`` Girlfriend '' was the subject of a lawsuit filed by songwriters for The Rubinoos , who alleged that the writers of the song copied The Rubinos ' single `` I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend '' . Only one line , not even of the same tune was : `` Hey , hey , you , you ! One similarity noticed is The Rubinoos ' 1979 single `` I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend '' , in which they sing `` Hey hey , you you , I wanna be your boyfriend '' similar to `` Hey hey , you you , I could be your girlfriend '' in `` Girlfriend '' .