The Village People caught the world’s attention in the late 1970s with their unique blend of disco music and outrageous costumes. The group’s biggest hit, “Y.M.C.A,” became a worldwide phenomenon that has been covered countless times since its release in 1978. However, another one of their popular songs that followed the success of “Y.M.C.A.” was “Go West”. This song has an important message that is increasingly relevant today, and it has proven to be a timeless classic.
The song's title comes from the nineteenth century quote "Go West, young man." The term was originated by John Babsone Lane Soule in 1851 the Terra, Haute, Indiana Express as a rallying cry to head westwards, where gold and much else could be found. Presidential candidate Horace Geeley repeated it in his New York newspaper, the Tribune, and being more famous the saying is commonly attributed to him.