Introduction
“Boys Growing Up” is a heartfelt single by American country artist Ned LeDoux, featured on his fifth studio album, Safe Haven, released on April 4, 2025. The song serves as a nostalgic reflection on LeDoux’s upbringing alongside his brothers—Clay, Will, and Beau—on their family ranch in Kaycee, Wyoming. Drawing from personal experiences, LeDoux captures the enduring spirit of brotherhood and the timeless journey from boyhood to manhood.
In a preview shared on January 29, 2025, LeDoux expressed his deep connection to the track, stating, “I just love this song; it kind of reminds me of me and my brothers when we were kids. Even though we’re all grown up and we have kids of our own, it seems every time we all get back together, we’re just like kids again” . This sentiment is vividly portrayed in the song’s lyrics, which juxtapose youthful mischief with the responsibilities of adulthood, highlighting the enduring nature of familial bonds.
The chorus encapsulates this theme:
“Toys get faster, drinks get stronger
Skin gets thicker and shadows get longer
We’re still falling down, learning how to pick yourself off the ground
You know a man’s gotta be tough
But don’t mind us, we’re just boys growing up” .
“Boys Growing Up” follows the release of “One Hand in the Riggin’,” a poignant duet between Ned and his late father, Chris LeDoux, a celebrated rodeo champion and country musician who passed away in 2005. This collaboration utilized vocals Chris recorded two decades prior, allowing father and son to share a musical moment across time .
The album Safe Haven holds profound personal significance for LeDoux, as it is named in honor of his daughter, Haven Jo, who tragically passed away in 2019 due to a choking accident. LeDoux explained that the album’s title emerged organically during a brainstorming session, reflecting both his daughter’s name and the solace he finds in music .
Through “Boys Growing Up,” Ned LeDoux offers listeners an intimate glimpse into his life, weaving together themes of family, resilience, and the passage of time. The song stands as a testament to the enduring connections that shape our identities and the memories that continue to influence us throughout our lives.