The YMCA song is one of the most recognizable and popular disco songs known across many decades. Performed by Village People it’s an important song with various contexts such as culture, personal expression and has a prominent association in social environments.
Origins of the YMCA Song
The song debuted in 1978 by Village People from the Cruisin' album. It quickly became popular for its high energy and catchy beats. The song is noted for being one that has multiple influences and its intended message has also changed over the years from its creation to its popular use today.
Creation by French Producers
Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo two French music producers brought the Village People into being in the 70's. Morali himself was openly gay during a period where visibility in that community was low. Morali wanted a way to showcase the gay experience by having figures they would enjoy and be a representation for the gay experience. This created the formation of characters known today in the band Village People who dressed in common yet macho-esqe attire.
YMCA as a cultural anthem
The YMCA has long held an association with the LGBT+ community with the band themselves embodying different gay fantasy roles. It also became a song that transcends all groups with a sing along aspect and hand movements that make all want to join in. These actions from Village People and this specific song led to all types of unique engagement. The dance and song had brought joy and inclusion and many saw a part of their experience within it.
Mainstream Adoption
The sing along parts of YMCA helped propel it into mainstream culture beyond the gay community creating mass appeal that spans across different age groups. The YMCA hit multiple charts including dance pop and beyond making it one of those tracks everyone could enjoy. Because of this wide reaching demographic, the message is very often used and still remains popular in all forms of celebration.
YMCA as part of political events
The YMCA has had use in political events that have become associated to Donald Trump . His usage of the song was frequent at his rallies. Although the band had sent him a cease and desist for prior use due to it not having their approval later those roadblocks changed.
Donald Trump and Y.M.C.A.
Donald Trump frequently uses YMCA as part of his rallies for all types of supporters with an energetic show while displaying the song. He performs some form of his notable dance with swaying arms and shoulders to showcase the songs use. Many viewers and commentators describe this action as an odd take but in some ways relatable to those who are present during these engagements.
Village People's Response
Village People have had mixed feelings towards the President's use of YMCA previously requesting that he not use the song after police action from that time period. After their opposition to his use of the song was not maintained they came to find it to be in their benefit. After those issues that had originally occurred, Village People also noted in a public statement their belief that "music is to be performed without regard to politics" as well. This position now opened their doors to take an invitation to an inauguration performance and embrace all of the people there.
Meaning of the YMCA in pop Culture
Some say it may have been intended to be about finding male companionship in the YMCA which may or may not have been implied during its creation. With lyrics like "They have everything for you men to enjoy” it does highlight some undertones about exploration of the self and male relationships within public settings that are available.
The Camp Aesthetic
The concept behind Campness is associated to the YMCA with irony , style and an "it's so bad it's good" type of feeling that connects the group and the setting. For the community that it had been embraced by they did not see the connection or camp as something that they did not value, but an interesting nod to a group of diverse males showing a sense of connection in the lyrics that many identify with still. It has become something that has long surpassed original intent.
Key Takeaways
- The YMCA Song was created by a group called the Village People with a distinct disco beat.
- Initially created with an intended audience of gay men it has surpassed any original intention creating mass appeal among different age groups.
- The lyrics combined with the easily imitated dance steps made it a common sing along and dance experience for everyone from toddler age and up.
- The YMCA has seen time with various forms of representation through all eras since its initial release.
- It's prominent inclusion in a political settings was very odd for some but made for mass consumption for people in the different areas of life.