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.
Village People
Village People Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 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)
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.