Village People - YMCA Poster

The opening track and lead single of the Village People’s 1978 album Cruisin'. At first, “Y.M.C.A.” appears to be expressing the virtues of the titular Young Men’s Christian Association, a worldwide organization that aims to spread Christian values via the development of one’s physical health.

However, it has been alternately interpreted as a gay anthem due to the Association’s reputation as a popular cruising and hookup spot for young men. Victor Willis, one of the song’s co-writers and lead singer, said through his publicist that it wasn’t intended to be seen that way, but rather as an anthem for hanging out with your straight buddies at that place.