Y NAT’s (A Competitive Swimming Spoof of the Village People’s Y.M.C.A.)

2021 will be the second-straight year without a YMCA National Championship meet, though there is an unofficial “Virtual YMCA Swimming Festival” that will pick up steam this weekend and runs through April 11. While you’re bound to hear the YMCA Song by The Village People at almost any swim meet, it takes on a special meaning at Y Nationals. Swimming super-fan Andrew Lardieri has added his own twist to the classic, making it a more swim-centered song, in honor of YNats season.

Embedded below is an instrumental version of the YMCA song if you want to sing along.

Teammate, there’s a need to be cool
I said, teammate, do not be a big fool
I said, teammate, when you get in the pool
There’s no need for doing dry land

Teammate, you can do the front crawl
I said, teammate, while you’re having a ball
You can compete, for a title that’s best
And work up your way to success

It’s fun to swim in the Y N.A.T.’s
It’s fun to swim in the Y N.A.T.’s
Such a big swimming meet that is worth the team fee
You might win a cool shiny trophy
It’s fun to swim in the Y N. A. T.’s
It’s fun to swim in the Y N. A. T.’s
You’ll be taking your mark in some olympic-sized pool
And competing is oh so cool

Teammate, show your best in the race
I said, teammate, better set a good pace
I said, teammate, you can be flying high
If you’re first to touch the wall

Teammate, are you listening to me
Teammate, this is where you should be
Just be swimming, in the Y N.A.T’s
And I’m sure that you will feel free

It’s fun to swim in the Y N.A.T.’s
It’s fun to swim in the Y N.A.T.’s
Such a big swimming meet that is worth the team fee
You might win a cool shiny trophy
It’s fun to swim in the Y N. A. T.’s
It’s fun to swim in the Y N. A. T.’s
You’ll be taking your mark in some olympic-sized pool
And competing is oh so cool

Teammate, I had practiced like you
I said, I was, training hard before two
To prep up for, that big meet we all know
Takes hard work and dedication

That’s why, I’ll listen to coach
And taper, before the Y N.A.T.’s
To represent my, local YMCA
It would really, make the team’s day

It’s fun to swim in the Y N.A.T.’s
It’s fun to swim in the Y N.A.T.’s
Such a big swimming meet that is worth the team fee
You might win a cool shiny trophy
It’s fun to swim in the Y N. A. T.’s
It’s fun to swim in the Y N. A. T.’s
You’ll be taking your mark in some olympic-sized pool
And competing is oh so cool

Y N.A.T’s it’s fun to swim in the Y N.A.T’s
Teammate, teammate, there’s a need to be cool
Teammate, teammate, do not a be a big fool
Y N.A.T’s, it’s fun to swim in the Y N.A.T’s
Teammate, teammate, are you listening to me
Teammate, teammate, this is where you should be
Y N.A.T’s, you will “fly” hard in the Y N.A.T’s
Teammate, teammate, show your best in the race
Teammate, teammate, better set a good pace
Y N.A.T’s, you’ve qualified for the Y N.A.T.’s
Teammate, teammate I had practiced like you
Teammate, teammate training hard before two, Y N.A.T’s

ABOUT ANDREW LARDIERI

“I always had a deep love for pools and swimming. Currently, I swim at the Mt. Laurel YMCA for fun and am a huge supporter and fan of their competitive swim team MLY Phoenix. Through Phoenix and YouTube, I have been introduced to many well know swimming websites like SwimSwam, USA Swimming, Swimming World Magazine etc. Thanks to Instagram I have also been able to follow many well-known swimmers who are present on SwimSwam.

“Outside of swimming, my other interests include: horse racing, mechanical music, music in general, plane spotting, and anything to do with Scotland.”