Young Americans
David Bowie
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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 Young American, young American, she wants the young American All night 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 He wants the young American Do you remember, your President Nixon? Do you remember, the bills you have to pay? Or even yesterday? 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? 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 All right I want the young one
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: David Bowie
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, TINTORETTO MUSIC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
15 facts about this song
Album Classification"Young Americans" is a track from the ninth studio album of the same name by David Bowie which was released in March 1975.
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Style ClassificationThe song is classified as a blend of soul and British pop which is distinctive for Bowie's career as it's characterized by the contributions of saxophonist David Sanborn.
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Priority Classification"Young Americans" was the first single from the album and is known to be one of Bowie's most significant songs.
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Record Label Classification"Young Americans" was released under the labels of RCA Records and Parlophone.
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Backing Vocal ClassificationFamous soul musician Luther Vandross provided backup vocals for the song, marking one of his earliest prominent industry gigs.
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Recording Location ClassificationThis track was notably recorded at the Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia, USA, which was renowned for creating ‘The Sound of Philadelphia’ style.
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Chart Performance ClassificationThe song reached No. 28 in the UK and peaked at No. 10 in the United States, marking Bowie's first Top 10 hit in the U.S.
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Legal ClassificationDavid Bowie faced a lawsuit after the release of "Young Americans" due to its resemblance to the Beatles song "Here, There and Everywhere". He finally reached an agreement with the Beatles' company Northern Songs.
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Production ClassificationThe song was produced by Bowie and British record producer Tony Visconti.
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Live Performance Classification"Young Americans" was regularly performed by Bowie in his concerts and the track features in a number of Bowie's greatest hits albums.
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Video ClassificationA promotional video shot in 1975 shows a well-groomed Bowie and a full band (and backing singers) performing the song in what appears to be a US newsroom — a direct reference to the song's lyrics.
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Legacy ClassificationIn 2010, the NME (New Musical Express) placed "Young Americans" at number 57 in its list of the Top 100 Greatest Songs of NME's Lifetime.
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Featured Artist ClassificationThe song credits talented members such as Carlos Alomar and Willie Weeks with prominent guitar and bass performances.
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Lyrics Interpretation ClassificationThe lyrics of "Young Americans" provide social commentary for the time it was written, discussing issues of race and disenfranchisement in America.
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Re-release ClassificationThe song was remastered in 1999 for the album’s re-release.
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