“Y.M.C.A.” is an iconic song that virtually everyone has heard and almost certainly also danced to. It is awell-loved Disco anthemthat was quickly adopted by the LGBTQ community of the 70s. However, the quality and catchy nature of the chorus and melody, transcended sexual orientation, gender, and age.
Table of Contents
The meaning behind “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People is fairly evident, and I will take some time to explain this. I will also take the opportunity to look a little closer at thebackground of “Y.M.C.A.” and the Village People.
Band History
The group has a fascinating history that dates to 1977, when they were first formed in New York. The band got its name from Greenwich Village in Manhattan and simply adapted it to the ‘Village’ People. More importantly, in terms of band history, the area was and remains a gay stronghold and was known to have a thriving gay community.
The founding members were Henri Belolo and Jacques Morali, together with their lead singer Victor Willis. Over the history of the band, they have had over 20 different members. Victor Willis remains the only constant over the forty years that they have been together.
Originally, Victor Willis was only supposed to be a backing singer. But he quickly took over as not only the lead singer but also as the main writer. The only album not written by Willis was their debut album,Village People, which was released in 1977. Willis went on to write all their biggest albums and hits.
When singing live and recording videos…
Victor Willis took on the persona of the policeman. If you have watched any of the“Y.M.C.A.” videofootage, I am sure that you will recognize him instantly. The rest of the characters included a Cowboy, Construction Worker, Leatherman, a Native American, a Soldier, and Sailor.
Apparently, when they were originally looking for dancers and performers, they put out an advert for macho dancers that must have a mustache. Job done I’d say.
The band was synonymous with the gay community…
And, given the spicy nature and double meaning of thelyrics to “Y.M.C.A.,”it is easy to understand why. What is a little confusing is that Victor Willis is a heterosexual man. Even more, head-scratching is that he has often insisted that all the songs he wrote were done with no hom*osexual connotations in mind.
Frankly, this is staggering. He must be the only one in the world not to see the obvious double meanings in the songs. Plus, given the way they all dressed and danced around together, you have to seriously question what was going on in his head. And the actual truth behind these statements.
The group became hugely popular in Pop culture…
And they have appeared in numerous movies and TV series. They have appeared either as themselves or as parody versions of themselves. Perhaps the best examples are scenes from the hit movie Wayne’s Worldand the TV series “Married With Children.”
Overall, the Village People are a fun group that has continued making its brand of Disco music infused with Funk and Soul. Despite music developing and taking on new trends, they never went out of fashion. They have continued to enjoy support from the LGBTQ community. And, other than for a brief hiatus in 1986, they continue to make music and entertain their loyal fans and followers.
Chart Success
Make no mistake, “Y.M.C.A.” was huge. It was released in 1978 from the album,Cruisin’, and it went to #1 pretty much everywhere. The only notable exception to this was in the US, where it went to #2. Although, it still went platinum. It also went platinum in the UK and The Netherlands.
What is even more impressive is that, to date, this fun Disco single has sold over 12 million copies globally. Part of the reason for the huge numbers is that even long after its release, it continued to sell well.
The album also enjoyed strong sales though not to the same level as “Y.M.C.A..” However, the album still made it to #1 in several countries. It got to #3 in the US and #24 in the UK. Plus, it earned a platinum disc in the US and four platinum discs in Canada. Throughout their amazing career, the Village People sold more than 100 million records.
Recording and Video
This is a glorious piece of Disco that has all the key components that we associate with the genre. Most importantly, it has a hypnotic and pulsating drum beat that is fully backed up with a thumping and melodic bass line. It is absolute Disco heaven. And, while forty years have gone since it was first recorded, it is a sound we still love and one that resonates strongly.
The mix is also a huge standout as it layers a series of strings and horns to give the whole song a much bigger feel. Building on this is the wonderful harmonies by the backing singers, who chirp in with the first couple of words at the start of most verses. Additionally, their deep voices further add to the intensity. Like most of their other songs, Victor Willis takes on the lead vocals.
