Village People
Village People Lyrics


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Where can you find pleasure, search the world for treasure,
learn science, technology?
Where can you begin to make your dreams all come true
on the land or on the sea?
Where can you learn to fly, play in sports or skindive,
study oceanography?
Sign up for the big band or sit in the grand stand
when your team and others meet.
In the Navy, yes, you can sail the seven seas.
In the Navy, yes, you can put your mind at ease.
In the Navy, come on now people, make a stand.
In the Navy, can't you see we need a hand.
In the Navy, come on, protect the motherland.
In the Navy, come on and join your fellow, man.
In the Navy, come on, people, and make a stand.
In the Navy, in the Navy.
They want you! They want you! They want you as a new recruit!
If you like adventure don't you wait to enter
the recruiting office fast.
Don't you hesitate, there is no need to wait;
they're signing up new seamen fast.
Maybe you are too young to join up today
but don't you worry 'bout the thing
for I'm sure there will be always the good Navy
protecting the land and sea.
In the Navy...
They want you! They want you! They want you as a new recruit!
They want you! They want you! They want you as a new recruit!
..But..but..but I'm afraid of water!
..hey..hey..look, men...
I get seasick even watching it on the TV!
They want You! - Oh my goodness!
They want you! - What am I gonna do in a submarine?
They want you! They want you!




In the Navy.
In the Navy... (fade out)

Overall Meaning

Village People's "In the Navy" is an upbeat, cheerful song that celebrates the opportunities and adventures that are available to those who join the navy. Throughout the song, the singer asks a series of rhetorical questions that emphasize the breadth of experiences that the navy can offer. He asks where one can find pleasure, learn about science and technology, make one's dreams come true, play sports, and study oceanography--all of which can be done "on the land or on sea." The singer encourages his listeners to "sign up for the big band" or "sit in the grand stand" and support their favorite teams at naval sporting events.


The chorus of the song, which repeats throughout, emphasizes the benefits of joining the navy. According to the singer, those who join the navy can "sail the seven seas" and "put their minds at ease." He encourages his listeners to make a stand, protect the motherland, and join their fellow man as they embark on their navy careers.


Despite its relentlessly upbeat tone, "In the Navy" does acknowledge that some people may be hesitant to join. The song includes a spoken interlude in which a character expresses his fears of water and submarines. However, the response is always the same: "They want you!" The message is clear--the navy is looking for new recruits, and there is a place for everyone, regardless of their fears or concerns.


Line by Line Meaning

Where can you find pleasure, search the world for treasure, learn science, technology?
Where can you fulfill your desires, explore the world for riches, and gain knowledge?


Where can you begin to make your dreams all come true on the land or on the sea?
Where can you start achieving your goals, whether on solid ground or out on the waves?


Where can you learn to fly, play in sports or skindive, study oceanography?
Where can you gain the skills to soar through the air, compete in games, dive into the deep, and understand the sea?


Sign up for the big band or sit in the grand stand when your team and others meet.
Enlist in the musical ensemble or watch from the spectator stands when your team faces competition.


In the Navy, yes, you can sail the seven seas. In the Navy, yes, you can put your mind at ease.
Joining the Navy allows you to voyage around the world and find peace of mind.


In the Navy, come on now people, make a stand. In the Navy, can't you see we need a hand.
Be brave and step up to support the Navy, recognizing their need for assistance.


In the Navy, come on, protect the motherland. In the Navy, come on and join your fellow, man.
Join the fight to protect the nation and stand alongside your comrades in the Navy.


In the Navy, come on, people, and make a stand. In the Navy, in the Navy.
Join the effort and show your commitment to the cause of the Navy.


They want you! They want you! They want you as a new recruit!
The Navy is seeking new recruits and desires your participation.


If you like adventure don't you wait to enter the recruiting office fast.
If you crave excitement, don't hesitate to visit the recruiting office quickly.


Don't you hesitate, there is no need to wait; they're signing up new seamen fast.
No need to procrastinate, as the Navy is rapidly enlisting fresh sailors.


Maybe you are too young to join up today but don't you worry 'bout the thing for I'm sure there will be always the good Navy protecting the land and sea.
Possibly you're still underage for enlistment, but have no fear as the Navy will always be there to defend the nation both on land and sea.


They want you! They want you! They want you as a new recruit!
The Navy continues to actively seek those who are willing to serve.


..But..but..but I'm afraid of water!
An individual expresses fear of water.


..hey..hey..look, men...
Another person draws attention to the discussion.


I get seasick even watching it on the TV!
The individual's anxiety about water is so pronounced that they get nauseated from simply watching it on television.


They want You! - Oh my goodness! They want you! - What am I gonna do in a submarine? They want you! They want you! In the Navy.
Expressing shock and doubt, the person struggles with the idea of serving in the Navy, yet is ultimately called upon to join the cause.


In the Navy...
Repeating the catchy phrase, the song fades out as a final reminder of the call to enlist.




Contributed by Micah O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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