About the song
“Y.M.C.A.” is a classic disco hit by the American group Village People, released in October 1978. Written by Jacques Morali, the producer of the track, and lead singer Victor Willis, the song was the sole single from their third album, *Cruisin’*. This upbeat anthem quickly gained popularity, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1979, just behind hits by Chic and Rod Stewart. It also soared to No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, marking it as Village People’s biggest hit.
The song’s catchy chorus and danceable beat contributed to its massive success, helping it sell 12 million copies worldwide. “Y.M.C.A.” became a staple at sporting events and parties, where people enthusiastically spell out the song’s title with their arms. Its infectious energy even reached space when it was used as a wake-up call for astronauts on the Space Shuttle in 2000. In 2009, the song set a Guinness World Record when over 44,000 people danced to it at a live performance in Texas.
The track has earned significant accolades over the years. It is ranked No. 7 on VH1’s list of “The 100 Greatest Dance Songs of the 20th Century,” and in 2020, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the National Recording Registry, recognizing its cultural and historical impact. The Library highlighted that despite initial skepticism about disco, the enduring popularity of “Y.M.C.A.” shows that the genre remains influential.
The song’s creation was inspired by the YMCA, an organization that provided housing and support to those in need. Lead singer Victor Willis recalled how producer Jacques Morali was intrigued by the idea of writing a song about the YMCA after learning more about it. Despite initial legal threats from the YMCA, the issue was resolved amicably, and the organization later expressed pride in the song as a tribute to their mission.
In summary, “Y.M.C.A.” is not just a memorable disco hit but a cultural milestone, celebrated for its ability to bring people together and its lasting influence on music and popular culture.
Video
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 you 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 what about 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 you 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 what about 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 you 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, pick yourself off the ground.Y-m-c-a … It’s fun to stay at the y-m-c-a.
Young man, young man, are you listening to me?
Young man, young man, what do you want to be?Y-m-c-a …you’ll find it at the y-m-c-a.
No man, no man, does it all by himseif
Young man, young man, put your pride on the shelfY-m-c-a…then 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 and out with the blues.
Y-m-c-a … It’s fun to stay at the……