. With all of the anti-transgender legislation happening right now, the trans community is the community that needs the most love and protection. Each video that I see of someone sharing their transition and story makes me cry more and more. The trans community inspires me so much with their strength and resilience, so the fact that my song has inspired them in some way. I truly couldn't be more grateful for that. I want to use my platform for the greater good, so being able to spread these voices has been a privilege.
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
JORDY: Go pre-order my album BOY, which drops April 21!
Can't get enough of JORDY? Click HERE to discover everything we learned about him as our Man Crush Monday.