Friends say it's fine, friends say it's good
Everybody says it's just like Robin Hood
I move like a rat, talk like a cat, sting like a bee
Babe I'm gonna be your man

And it's plain to see you were meant for me, yeah
I'm your toy
Your 20th century boy

Friends says it's fine, friends says it's good
Everybody says it's just like Robin Hood
Fly like a plane, drive like a car, hold out your hand
Babe, I'm gonna be your man

And it's plain to see you were meant for me, yeah
I'm your boy
Your 20th century boy

20th century boy
I want to be your toy
20th century boy
I want to be your toy
20th century boy
I want to be your toy
20th century boy
I want to be your toy

Friends say it's fine, friends say it's good
Everybody says it's just like rock 'n' roll
I move like a cat, talk like a rat, sting like a bee
Babe, I'm gonna be your man

And it's plain to see you were meant for me, yeah
I'm your toy
Your 20th century boy

20th century boy
I want to be your toy
20th century boy
I want to be your toy
20th century boy
I want to be your toy
20th century boy
I want to be your toy


Lyrics submitted by Ice

20th Century Boy Lyrics as written by Marc Bolan

Lyrics © Spirit Music Group, Songtrust Ave

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

20th Century Boy (T-Rex cover) song meanings
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19 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment

    Yes, it's a great song, but the original is better.

    Salamanderon March 22, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I whole heartedly agree, T.Rex was amazing, but that scene of Velvet Goldmine with Brian singing 20th Century Boy is great

    username_is_takenon June 11, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Velvet Goldmine = best movie ever! The storyline's great, the acting's amazing, and the music rocks! Placebo rocked doing this cover.

    iknowimsopatheticon July 18, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    oh my god

    First time I saw Velvet Goldmine, I fucking melted when Brian came on screen.

    scawton August 21, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    one thing i've always wanted 2 know bout this song is- "Friends say it's fine, friends say it's good Everybody says it's just like Robin Hood"-

    what is 'it'?

    ladyboygrrlon August 31, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Yep. Velvet Goldmine, greatest movie ever. Hah, I'm amused at the fact that Molko had tight leather pants on, but you know.. that's just me. ;x But yeah, I could just be biased, but I like the Trex version better.

    itsatsixon April 06, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I loved the live version Orgy did while they were on tour with Love & Rockets in 1999.

    w0w. sigh Jay Gordon should work with Placebo sometime. . .

    LittleUrantiaGirlon July 02, 2003   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    There's a bit of a debate over whether it's "everybody says it's just like Robin Hood" vs. "everybody says it's just like Rock 'n' Roll". And. Um. Yeah.

    Laurenneon April 11, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    It actually says "Everybody says it's just like rock 'n' Roll" AND "Everybody says it's just like Robin Hood".

    I love this song. I also love Velvet Goldmine. Best movie EVER.

    Reisson September 30, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I really wish I could figure out what the hell this song is about, really. I understand the chorus well enough I suppose ;)

    Velvet Goldmine is my favourite movie ever.

    dragonkat72on January 23, 2005   Link

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