The band was assembled in 1977 and managed by two French musicians, Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo, specifically to showcase and perform their disco music creations. Much like Frank Farian's Boney M. or Spice Girls, the group was manufactured. Despite the French song writers, the songs were all in English.
The band's name references a well-known gay area of New York City, Greenwich Village. Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo got the inspiration for creating an assembly of American man archetypes based on the gay men of the Village who frequently dressed in various fantasy ways. The police officer character is said to have been inspired by an actual Sacramento County (California) Sheriff's Deputy - David Orth.
The United States Navy considered using the Village People hit "In the Navy" in a recruiting advertising campaign on television and radio. They contacted Belolo, who decided to give the rights for free on the condition that the Navy help them shoot the music video. Less than a month later, Village People arrived at the San Diego Naval base. The Navy provided them with a war ship, several airplanes, and hundreds of Navy men. When the video started showing and the Navy started the planned ad campaign, some newspapers protested using taxpayer money to fund music videos (especially for a group considered by some to be "morally dubious"). The Navy quickly cancelled the campaign. The scandal tremendously boosted the popularity of the song.
Other hits include their trademark "Macho Man", "Go West", and "YMCA". More than twenty years later, a dance that involves forming the latter four letters with the dancer's arms and legs is still popular at summer camps, office functions, wedding receptions, school dances, sporting events and B'nai Mitzvahs. In the middle of the seventh inning of each baseball game at Yankee Stadium, the grounds crew take an on-field break from grooming the infield to dance as "YMCA" is played, typically to enthusiastic cheers from the fans.
An interesting fact about the Village People recordings is that all of the background vocals for their best known recordings where provided by 2 session musicians who went on to front notable bands; Bill Champlin from Chicago, and Richard Page (musician) from Mr. Mister.
The group also appeared in their 1980 feature film Can't Stop the Music, directed by Nancy Walker, written by Allan Carr and Bronte Woodard, music and lyrics by Jacques Morali and starring Steve Guttenberg, Valerie Perrine, Bruce Jenner, and Village People. The movie "won" the Worst Picture and Worst Screenplay prizes at the 1980 Golden Raspberry Awards in March 1981 and was nominated in almost all the other categories.
In 1981, with the popularity of disco waning and New Wave music on the rise, Village People replaced their on-stage costumes with a new look inspired by the New Romantic movement, and released the New Wave album Renaissance; it was not a commercial success.Victor Willis returned to the group briefly in late 1981 for the album Fox on the Box, which was released in 1982 only in Europe but did have limited release in the United States in 1983 under the title In the Street. Miles Jaye had briefly taken over for Ray Simpson as lead singer by 1983 and contributed an extra track to In the Street. Mark Lee replaced David Hodo in 1982.
Their last album containing new material, the 1985 dance/Hi-NRG release Sex Over the Phone, was not a huge commercial success, but it fared better in sales and club play than their Renaissance album. The title track, when released as a single, was banned by the BBC because of its content - credit card dirty phone calls. The Sex album featured yet another new lead singer, Ray Stephens (of The Great Space Coaster fame). Py Douglas came in to sub for Stephens for some of the group's live appearances in 1985.
In 1985, the group took a hiatus but reunited in 1987 with the line-up of Randy Jones, David Hodo, Felipe Rose, Glenn Hughes, Alex Briley and Ray Simpson.
Since 1988, the group has managed itself under the name Sixuvus Ltd.
In 1994, the Village People joined the German national soccer team to sing its official World Cup '94 theme, "Far Away in America."
Starting in 2004, Village People performed as the opening act for Cher in her Farewell Tour until it ended in April 2005.
From July 18th to July 20th, 2004, Village People performed in Berlin for three shows as an opening act for the German punk band Die Ärzte.
On May 8, 2012, Victor Willis wins a landmark ruling in the first case heard regarding the Copyright Act of 1976 which allows recording artists and writers to reclaim their master recordings and publishing rights initially granted to record companies and publishers after 35 years.
In April 2013, Village People recorded "Let's Go Back To The Dance Floor" -- a song written by Harry Wayne Casey (KC & The Sunshine Band) and produced by DJ Julian Marsh.
