Young Americans
Young Americans

David Bowie - Young Americans Lyrics

David Bowie's exploration of youthful dreams and disillusionment is vividly captured in his lyrics. The song delves into the complexities of American identity, touching on themes of love, ambition, and societal expectations. It portrays characters grappling… Read more

Soul
Sep 6, 1999
2K
Young Americans Music Video

Young Americans Lyrics

They pulled in just behind the bridge
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

(All night)
She wants a young American
(Young American, young American, she wants the young American)
(All right)
But she wants the young American

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
Misses a step and cuts his hand, but
Showing nothing, he swoops like a song
She cries, "Where have all Papa's heroes gone?"

(All night)
She wants a young American
(Young American, young American, she wants the young American)
(All right)
Well she wants the young American

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?"

(All night)
He wants the young American
(Young American, young American, he wants the young American)
(All right) all right
Well he wants the young American

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 have been broken just like you and

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

You 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 defeat
Ain'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 me
Break down and cry?

(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
(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)

Writer(s): David Bowie
Copyright(s): Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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What is the Meaning of Young Americans?

David Bowie's exploration of youthful dreams and disillusionment is vividly captured in his lyrics. The song delves into the complexities of American identity, touching on themes of love, ambition, and societal expectations. It portrays characters grappling with their aspirations and the harsh realities they face, reflecting a sense of longing for an idealized version of life that remains elusive. Bowie references political figures like President Nixon and social issues such as racial tensions, highlighting the era's struggles. Ultimately, the song critiques materialism and questions whether true happiness can be found within the confines of societal norms, urging listeners to reflect on their own lives and desires.

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