The lyrics of "20th Century Boy" by Def Leppard express a desire to be someone's partner and to embody the qualities of rock 'n' roll.

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Meaning of "20th Century Boy" by Def Leppard


The meaning of the lyrics in "20th Century Boy" revolves around a desire for connection and the desire to embody the essence of rock 'n' roll. The repetition of "Friends say it's fine, friends say it's good, everybody says it's just like rock 'n' roll" suggests a longing for acceptance and validation from others. The comparison of the speaker's movements and traits to that of a cat, rat, bee, plane, car, and hound signifies their versatility and adaptability. By wanting to be someone's man and toy, the speaker seeks a deep connection and a role in someone's life. The phrase "20th century boy" could be interpreted as an expression of the speaker's desire to be seen as modern, rebellious, and free-spirited. The repetition of "I wanna be your boy" reinforces their longing to be chosen and loved. Overall, the lyrics convey a yearning to be someone's partner while embracing the spirit of rock 'n' roll rebellion.