Franz Ferdinand, Michael | LGBTQ Bopz

On the 6^th edition of LGBTQ Bopz (2021), we highlight the song, “Michael” performed by Franz Ferdinand.  

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ring on the B-O-P-Z, like #SLAYYY! LGBTQ Bopz is a column t that embraces, highlights, and celebrates singles and tracks by LGBTQIA musicians.  On LGBTQ Bopz we provide background info and insight into the respective musician(s), as well as analyze + go gaga over the bops being served up.  Furthermore, when the music dictates deeper, more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is articulated to the fullest.  All styles of music are welcome and the BOPZ can be classics or brand-spanking new. So, without further ado, on the 6^th edition of LGBTQ Bopz (2021), we highlight “Michael” performed by Franz Ferdinand. 

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Theme & Lyrics

“So sexy, I’m sexy / So, come dance with me, Michael / I’m all that you see, you want to see / So, come and dance with me, Michael.” Hmm, Michael must be a total stud! Honestly, front man Alex Kapranos and Scottish alternative rock band Franz Ferdinand don’t get enough credit for the LGBTQ Bop that is “Michael.” The energetic indie-punk, dance-infused rock gem was released as a single from their self-titled, 2004 debut LP.  “This is what I am, I am a man / So come dance with me, Michael,” Kapranos sings on the second verse of this record that’s clearly about a gay experience.  Perhaps you can debate Kapranos’ character’s sexuality – perhaps he’s merely attracted to Michael or experimenting – but the homoeroticism is pronounced and I’m here for it baby!

On the chorus, Kapranos paints Michael as nothing less than the Sugar Honey Iced Tea.  Sure, there’s not explicit details regarding his looks, but just use your imagination.  What does your man crush look like? He’s probably a Michael, right? Anyways, Kapranos ‘stimulates’ for sure:

“Michael, you’re the boy with all the leather hips
Sticky hair, sticky hips, stubble on my sticky lips
Michael, you’re the only one I’d ever want
... Beautiful boys on aa beautiful dance floor
Michael, you’re dancing like a beautiful dance-whore...”

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Music Video

Yes, there is a music video for “Michael.” Unfortunately, if you were hoping for some hot guy-on-guy action, you’ll be disappointed.  Just the band performing this stellar, homoerotic bop, sigh.

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Final Thoughts

For a ‘gay’ song, “Michael” is tame – much more restrained than some songs that would join the catalog later.  Still, with “Michael” not being heterosexual, it raised some eyebrows in 2004.  But honestly, why does it matter if the nameless protagonist wanted Michael’s “Stubble on [his] sticky lips?”  Regardless, this is one of those under-appreciated ‘curved’ songs!

Also appears on :
12 Interesting Songs That Reference Bisexuality
A Compendium Comprised of 100 Notable LGBTQ+ Songs

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Franz Ferdinand • Franz Ferdinand • Domino • 2004
Franz Ferdinand, “Michael”: LGBTQ Bopz No. 6 [: Anna Shvets, Brent Faulkner, Domino, Kurious, The Musical Hype, Pexels, Pixabay]

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