“I’m looking for a man in finance…” The phrase, undoubtedly completed in your mind with “…with a trust fund. Six-five. Blue eyes,” has become inescapable. This earworm is the creation of Megan Boni, also known as Girl on Couch, whose satirical song sample about the stereotypical “ideal man” has exploded across TikTok and the internet. What began as a lighthearted joke in April has morphed into a full-blown viral phenomenon, captivating millions and even catching the attention of music industry giants.
Megan’s initial TikTok post, accompanied by the tongue-in-cheek caption “Did I just write the song of the summer?”, has since amassed over 40 million views. This 19-second clip has sparked a frenzy of creativity, inspiring countless remixes and parodies. From everyday users to high-profile figures like Finneas, Billie Eilish’s brother, the “Man In Finance Song” has resonated across diverse audiences. Its infectious nature has even led to collaborations with DJs, endorsements from major brands, and a humorous nod from the Singapore Ministry of Defence. Now, Megan is poised to take this viral moment to the next level, releasing an official single in collaboration with superstar DJ David Guetta.
Despite the song’s specific criteria for a partner, Megan clarifies that the lyrics are purely satirical. Speaking with BBC Newsbeat, the 27-year-old New Yorker reveals, “I doubt we would work,” debunking any notion that she’s genuinely seeking a tall, wealthy banker. The song, she explains, is rooted in the frustrations of modern dating and the often unrealistic expectations perpetuated by dating apps.
From Dating App Fatigue to Viral Anthem
Megan shares that the inspiration for the meme stemmed from her own experiences with dating app exhaustion. Tired of the repetitive complaints about being single, she channeled her feelings into comedic lyrics within her phone’s notes app. “Dating apps are making dating so much more impossible because they’re really raising everyone’s standards,” Megan observes. The “man in finance song” emerged as a playful jab at individuals, including herself, who lament their single status while simultaneously harboring lengthy lists of highly specific and often unattainable desires in a partner.
While the track’s humor is evident, some critics have raised concerns about the objectification of men. Megan, however, dismisses these criticisms with a wry observation. “I think it’s so funny when these men are like ‘If a guy wrote a song like this about a woman…'” she retorts, highlighting the prevalent trend of male artists frequently writing songs about women. She emphasizes the song’s comedic intent, stating, “It is a joke. I didn’t think a man with these criteria existed.” The exaggeration is clearly the point, serving as a humorous commentary on contemporary dating culture.
Riding the Viral Wave: Music Industry and Beyond
Interestingly, despite the song’s musical nature and viral success, Megan asserts that she is “couldn’t be less interested in dating” and equally unenthusiastic about pursuing a full-fledged music career. However, the undeniable popularity of the “man in finance song” has opened unexpected doors. Universal Music Group, a major label representing music icons like Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, has offered her a publishing deal. This agreement allows Megan to capitalize on the song’s royalties, although she clarifies that the financial gains from TikTok usage itself are not as substantial as some might assume, as the platform allows free use of sounds.
With her TikTok follower count soaring past a quarter of a million, Megan acknowledges the life-altering impact of her viral creation. “In the span of a week, my life was flipped upside down,” she recounts to Newsbeat, describing the whirlwind of attention and opportunities that followed the original video’s release. Among these opportunities was an offer for a full album deal, which Megan ultimately declined. Questioning her songwriting capabilities and genuine interest in a music career, she admits, “I’m such an unserious person. I don’t fit. I’m just not interested in writing music.”
Instead of chasing fleeting musical fame, Megan is choosing to enjoy the present moment and leverage this viral wave to propel her true passions. “The sequel’s never as good as the original,” she wisely states, downplaying expectations for future viral music hits. “There’s no way that I come out with another two-second song and it blows up as big so I’m not too stressed about doing that. So for the summer, I’ll ride the wave of the song and I’ll party.” This approach has already led to exciting experiences, including a performance in Las Vegas alongside David Guetta and The Chainsmokers. “I keep thinking I can’t get any more excited,” she exclaims, “And then new stuff just keeps happening.”
Looking beyond the immediate hype, Megan’s long-term aspirations lie in acting and comedy. “It was never my dream to be a musician,” she reiterates. “I’m so lucky that this happened but I’m really trying to use it to do something that I love.” Her ultimate career goal? “My dream would be to be on Saturday Night Live. That’s the goal.” Despite her excitement, Megan also expresses a touch of humility regarding her rapid ascent to internet fame. “Some artists try to get a record deal their whole lives and I was just sitting on my couch,” she reflects. “But that’s how it happens, it’s how the internet works. It’s wild.” The “man in finance song” serves as a perfect example of the internet’s unpredictable nature and its power to catapult ordinary moments into extraordinary viral sensations.
