You know YMCA. You know In The Navy. You might even know Macho Man. And while those iconic Village People anthems might strike some as having a certain camp sensibility, they barely scratch the surface of the band’s catalog when it comes to truly embracing gay themes.
After the Village People’s famously heterosexual frontman, Victor Willis, threatened legal action against anyone suggesting YMCA was a song about gay cruising at gyms, it begs the question: which of their songs would he acknowledge as leaning into, or even diving headfirst into, LGBTQ+ themes?
To answer that, we embarked on a deep dive (read: listened to a lot of Village People records) to compile a definitive list of the gayest Village People Songs. Prepare to expand your Village People playlist!
🤔 Wait, Who Exactly Were The Village People? 🤔
The Village People were, in essence, a glorious, over-the-top product of the 1970s disco era. Their origin story is shrouded in a bit of myth-making and creative marketing, but the core of it is this: they were assembled by super-producers Jacques Morali and Henri Belolo, who had previously found success with The Ritchie Family.
The concept was brilliant in its simplicity: a disco group where each member embodied a different archetype of gay fantasy. The name “Village People” itself was a direct reference to Greenwich Village in New York City, then as now, a prominent gay neighborhood.
Despite being initially conceived as a somewhat novelty act, the Village People exploded in popularity. They released hit after hit, starred in their own (truly unforgettable) movie, and became global icons. They continue to perform today, albeit with a slightly different lineup (Victor Willis remains the sole original member). They even released new music as recently as 2020, proving their enduring appeal.
But enough history – let’s get to the heart of the matter: the undeniably gay songs of the Village People.
San Francisco (You’ve Got Me)
The opening track from their very first album, “Village People,” set the tone immediately. If a song titled “San Francisco,” celebrating arguably the gayest city in the USA, wasn’t a strong enough signal, the lyrics leave absolutely no room for doubt. Consider this particularly unsubtle repetition:
(Leather), leather, leather, leather baby
The song is an ode to the city’s vibrant gay scene and the leather subculture that was prominent within it.
Sodom and Gomorrah
A disco track about the biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah? For those unfamiliar, these cities are notorious in religious texts for their perceived sinfulness, often interpreted as including homosexuality. The Village People took this potentially controversial subject matter and turned it into a high-energy disco anthem.
The sheer audacity of creating a catchy dance song about Sodom and Gomorrah is inherently camp and undeniably gay. It’s a tongue-in-cheek wink at religious condemnation while simultaneously celebrating freedom and, arguably, embracing the very “sins” these cities represent in popular culture.
Sex Over The Phone
“Sex Over The Phone” arrived during the Village People’s brief foray into a New Romantics-influenced sound in the 1980s. Released at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, the song’s message is surprisingly responsible, advocating for safe sexual practices in a time of fear and uncertainty.
The lyrics and suggestive moans throughout the track are overtly sexual, but within the context of the era, “Sex Over The Phone” can also be interpreted as a clever and playful way to address the need for intimacy and connection while promoting safer alternatives during a public health crisis. The low-budget, hastily assembled music video only adds to its quirky and memorable charm.
I’m A Cruiser
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With lyrics like:
“When I see someone that I like
In a car or riding a bike
I’m a cruiser”
The Village People dropped any pretense of subtlety with “I’m A Cruiser.” This track is a straightforward, unapologetic anthem about cruising for romantic or sexual encounters. There are no double entendres or hidden meanings here – it’s a direct declaration of being “on the hunt” for love and connection in public spaces. For anyone familiar with gay cruising culture, the song’s message is crystal clear and resonates deeply.
Fire Island
Continuing the theme of cruising and gay hotspots, “Fire Island” takes its name from the iconic Fire Island Pines and Cherry Grove, famous LGBTQ+ vacation destinations in New York. The song itself is a playful warning, with the refrain humorously advising listeners to avoid the bushes, lest they be “grabbed.”
“Fire Island” encapsulates the carefree, sometimes mischievous spirit of gay summer culture at Fire Island. The lyrics hint at the clandestine encounters and playful flirtations that are part of the island’s allure, all set to a catchy disco beat. It’s a celebration of a specific place and a specific kind of gay experience.
I Am What I Am
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While many Village People songs lean into overt sexuality, “I Am What I Am” offers a different, but equally important, message of self-acceptance and pride. The lyrics are a powerful statement of individuality and the right to love and live authentically:
“People have the right to be just who they are
People have the right to share all of their love
People have the right to share just what they give
The right to their free will”
This song transcends simple camp and becomes a genuine anthem of LGBTQ+ affirmation. It’s a reminder that beyond the fun and playful image, the Village People also promoted a message of acceptance and self-love. This message is a significant part of their enduring legacy and why they remain beloved icons.
The Village People are undeniably camp, often ridiculous, and always entertaining. But beyond the costumes and catchy tunes, they’ve consistently delivered messages of love, positivity, and acceptance to audiences worldwide for decades. For that, and for these wonderfully gay songs, thank you, Village People!