So, what about the video?
It is a masterpiece. Dressing up in their respective costumes and dancing around various parts of New York was genius. They filmed on location at the original site of the YMCA in McBurney. They also filmed on the west side of the city by the Hudson River.
And there is also a shot that includes the famous Empire State Building in the background. It is an inspiringly iconic video that is as gay as it gets. Not that Victor Willis seemed to know.
But, did you know…
The original dance moves did not show them making the well-known hand gestures. You know, the ones that now feature in their live performances and every bar and wedding once everyone is suitably drunk.
These hand gestures actually originated from their appearance on the TV show, “Dick Clark’s American Bandstand,” in 1979. It was the host who introduced the band to the moves, and they, along with the audience, absolutely loved them. Consequently, the band took them on as their own, and we have all been doing the same since seemingly forever.
Lyrics and Meaning
The YMCA in the 60s was notorious for being a hangout and cruising spot for young hom*osexual men. At the time, hom*osexuality was not as accepted as it is today. But the YMCA was a friendly spot for the gay community to meet and congregate.
By the time the 70s came around, the YMCA was moving away from being a gay hotspot and was beginning its transition to a more inclusive and family-friendly organization. This was then further accelerated as the sad onset of AIDS hit and devastated the community in the early 80s.
Despite these changes…
The meaning behind “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People was built heavily on identifying with the gay community among young men. The first verse extolls the virtues of a young man moving to a new town and finding a safe place to stay for very little money. It then builds upon the theme by explaining that, even when money is tight, there are still plenty of ways to have a good time.
The connotations are crystal clear…
Of course, you might take the song at face value. But you would have to be crazy not to understand the thinly veiledreferences to hom*osexuality in the song “Y.M.C.A.”Unless, of course, you are Victor Willis, who swears as he struts around in a policeman’s leather uniform that this is a wholesome song with no sexual context.
The chorus reinforces thegay innuendos in the lyrics of “Y.M.C.A.”They sing about how it is great fun to hang out with all the other guys and that you can now do whatever want to do at the YMCA. Victor Willis still thinks this is not gay as he is dancing around, rubbing his truncheon up and down his leather pants.
Having established themain meaning of the Village People’s “Y.M.C.A.,”the second verse goes on to reassure anyone going to the YMCA that it is a safe space, and you can be free to be yourself. It also explains that if you are unsure about yourself or your sexuality, you should not be afraid, and you will not be judged. A great sentiment.
The final verse…
This reaffirms what came in the previous verse by explaining that it is OK to be unsure about your feelings for other men. The singer tells the audience that he, too, was that person when he was younger. And therefore, he has experienced these same feelings.
The song could be taken literally. As such, it would only mean that the YMCA is a great place to stay cheaply when you come into a new town. Plus, it would be a great place to find things to do and find new friends in a new city. It could mean these things, but other than for one person, it doesn’t mean this at all.
Need More Disco, Funk, and 70s Music?
Well, check out our thoughts on the, theTop 10 KC And The Sunshine Band Songs, theTop 10 Jackson 5 Songs, theBest 70s Songs, theBest 70s Rock Songs, and theMost Famous Singers Of The 1970sfor more amazing song selections.
Meaning Behind “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People – Final Thoughts
It is easy to see why the Village People became so popular amongst the LGBTQ community. They were a group that talked to them about their lifestyle and concerns openly in a language they understood and enjoyed.
It is said that in the 70s and even into the 80s, there was so little opportunity for this group to openly express themselves. Thankfully, things have now changed for the better. Regardless, I’m sure the Village People will continue to be popular and hold a special place in all of our hearts.
I don’t think thatthe meaning behind “Y.M.C.A.”was ever in much doubt. However, it has been great fun listening to this fantastic song again in a little more detail. I hope it has bought back a few great memories. And, maybe, if you are old enough, it transported you back to those magical times of the 1970s.
Until next time, happy listening.
