About the song
The Village People, a disco group known for their catchy tunes and iconic costumes, released “YMCA” as a fun and energetic anthem that has become a cultural phenomenon. This upbeat and infectious song, released in 1978, became a hit single and a staple of disco dance floors around the world.
With their distinctive voices and energetic delivery, The Village People explore the themes of friendship, community, and celebration. Through simple yet effective lyrics and the group’s lively performance, listeners are invited to join in the fun and celebrate the spirit of togetherness.
The opening lines, “Young man, that’s the way it goes,” immediately establish the song’s subject and set a positive tone. The lyrics continue to reference the importance of friendship, community, and the YMCA as a place where people can come together and have fun. The song’s iconic chorus, “Y-M-C-A,” is both catchy and memorable, making it easy to sing along to and enjoy.
Throughout the song, The Village People’s energetic performance and the song’s upbeat tempo create a captivating and immersive listening experience. The group’s playful and humorous approach to the subject matter makes this song a timeless classic.
“YMCA” is more than just a popular song; it is a cultural touchstone that has influenced countless artists and generations of music fans. The song’s positive message and infectious energy continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless and enduring piece of music history.
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Lyrics
Young man, there’s no need to feel down.
I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground.
I said, young man, ’cause you’re in a new town
There’s no need to be unhappy.Young man, there’s a place you can go.
I said, young man, when you’re short on your dough.
You can stay there, and I’m sure you will find
Many ways to have a good time.It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.They have everything for young men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys…It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.You can get yourself clean, you can have a good meal,
You can do whatever you feel…Young man, are you listening to me?
I said, young man, what do you wanna be?
I said, young man, you can make real your dreams.
But you got to know this one thing!No man does it all by himself.
I said, young man, put your pride on the shelf,
And just go there, to the Y.M.C.A.
I’m sure they can help you today.It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.They have everything for young men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys…It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.You can get yourself clean, you can have a good meal,
You can do whatever you feel…Young man, I was once in your shoes.
I said, I was down and out with the blues.
I felt no man cared if I were alive.
I felt the whole world was so jive…That’s when someone came up to me,
And said, “Young man, take a walk up the street.
There’s a place there called the ‘Y.M.C.A.’
They can start you back on your way.”It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.They have everything for young men to enjoy,
You can hang out with all the boys…Y.M.C.A.
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.Young man, young man, there’s no need to feel down.
Young man, young man, get yourself off the ground.Y.M.C.A.
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.Young man, are you listening to me?
Young man, young man, what do you wanna be?Y.M.C.A.
You’ll find it at the Y.M.C.A.No man, young man, does it all by himself.
Young man, young man, put your pride on the shelf,Y.M.C.A.
And just go to the Y.M.C.A.Young man, young man, I was once in your shoes.
Young man, young man, I was down with the blues.Y.M.C.A.
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A.