20th Century Boy
T.Rex - Marc Bolan Lyrics


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Friends say it's fine
Friends say it's good
Everybody says it's just like Robin Hood

I move like a cat
Charge like a ram
Sting like a bee
Babe, I want to be your man

Well it's plain to see
You were meant for me
Yeah, I'm your boy
Your 20th century toy

Friends say it's fine
Friends say it's good
Everybody says it's just like Robin Hood

Fly like a plane
Drive like a car
Ball like a hound
Babe I want to be your man

Well it's plain to see
You were meant for me
Yea I'm your toy
Your 20th century boy

20th century toy
I want to be your boy
20th century toy
I want to be your boy
20th century toy
I want to be your boy
20th century toy
I want to be your boy

Friends say it's fine
Friends say it's good
Everybody says it's just like Robin Hood

Move like a cat
Charge like a ram
Sting like a bee
Oh, babe I want to be your man

Well it's plain to see
You were meant for me
Yea I'm your toy
Your 20th century boy

20th century toy
I want to be your boy
20th century toy
I want to be your boy
20th century boy
I want to be your toy




20th century boy
I want to be your toy

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of T.Rex's "20th Century Boy" represent a declaration of love to a partner, expressed in a way that equates the singer's identity with the modern world. The song presents the idea of being a "20th Century Boy" or "Twentieth Century Toy," as a positive attribute that makes him fit for his companion. The lyrics suggest that the singer is wild, energetic and unstoppable, just like rock 'n' roll. He moves like a cat, charges like a ram, and stings like a bee, emphasizing a sense of danger and excitement.


There is an element of playful arrogance to the lyrics, as the singer declares himself as the perfect fit for his partner. He wants to be her man and her toy, suggesting an eagerness to please and satisfy her. The song also repeats the idea that everyone thinks their relationship is just like rock 'n' roll, emphasizing the idea of youthful rebellion and non-conformity.


Among other things, this song emphasizes the importance of energy and vitality in rock music, as well as the aesthetics of glam rock that defined T.Rex's style. The song is also notable for its heavy use of acoustic and electric guitar, and for the prominent backing vocals that provide a sense of grandeur and power to the chorus. Marc Bolan's vocals are where the song's energy really lies, as he delivers the lyrics with an infectious confidence and swagger that makes it impossible not to be carried along with the melody.


Line by Line Meaning

Friends say it's fine, friends say it's good
My friends think it's alright and approve of what I'm doing


Everybody says it's just like rock 'n' roll
Everyone thinks my lifestyle is similar to the exciting and rebellious nature of rock music


I move like a cat, charge like a ram, sting like a bee
I am smooth and agile like a cat, powerful and aggressive like a ram, and can hurt like a bee if provoked


Babe I'm want to be your man
I desire to be the person you choose as a partner and fulfill the role of a loving, supportive boyfriend


Well it's plain to see you were meant for me, yeah
It's obvious to me that you and I are meant to be together


I'm your boy
I am the young man you choose to be in a romantic relationship with


Your twentieth century toy
I am a modern, exciting toy for you to play with in this modern era


Fly like a plane, drive like a car, hold out your hand
I can take you places quickly like a plane or car and will always be there for you to lend a helping hand


But it's plain to see you were meant for me, yeah
It's clear to me that you and I are destined to be together


I'm your toy
I am an object of your affection and desire, brought to life by your love


Twentieth century toy
I am a product of the modern world, made to fulfill your desires and make you happy


I want to be your boy
I desire to be the young man you choose as a partner and give my love and support to


Twentieth century boy
I am a young man of the modern era, living an exciting and adventurous life that reflects the spirit of the times




Lyrics © Spirit Music Group
Written by: Marc Bolan

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@user-pl4xm4eq4y

Friends say it's fine, friends say it's good
Everybody says it's just like Robin Hood

I move like a cat, charge like a ram
Sting like a bee, babe, I wanna be your man

Well it's plain to see, you were meant for me
And I'm your boy, your 20th century toy

Friends say it's fine, friends say it's good
Everybody says it's just like Robin Hood

Fly like a plane, drive like a car
Hold like a hand
Babe, I want be your man

Well it's plain to see, you were meant for me
And I'm your boy, your 20th century toy

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



@user-pl4xm4eq4y

Friends say it's fine, friends say it's good
Everybody says it's just like Robin Hood

I move like a cat, charge like a ram
Sting like a bee, babe, I wanna be your man

Well it's plain to see, you were meant for me
And I'm your boy, your 20th century toy

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



All comments from YouTube:

@machintosh3008

During lunchtime at school. I play this over the speakers. And whenever I do, I feel invincible.

@Spencer18861

Guess that would make you one of the 20th Century Boys

@talsoat

Immortality..

@dcardo100

☝🏻👁

@eclop07

@@dcardo100 hello

@noamlichtman6252

We must be “friends”

31 More Replies...

@sgregory0753

Imagine being such a good song that it got referenced in two separate mangas by two different authors

@bestshadow6585

Wait 2? What's the other besides 20th Century Boys? I guess JoJo but idk

@number-qx1kw

@@bestshadow6585 yep its jojo

@langostasamurai2977

w pfp, w manga fan

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