David Bowie

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
They pulled in just behind the fridge
He lays her down, he frowns
"Gee, my life's a funny thing
Am I still too young?"
He kissed her then and there
She took his ring, took his babies
It took him minutes, took her nowhere
Heaven knows, she'd have taken anything, but

[Chorus]
(All night)
She wants the young American
(Young American, young American)
(She wants the young American)
(All right)
She wants the young American

[Verse 2]
Scanning life through the picture window
She finds the slinky vagabond
He coughs as he passes her Ford Mustang
But Heaven forbid, she'll take anything
But the freak, and his type, all for nothing
He misses a step and cuts his hand, but
Showing nothing, he swoops like a song
She cries "Where have all Papa's heroes gone?"
[Chorus]
(All night)
She wants the young American
(Young American, young American)
(She wants the young American)
(All right)
But she wants the young American

[Bridge]
All the way from Washington
Her bread-winner begs off the bathroom floor
"We live for just these twenty years
Do we have to die for the fifty more?"

[Chorus]
All night
He wants the young American
(Young American, young American)
(He wants the young American)
(All right) All right
He wants the young American
[Verse 3]
Do you remember, your President Nixon?
Do you remember, the bills you have to pay?
Or even yesterday?
Have you been the un-American?
Just you and your idol sing falsetto
'bout Leather, leather everywhere
And not a myth left from the ghetto
Well, well, well, would you carry a razor
In case, just in case of depression?
Sit on your hands on a bus of survivors
Blushing at all the Afro-Sheeners
Ain't that close to love?
Well, ain't that poster love?
Well, it ain't that Barbie doll
Her heart's been broken just like you and

[Chorus]
(All night)
All night, you want the young American
(Young American) young American
(You want the young American) All right
All right
You want the young American

[Verse 4]
You ain't a pimp and you ain't a hustler
A pimp's got a Cadi and a lady got a Chrysler
Black's got respect, and white's got his soul train
Mama's got cramps, and look at your hands ache
(I heard the news today, oh boy)
I got a suite and you got defeat
Ain't there a man who can say no more?
And ain't there a woman I can sock on the jaw?
And, ain't there a child I can hold without judging?
Ain't there a pen that will write before they die?
Ain't you proud that you've still got faces?
Ain't there one damn song that can make me break down and cry?
[Chorus]
All night
I want the young American
(Young American) young American
(I want the young American)
All right
I want the young American, young American

[Outro]
(Young American, young American)
(I want the young American)
(All night)
You want I, I want you
(Young American, young American)
(I want the young American)
(All right)
All I want is the young American
(Young American, young American)
(I want the young American)
(All night)

David Bowie has always been a visionary when it comes to music. He was known for his distinct style and made music that always crossed boundaries. One such song, “Young Americans,” reflects Bowie’s obsession with soul music.

About Young Americans

The song “Young Americans” was written by David Bowie and released in 1975. It is a hodgepodge of political and social imagery that features a funky beat and a soulful sound. The song was recorded in Philadelphia with a live rhythm and blues band, adding further soul to its vibe.

The lyrics of the song speak to the America that Bowie saw in the mid-70s. He painted a picture of the youth of America, their desperation to make sense of the world around them and find their place in it. The song talks about the struggles of young people as they try to make their way in a difficult and changing world.

The song features a powerful chorus that reflects the spirit of young America. It’s youthful and optimistic, and at the same time, it carries a sense of frustration and anxiety. The song talks about the struggle of young Americans to find themselves and their place in the world. It’s a relatable struggle that resonates even today.

The song is 5 minutes and 11 seconds long, and it features an impressive horn section. David Sanborn helped arrange the saxophone pieces and backing vocals for the entire album, and Luther Vandross participated in background vocals on the song specifically.

Why Young Americans is a Classic

The song “Young Americans” has stood the test of time for several reasons. Firstly, it was one of Bowie’s most accessible songs, which helped it to reach a wider audience. Secondly, it featured a sound that was different from Bowie’s previous work. The song has a funky, soulful sound that was refreshing at the time.

The song’s lyrics were also groundbreaking in their own ways. Bowie’s frankness in discussing issues such as race, class, and sexuality was something that wasn’t common in pop music at the time. Through this song, Bowie gave a voice to the struggles of young Americans in a way that was both honest and easily relatable.

“Young Americans” was a critical success, and it earned Bowie a spot on the prestigious list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine. The song has been covered by several artists over the years, and it remains a staple of classic rock radio even today. It continues to serve as a reminder of the spirit of young America.

Conclusion

“Young Americans” is a song that captured the spirit of young America in the mid-70s. Bowie’s frankness in discussing issues that were considered taboo at the time, coupled with the song’s funky and soulful sound, helped it to become a classic. Its lyrics still resonate with audiences today and serve as a reminder of the struggles of young Americans to find themselves in a changing world.

With Luther Vandross’s background vocals and David Sanborn’s saxophone arrangement, the song remains a timeless classic that continues to inspire new generations of listeners. Its popularity over the years is testimony to its quality and its ability to speak to people from different generations.

In short, “Young Americans” is a song that reflects Bowie's ingenuity and his ability to make music that crossed boundaries. It’s a song that will continue to stand the test of time and serve as a reminder of the struggles and aspirations of young people everywhere.

• Release Date: February 21, 1975
• Artist: David Bowie