About the song
David Bowie’s “Young Americans” stands as a timeless piece that captures a crucial phase in the artist’s career and the sociopolitical climate of 1970s America. Released in 1975, this song marks Bowie’s bold transition from the glam rock stylings that defined his earlier works to a more soulful, rhythm and blues-infused sound. This shift was not merely a change in musical direction but a reflection of Bowie’s ever-evolving artistic persona, highlighting his uncanny ability to adapt and reinvent himself.
The track “Young Americans” is a vibrant tapestry of themes exploring youth, disillusionment, and the American Dream. Bowie’s lyrics, delivered with a sense of urgency and raw emotion, delve into the complexities of identity and aspiration in a society grappling with rapid changes and cultural shifts. The song’s opening lines, “They pulled in just behind the bridge, he lays her down, he frowns,” immediately set the tone for a narrative that is both personal and universally resonant.
One of the most striking elements of “Young Americans” is its rich musical composition. The track features a dynamic blend of saxophones, courtesy of David Sanborn, and soulful backing vocals from Luther Vandross, who would later achieve fame as a solo artist. This collaboration resulted in a sound that was both fresh and deeply rooted in the traditions of American soul and funk music. Bowie’s own vocal performance is nothing short of mesmerizing, showcasing his ability to convey deep emotion and storytelling through his distinctive voice.
The song’s production, helmed by Tony Visconti, further elevates its impact. Visconti’s work on “Young Americans”is characterized by a polished yet gritty sound that perfectly complements the lyrical content and Bowie’s vocal delivery. The recording sessions at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, a hub for the “Philly Soul” sound, were instrumental in shaping the album’s distinctive feel.
“Young Americans” is more than just a song; it’s a snapshot of an era. It reflects the optimism and disillusionment of post-Watergate America, capturing the hopes and frustrations of a generation. The chorus, with its repetitive plea of “All night, she wants the Young American,” resonates as a poignant commentary on the relentless pursuit of the American Dream and the often stark reality that accompanies it.
For listeners, both young and old, David Bowie‘s “Young Americans” offers a rich, multi-layered listening experience. It’s a song that invites reflection on one’s own aspirations and the societal forces that shape them. Bowie’s masterful fusion of genres and his insightful, sometimes biting lyrics, ensure that “Young Americans” remains relevant and impactful nearly five decades after its release. Whether you’re revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, the song’s powerful message and infectious groove are sure to leave a lasting impression.
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Lyrics
They pulled in just behind the bridgeHe lays her down, he frowns“Gee, my life’s a funny thing, am I still too young?”He kissed her then and thereShe took his ring, took his babiesIt took him minutes, took her nowhereHeaven knows, she’d have taken anything, butShe wants a young American(Young American, young American, she wants the young American)(All right)But she wants the young AmericanScanning life through the picture window She finds the slinky vagabondHe coughs as he passes her Ford MustangBut Heaven forbid, she’ll take anythingBut the freak, and his type, all for nothingMisses a step and cuts his hand, butShowing nothing, he swoops like a songShe cries, “Where have all Papa’s heroes gone?”She wants a young American(Young American, young American, she wants the young American)(All right)Well she wants the young AmericanAll the way from WashingtonHer bread-winner begs off the bathroom floor“We live for just these twenty yearsDo we have to die for the fifty more?”He wants the young American(Young American, young American, he wants the young American)(All right) all rightWell he wants the young AmericanDo 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, andNot a myth left from the ghettoWell, well, well, would you carry a razorIn case, just in case of depression?Sit on your hands on a bus of survivorsBlushing at all the Afro-SheenersAin’t that close to love?Well, ain’t that poster love?Well, it ain’t that Barbie dollHer heart’s have been broken just like you andAll night you want the young American(Young American, young American, you want the young American)(All right)You want the young AmericanYou ain’t a pimp and you ain’t a hustler (young American, young American)A pimp’s got a Cadi and a lady got a Chrysler (you want the young American)Black’s got respect, and white’s got his soul train (all right)Mama’s got cramps, and look at your hands ache(I heard the news today, oh boy)I got a suite and you got defeatAin’t there a man who can say no more? (All night)And, ain’t there a woman I can sock on the jaw?And, ain’t there a child I can hold without judging? (young American, young American)Ain’t there a pen that will write before they die? (You want the young American)Ain’t you proud that you’ve still got faces? (All right)Ain’t there one damn song that can make meBreak down and cry?I want the young AmericanYoung American, young American, I want the young American(All right)I want the young American, young American(Young American, young American, I want the young American)I want what you want, I want what you want(All night)You want I, I want you, I(Young American, young American, I want the young American)(All right)And all I want is the young American(Young American, young American, I want the young American)