YMCA

Song meaning of YMCA by the Village People, and what it is about

YMCA by the Village People is one of the most famous songs from the disco era. It is also known as a gay anthem. Whether you are at a dance party, wedding, or even just watching the show on television, when this song is played, the entire crowd will begin to mouth the letters YMCA and form them with their arms.

The band has said that the song is a satire, but it has still become a favorite among the gay community. Especially in the 70s and 80s, it was not uncommon for gay men to meet each other at local YMCA’s.

This is why the song was able to catch on so quickly in the gay community. The lyrical content is filled with double entendres that can be interpreted in a homosexual way.

For example, in the chorus of the song, the band sings about how there is always lots of boys to hang out with at the YMCA. This is a fairly innocent line, but it has also been interpreted as a reference to the fact that gay men often met each other at the YMCA’s for casual sex.

In addition, YMCA stands for as a safe place for homeless youths to stay. This was a big part of the reason that many homeless youths in the US attended the YMCA. The YMCA was a great place to get the basic needs taken care of and to have fun with other youths.

Song Lyrics of YMCA by the Village People

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.