It was released on March 1, 2014, by Capitol Records as a free digital download from the album preceding its launch in the United Kingdom.

"Boys" is a pop, grunge, and new wave song that discusses Ferreira's happiness in having found her ideal boyfriend.

[3] Jacques Peterson from Popdust recognized grunge and new wave music elements within "Boys",[5] while Mike Wass from Idolator described the track as a "guitar-pop tune".

Club stated that its lyrical content sees Ferreira "optimistic about love" after having found her ideal boyfriend.

[8] Elias Leight from PopMatters enjoyed the incorporation of "ringing blasts of guitar, played on buzz-saw setting", and shared a similar sentiment with Battan in regards to its lyrical content.