Young Americans – David Bowie | The Birth of Plastic Soul (1975)

"Young Americans" is the title track from David Bowie's landmark 1975 album and the song that introduced his bold new "plastic soul" sound. Influenced by Philadelphia soul and American R&B, Bowie traded glam rock for sophisticated grooves, powerful horns, and gospel-inspired backing vocals while offering an insightful portrait of young Americans navigating love, politics, and the pursuit of the American Dream. "Young Americans" marked one of the most dramatic stylistic shifts of David Bowie's career. Having spent the early 1970s redefining glam rock through characters like Ziggy Stardust and Halloween Jack, Bowie turned toward American soul and R&B, creating what he famously called "plastic soul." If you enjoy 'em, https://buymeacoffee.com/metalgurumes..., and help me make more!🍺 Your contribution appreciated!🎸 https://venmo.com/u/MetalGuruMessiah The song paints a vivid portrait of ordinary Americans struggling with dreams, relationships, politics, consumerism, and identity during the mid-1970s. Rather than celebrating youth culture, Bowie examines its contradictions with empathy, humor, and sharp social observation. Recorded with an exceptional group of musicians—including guitarist Carlos Alomar, saxophonist David Sanborn, and backing vocalist Luther Vandross—"Young Americans" stands as one of Bowie's defining artistic reinventions and one of the most important songs of his career. David Bowie – lead vocals Carlos Alomar – guitar David Sanborn – alto saxophone Willie Weeks – bass Andy Newmark – drums Mike Garson – piano The backing vocalists—including a young Luther Vandross—played a major role in shaping the album's distinctive sound. Vandross also contributed vocal arranging ideas that helped define the lush harmonies heard throughout the record. Explore More David Bowie [Lyrics] They pulled in just behind the bridge He lays her down, he frowns "Gee, my life's a funny thing, am I still too young?" He kissed her then and there She took his ring, took his babies It took him minutes, took her nowhere Heaven knows, she'd have taken anything, but She wants a young American (Young American, young American, she wants the young American) (All right) But she wants the young American Scanning life through the picture window She finds the slinky vagabond He coughs as he passes her Ford Mustang But Heaven forbid, she'll take anything But the freak, and his type, all for nothing Misses a step and cuts his hand, but Showing nothing, he swoops like a song She cries, "Where have all Papa's heroes gone?" She wants a young American (Young American, young American, she wants the young American) (All right) Well she wants the young American All the way from Washington Her bread-winner begs off the bathroom floor "We live for just these twenty years Do we have to die for the fifty more?" He wants the young American (Young American, young American, he wants the young American) (All right) all right Well he wants the young American Do you remember, your President Nixon? Do you remember, the bills you have to pay? Or even yesterday? Have you been the un-American? Just you and your idol sing falsetto 'Bout leather, leather everywhere, and Not a myth left from the ghetto Well, well, well, would you carry a razor In case, just in case of depression? Sit on your hands on a bus of survivors Blushing at all the Afro-Sheeners Ain't that close to love? Well, ain't that poster love? Well, it ain't that Barbie doll Her heart's have been broken just like you and All night you want the young American (Young American, young American, you want the young American) (All right) You want the young American You ain't a pimp and you ain't a hustler (young American, young American) A pimp's got a Cadi and a lady got a Chrysler (you want the young American) Black's got respect, and white's got his soul train (all right) Mama's got cramps, and look at your hands ache (I heard the news today, oh boy) I got a suite and you got defeat Ain't there a man who can say no more? (All night) And, ain't there a woman I can sock on the jaw? And, ain't there a child I can hold without judging? (young American, young American) Ain't there a pen that will write before they die? (You want the young American) Ain't you proud that you've still got faces? (All right) Ain't there one damn song that can make me Break down and cry? I want the young American Young American, young American, I want the young American (All right) I want the young American, young American (Young American, young American, I want the young American) I want what you want, I want what you want (All night) You want I, I want you, I (Young American, young American, I want the young American) (All right) And all I want is the young American (Young American, young American, I want the young American) #DavidBowie #YoungAmericans #PlasticSoul