Milkshake
Village People Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Do the milkshake, the milkshake (do the shake)
Do the shake (do the shake), do the shake (do the shake)
Do the milkshake, the milkshake (do the shake)
When they come home (when they come ho-o-ome) from school (alright)
And they want something that's cold to drink (co-old to dri-ink)
Vitality (vitality), they need (they need)
Just get a glass (just get a gla-ass) of milk (of mi-ilk)
You see it's not very hard to make (not very hard to make)
Add some ice cream (some ice cream) and blend (yeah-eah)
You will have yourself a great milkshake (a grea-eat milksha-ake)
Do the shake (do the shake), do the sha-a-ake (do the shake)
Do the milkshake, the milkshake (do the shake)
Do the shake (do the shake), do the shake (do the shake)
Do the milkshake, the milkshake (do the shake), yeah
When you're at work (when you're at wor-ork) today (alright)
And it is time for your coffee break (coffee break)
Why don't you treat (why don't you trea-eat) yourself (yourse-elf)
To a big thick and frosty shake (frosty shake)
When it is time (when it is ti-ime) for lunch (for lu-unch)
A milkshake goes with your sandwich too (yeah-yeah-yeah-eah)
Just have yourself (have yourself) a feast (a feast)
See what a milkshake can do for you (yeah-eah-yeah-yeah-eah)
Do it (do it), alri-ight (do the shake), why don't you do it (do it, do it)
Yeah, (do the shake) Do the shake y'all, (do it) hey (do the shake)
Do the milkshake (do it, do it) hey, (do the shake)
Just get some icecream (do it) and some mi-ilk (do the shake)
You can ble-end (do it, do it) yourself a milkshake (do the shake)
Just do the shake y'all
The Village People's song "Milkshake" is a fun and lively ode to the beloved treat. The song highlights the simple ingredients needed to make a tasty milkshake- milk and ice cream. The lyrics encourage listeners to enjoy a milkshake at different times of the day such as after school, during a coffee break, or even with lunch. The song emphasizes the importance of a milkshake as a "vitality" booster and mentions how easy it is to make one.
The song's upbeat tempo and lyrics make it a classic disco tune that can still get people on their feet today. However, beyond its fun appeal, the song also reflects the cultural significance and popularity of milkshakes in the United States, especially during the 1970s which was considered the golden age of milkshakes. The song also celebrates the idea of indulgence and the importance of treating oneself to something sweet and satisfying.
Line by Line Meaning
Do the shake (do the shake), do the sha-a-ake (do the shake)
Encouragement to perform a dance-like movement called the shake, with repetition to reinforce the action
Do the milkshake, the milkshake (do the shake)
Repeat of the previous line, but with extra emphasis on the object of the action, a milkshake
When they come home (when they come ho-o-ome) from school (alright)
Setting the scene for a situation when children arrive home from school
And they want something that's cold to drink (co-old to dri-ink)
Desire for a cold beverage
Vitality (vitality), they need (they need)
Highlighting the importance of sustaining energy
They also want something good and sweet (good and sweet)
Preference for a beverage that is both enjoyable and flavorful
Just get a glass (just get a gla-ass) of milk (of mi-ilk)
Suggestion to obtain a glass of milk
You see it's not very hard to make (not very hard to make)
Assurance that making a milkshake is not difficult
Add some ice cream (some ice cream) and blend (yeah-eah)
Instructions for making a milkshake by adding ice cream and blending
You will have yourself a great milkshake (a grea-eat milksha-ake)
Promise that combining milk, ice cream and blending it will result in a delicious milkshake
When you're at work (when you're at wor-ork) today (alright)
Transition to situation when listener is at work
And it is time for your coffee break (coffee break)
Indication that it is time for a brief rest period at work
Why don't you treat (why don't you trea-eat) yourself (yourse-elf)
Encouragement to indulge oneself
To a big thick and frosty shake (frosty shake)
Suggestion to have a milkshake that is cold, thick and flavorful
When it is time (when it is ti-ime) for lunch (for lu-unch)
Shift to another meal time, lunch
A milkshake goes with your sandwich too (yeah-yeah-yeah-eah)
