Inspiration Behind YMCA:
Victor Willis attended a party at a YMCA in New York City. During this evening event, Victor was moved by the diversity and camaraderie shared by everyone in attendance. Willis sought to capture this spirit of acceptance and unity within song. The lyrics celebrate the YMCA as a safe place to go and hang out. This inclusive spirit has made YMCA stand the test of time.
Biblical Application:
But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all, Colossians 3:8-11.
Exegesis of YMCA:
Young man, there’s no need to feel down
I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground
I said, young man, ’cause you’re in a new town
There’s no need to be unhappy
YMCA is short for Young Men’s Christian Association. Don’t live an isolated life. Stop being depressed because there is a new place in town to hangout.
Young man, there’s a place you can go
I said, young man, when you’re short on your dough
You can stay there, and I’m sure you will find
Many ways to have a good time
This place doesn’t care if you’re skinny or fat. When you go, I’m sure you’ll find out the many opportunities there are available to have fun.
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A
They have everything for young men to enjoy
You can hang out with all the boys
There are plenty of recreational activities available.
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A
While some larger facilities may have a homeless shelter, most are open morning til evening.
You can get yourself clean, you can have a good meal
You can do whatever you feel
The one in New York City where Willis attended provided food and a place to shower.
Young man, are you listening to me?
I said, young man, what do you want to be?
I said, young man, you can make real your dreams
But you got to know this one thing
Willis wants other young men to experience what he did. If you are young, this is a great place to stay out of trouble and provide a space safe to start following your dreams as an athlete.
No man does it all by himself
I said, young man, put your pride on the shelf
And just go there, to the Y.M.C.A
I’m sure they can help you today
The YMCA provides a place for like-minded people to hang out, push one another and help shape you in a positive manner.
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A
Don’t take my word; try it for yourself. Go to your local YMCA.
They have everything for young men to enjoy
You can hang out with all the boys
This is a great place to hang out, have fun, and make new friends.
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A
If you’re looking for a good time, go to your local YMCA.
You can get yourself clean, you can have a good meal
You can do whatever you feel
Freshen up and get a hot meal.
Young man, I was once in your shoes
I said, I was down and out with the blues
I felt no man cared if I were alive
I felt the whole world was so jive
Going to the YMCA gave direction and hope to Willis.
That’s when someone came up to me
And said, young man, take a walk up the street
It’s a place there called the Y.M.C.A
They can start you back on your way
The biblical values which founded the YMCA can help you get back in the right direction by drawing close to God.
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A
It’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A
Willis has fond memories of his time there.
They have everything for young men to enjoy
You can hang out with all the boys
Y.M.C.A., it’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A
Young man, young man, there’s no need to feel down
Young man, young man, get yourself off the ground
Don’t waste the resources and opportunities open to the public.
Y.M.C.A., it’s fun to stay at the Y.M.C.A
Young man, young man, are you listening to me?
Young man, young man, what do you wanna be?
Willis has become an advocate for the YMCA.
Y.M.C.A., you’ll find it at the Y.M.C.A
No man, young man, does it all by himself
Young man, young man, put your pride on the shelf
Put your pride on hold and embrace the opportunity to be pushed by other people your own age to reach your full potential in life.
Y.M.C.A and just go to the Y.M.C.A
Young man, young man, I was once in your shoes
Young man, young man, I was down and blue
The YMCA mad a difference in Willis’ life.
Final Thoughts:
I selected YMCA for January as this is the number one month for gym membership across the United States. When you find a friend to go with you to work out, the more likely you’ll continue to use your gym membership. However, if you don’t find or have someone to hold you accountable, you’ll stop going. I was a Summer Camp counselor at a YMCA day camp and it was one of my most memorable summers in college. Subsequently, the YMCA was always hold a special place in my heart.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 