20th Century Boy

Marc Bolan

About 20th Century Boy

"20th Century Boy" is a song by T. Rex, written by Marc Bolan. It was released as a single in 1973 and reached No. 3 in the UK Singles Chart. The song was not featured on an original studio album but was included as a bonus track on a reissue of 1973 album Tanx. It later returned to the UK Top 20 in 1991, peaking at No. 13, fourteen years after Bolan's death, when it was used in a Chris Hartwill-directed commercial for Levi's starring Brad Pitt.


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Oow

Friends say it's fine, friends say it's good
Ev'rybody says it's just like rock'n'roll
I move like a cat, talk like a rat
Sting like a bee, oh babe I wanna be your man
Well it's plain to see you were meant for me, yeah
I'm your toy, your 20th century boy

Friends say it's fine, my friends say it's good
Ev'rybody says it's just like rock'n'roll
Fly like a plane, drive like a car
Ball like a hound, oh babe I wanna be your man - oh
Well it's plain to see you were meant for me, yeah
I'm your toy, your 20th century boy

20th century toy, I wanna be your boy
20th century toy, I wanna be your boy
20th century toy, I wanna be your boy
20th century toy, I wanna be your boy

Friends say it's fine, friends say it's good
Ev'rybody says it's just like rock'n'roll
Move like a cat, charge like a ram
Sting like I feel, babe I wanna be your man
Well it's plain to see you were meant for me, yeah
I'm your toy, your 20th century boy

20th century toy, I wanna be your boy
20th century toy, I wanna be your boy
20th century toy, I wanna be your boy
20th century toy, I wanna be your boy

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Marc Bolan

Marc Bolan (born Mark Feld; 30 September 1947 – 16 September 1977) was an English singer-songwriter, guitarist and poet. He is best known as the frontman of glam rock group T. Rex. more »

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Written by: Marc Bolan

Lyrics © Spirit Music Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Information
"20th Century Boy" was released by Marc Bolan's band, T. Rex, in 1973. It was released as a standalone single, not part of any album.
Different Versions
There are a few different versions of "20th Century Boy." The band recorded it in December 1972, but some versions include an alternate vocal by Bolan and different mixes.
Chart Success
Upon its release, the song quickly climbed the UK Singles Chart, peaking at number three. It remained on the chart for a total of 11 weeks.
Lyrics Origin
The song's lyrics, written by Bolan, are thought to reflect his beliefs in reincarnation, astral planes, and magical spells. His interest in mysticism and mythology frequently influenced his lyrics.
Cover Versions
"20th Century Boy" has been covered by various artists including Siouxsie and the Banshees, Def Leppard, Placebo and also featured in the film Velvet Goldmine.
Animation Use
The song was used in a Fruit Gushers commercial, a Pixar short about a boy with superpowers, and a 2007 video game commercial for Destroy All Humans!
Recognition
The song is often considered as one of the greatest glam rock songs.
Final Live Performance
This song was the last to be performed live by Bolan on the television show "Marc" before his untimely death in a car accident in 1977.
Re-charting
Thanks to its use in a commercial for Levi's jeans, the song was reissued in 1991 in the UK and charted at No. 13.
Album Exclusion
Despite its success, "20th Century Boy" was not included on 1973's "Tanx," the T. Rex album that was released around the same time.

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