"20th Century Boy" is a song by the British rock band Girlschool, originally released in 1980. The song was actually written and performed by the glam rock band T.Rex, led by singer/songwriter Marc Bolan. Girlschool covered the song as a tribute to Bolan after his tragic death in 1977. The lyrics of "20th Century Boy" are about the narrator expressing their attraction and desire towards someone. They describe how their friends think the relationship is good and compare it to the famous outlaw Robin Hood, suggesting that it's exciting and adventurous. The narrator also compares their moves and attitude to animals, saying they move like a rat, charge like a ram, and sting like a bee. This implies that they are confident and assertive in pursuing their romantic interest. Throughout the song, the narrator affirms that their love interest is meant for them, calling them their toy and "20th century boy." This suggests that the love interest embodies the modern and exciting qualities of the 20th century. In summary, "20th Century Boy" is a rock song about attraction and desire, expressing the narrator's confidence and determination to pursue a romantic relationship. The lyrics pay homage to Marc Bolan, the original songwriter, and his influence on the glam rock era.