Suggestion to pair a milkshake with one's sandwich for a fulfilling meal
Just have yourself (have yourself) a feast (a feast)
Encouragement to indulge in a satisfying meal
See what a milkshake can do for you (yeah-eah-yeah-yeah-eah)
Highlighting the benefits of having a milkshake with one's meal
Do it (do it), alri-ight (do the shake), why don't you do it (do it, do it)
Encouragement to perform the action of making and drinking a milkshake
Yeah, (do the shake) Do the shake y'all, (do it) hey (do the shake)
Repeating the initial encouragement to perform a dance-like movement called the shake, reinforcing the action
Do the milkshake (do it, do it) hey, (do the shake)
Encouragement to make and drink a milkshake, followed by an invitation to perform the dance-like movement called the shake
Just get some icecream (do it) and some mi-ilk (do the shake)
Instructions and encouragement to obtain ice cream, milk, and perform the dance-like movement called the shake
You can ble-end (do it, do it) yourself a milkshake (do the shake)
Assurance that one has the capability to make a delicious milkshake and encouragement to perform the dance-like movement called the shake
Just do the shake y'all
Final encouragement to perform the dance-like movement called the shake
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GIANLUCA ANSELMI, PIETRO PASTORE, ROBERTO ARDUINI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Yokaa006
Do the shake (do the shake), do the sha-a-ake (do the shake)
Do the milkshake, the milkshake (do the shake)
Do the shake (do the shake), do the shake (do the shake)
Do the milkshake, the milkshake (do the shake)
When they come home (when they come ho-o-ome) from school (alright)
And they want something that's cold to drink (co-old to dri-ink)
Vitality (vitality), they need (they need)
They also want something good and sweet (good and sweet)
Just get a glass (just get a gla-ass) of milk (of mi-ilk)
You see it's not very hard to make (not very hard to make)
Add some ice cream (some ice cream) and blend (yeah-eah)
You will have yourself a great milkshake (a grea-eat milksha-ake)
Do the shake (do the shake), do the sha-a-ake (do the shake)
Do the milkshake, the milkshake (do the shake)
Do the shake (do the shake), do the shake (do the shake)
Do the milkshake, the milkshake (do the shake), yeah
When you're at work (when you're at wor-ork) today (alright)
And it is time for your coffee break (coffee break)
Why don't you treat (why don't you trea-eat) yourself (yourse-elf)
To a big thick and frosty shake (frosty shake)
When it is time (when it is ti-ime) for lunch (for lu-unch)
A milkshake goes with your sandwich too (yeah-yeah-yeah-eah)
Just have yourself (have yourself) a feast (a feast)
See what a milkshake can do for you (yeah-eah-yeah-yeah-eah)
Do it (do it), alri-ight (do the shake), why don't you do it (do it, do it)
Yeah, (do the shake) Do the shake y'all, (do it) hey (do the shake)
Do the milkshake (do it, do it) hey, (do the shake)
Just get some icecream (do it) and some mi-ilk (do the shake)
You can ble-end (do it, do it) yourself a milkshake (do the shake)
Just do the shake y'all
@bojanglecumbersnatch3707
I saw this movie in the theater. Of all the musical numbers, this was my favorite.
@greekgoddessmom
No group rocks like the Village People!
@sharonjensen3016
I saw them in concert here in Australia when they were support act for Cher. They did this song too.
@kimberlyjones8185
I think what killed the movie is that they only had 1 of their hit songs in it (YMCA), but this song & Can't stop the music theme song at the finale were the best in the movie!
@darrenmiles-morland8038
The movie was made during the Ray Simpson era of The Village People. Most of the band's biggest hit songs were recorded during the period when Victor Willis was their lead vocalist, so that could explain why those songs were not used in the movie. Even the Y.M.C.A. song in the movie was a Ray Simpson version of it.
@Bondgirl73
My first ever jazz dance class was to this in 1979 when I had just turned 6. Remember this song and dance forever!❤️🌟🙌🏻
@jwsmith53
The best scene in this dreadfully mesmerizing movie. You just can't look away.
@feliperose1945
I agree I also could QUIT to get out of the movie!!!!
@jorgeforeman9877
The dislikes are from people who are lactose intolerant
@johnnguyen270
hahahahahaha