20th Century Boy
Placebo Lyrics
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Everybody says it's just like Robin Hood
I move like a rat, talk like a cat, sting like a bee
Babe I'm gonna be your man
And it's plain to see you were meant for me, yeah
I'm your toy
Your 20th century boy
Friends says it's fine, friends says it's good
Everybody says it's just like Robin Hood
Fly like a plane, drive like a car, hold out your hand
Babe, I'm gonna be your man
And it's plain to see you were meant for me, yeah
I'm your boy
Your 20th century boy
20th century boy
I want to be your toy
20th century boy
I want to be your toy
20th century boy
I want to be your toy
20th century boy
I want to be your toy
Friends say it's fine, friends say it's good
Everybody says it's just like rock 'n' roll
I move like a cat, talk like a rat, sting like a bee
Babe, I'm gonna be your man
And it's plain to see you were meant for me, yeah
I'm your toy
Your 20th century boy
20th century boy
I want to be your toy
20th century boy
I want to be your toy
20th century boy
I want to be your toy
20th century boy
I want to be your toy
"20th Century Boy" by Placebo is a cover of T. Rex's original song written by Marc Bolan. The song is a bold proclamation of the singer's romantic and sexual prowess, drawing inspiration from the 20th century icons such as Robin Hood and rock 'n' roll. It begins with the singer's assertion that everyone thinks he's a hero, likening himself to the legendary outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. He then boasts about his physical prowess, describing himself as sly like a rat, charming like a cat, and powerful like a bee, insisting that he's going to be his lover's man.
The chorus of the song repeats the idea that the singer is a toy or a plaything, eagerly willing to do whatever his partner desires, asserting that she was meant for him. He then repeats the chorus several times at the end of the song, singing about how he wants to be his lover's toy, constantly reinforcing his willingness to please her. The lyrics are full of bold romantic declarations, set to a driving rock beat that embodies the confidence of the singer.
Line by Line Meaning
Friends say it's fine, friends say it's good
The singer's friends approve of his behavior
Everybody says it's just like Robin Hood
Others see the singer as a heroic figure
I move like a rat, talk like a cat, sting like a bee
The singer is agile, cunning and dangerous
Babe I'm gonna be your man
The artist is promising to be the listener's partner
And it's plain to see you were meant for me, yeah
The artist believes the listener is his soulmate
I'm your toy
The singer is willing to do whatever the listener wants
Your twentieth century boy
The singer is a man of the modern world
Fly like a plane, drive like a car, hold out your hand
The artist is capable of anything and willing to help the listener
Twentieth century boy, I want to be your toy
The artist wants to be controlled by the listener
Everybody says it's just like rock 'n' roll
Others see the artist's behavior as rebellious and exciting
Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: Marc Bolan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
구본
Friends say it's fine, friends say it's good
Everybody says it's just like Robin Hood
I move like a rat, talk like a cat, sting like a bee
Babe, I'm gonna be your man
And it's plain to see you were meant for me, yeah
I'm your toy, your 20th century boy
Friends says it's fine, friends says it's good
Everybody says it's just like Robin Hood
Fly like a plane, drive like a car, hold out your hand
Babe, I'm gonna be your man
And it's plain to see you were meant for me, yeah
I'm your boy, your 20th century toy
20th century boy
I wanna be your toy
20th century boy
I wanna be your toy
20th century boy
I wanna be your toy
20th century boy
I wanna be your toy
Friends say it's fine, friends say it's good
Everybody says it's just like rock 'n' roll
I move like a cat, talk like a rat, sting like a bee
Babe, I'm gonna be your man
And it's plain to see you were meant for me, yeah
I'm your toy, your 20th century boy
20th century boy
I wanna be your toy
20th century boy
I wanna be your toy
20th century boy
I wanna be your toy
20th century boy
I wanna be your toy
Rory
The line between attraction and gender envy is verry thin
SerialGothQueens
An absolutely fantastic cover, with all of the swing, swagger, and power of the original tune. Not an easy feat, but Placebo made it happen!
Drop Tine
Just one of the best opening guitar riffs of all time
Anísio 2
Perfect!!!
DrDespicable
And then the backup singers come in and blast your hair all the way off - absolutely amazing!
Wahi' Valleys
This is my favorite version of this song. The combo of multiple guitars and bass form this "boom-wall of sound." Awesome! Wahi' Valleys
J B
Velvet Goldmine gave me everything I need: Brian Molko (my biggest love ♥️), Ewan McGregor (with his woohoo performance 🔥), Jonathan Rhys Meyers (my 2nd love 😁). I'm a happy girl!
Targard .QuantumFrack
As a bi man, I couldn't agree more. Let's not forget Christian Bale who's cute as fuck in this film :)
Mark Smilevsky
2018 AND STILL THIS SONG IS SO COOL!!!!
lunemagick
Still Rockin' 2023