The Timeless Message Behind David Bowie’s “Young Americans”
There are certain songs that withstand the test of time because they speak to a universal truth that transcends the era in which it was written. David Bowie’s “Young Americans” is one of those songs. Released in 1975 as a single from his album of the same name, “Young Americans” has become an anthem for disillusioned youth, a rallying cry for those who feel left behind by society, and a timeless reminder that the struggle for equality and justice is ongoing. In this article, we will delve into the meaning behind the song and explore why its message is as relevant today as it was over four decades ago.
The Context of “Young Americans”
To understand the true meaning of “Young Americans,” we need to first look at the context in which it was written. During the early 1970s, America was going through a tumultuous period of social and political upheaval. The Vietnam War had just ended, and the Watergate scandal was beginning to unravel. The country was facing an economic recession, and tensions between different races and classes were at an all-time high.
It was against this backdrop that David Bowie wrote “Young Americans.” He was living in Los Angeles at the time, and was struck by the stark contrast between the city’s glamorous image and the harsh reality of poverty and inequality that he saw around him. The song is a commentary on the American dream, and the ways in which it has failed to live up to its promise for so many people.
The Lyrics of “Young Americans”
The lyrics of “Young Americans” are deceptively simple, but they pack a powerful punch. The song tells the story of a young man who feels lost and alone in a sea of conformity and materialism:
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 the young American
The song goes on to describe the frustrations and disillusionment of the young man and his peers:
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?”
The chorus of the song is a defiant call to arms:
They’ve got the guns, but we’ve got the numbers
Gonna win, yeah we’re taking over
Come on!
The Meaning of “Young Americans”
The message behind “Young Americans” is multi-layered, but at its core, the song is a critique of the American dream. Bowie was disillusioned with the idea that hard work and perseverance would lead to success and prosperity. Instead, he saw a society that was rife with inequality, racism, and a pervasive sense of apathy.
The song is also a call to action for young people to take control of their own futures. Bowie believed that young people had the power to effect real change in society, and he wanted to inspire them to take action. The line “They’ve got the guns, but we’ve got the numbers” is a powerful statement of defiance and resilience, and it has become a rallying cry for activists and social movements around the world.
Finally, “Young Americans” is a celebration of diversity and difference. Bowie was a champion of the LGBTQ+ community, and the song’s lyrics hint at his own exploration of his sexuality and gender identity. The line “Do you remember your President Nixon?” is a nod to the fact that Nixon was opposed to same-sex marriage, and Bowie’s inclusion of these lyrics in the song was a subtle way of challenging the prevailing social norms around sexuality and relationships.
The Legacy of “Young Americans”
“Young Americans” has had a lasting impact on pop culture and music. It has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Tori Amos, Kaiser Chiefs, and Rod Stewart. The song’s message of hope, defiance, and diversity has resonated with generations of young people, and it continues to inspire social and political movements around the world.
In a 1976 interview with Rolling Stone, Bowie himself summed up the meaning of “Young Americans” when he said, “We felt that our generation, through rock ‘n’ roll, really had the potential to change the world. We didn’t quite change it, but we gave it a hell of a try.”
In the end, the legacy of “Young Americans” is that it reminds us of the power of music and art to inspire change and unite people behind a common cause. It’s a timeless message that we can all learn from, regardless of our background, beliefs, or social status. As Bowie himself once said, “I don’t know where I’m going from here, but I promise it won’t be boring.”
