David Bowie

Released: December 17, 1971

Songwriter: Paul Williams Biff Rose

Producer: David Bowie Ken Scott

[Verse 1]
Fill your heart with love today
Don't play the game of time
Things that happened in the past
Only happened in your mind
Only in your mind
Oh, forget your mind

[Pre-Chorus]
And you'll be free, yeah
The writing's on the wall
Free, yeah
And you can know it all if you choose
Just remember, lovers never lose

[Chorus]
'Cause they are free of thoughts unpure
And of thoughts unkind
Gentleness clears the soul
Love cleans the mind and makes it free

[Verse 2]
Oh, happiness is happening
The dragons have been bled
Gentleness is everywhere
And fear's just in your head
Only in your head, fear is in your head
Only in your head, so Forget your head

[Pre-Chorus]
And you'll be free
The writing's on the wall
Free, yeah
And you can know it all if you choose
Just remember, lovers never lose

[Chorus]
Because they are free of thoughts unpure
And of thoughts unkind
Gentleness clears the soul
Love will clean your mind and make you free!

[Outro]
Free-yeah Yeah-yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah
Free-yeah Yeah-yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah
Free-yeah Yeah-yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah
Free-yeah Yeah-yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah
Free-yeah Yeah-yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah-yeah
Free-yeah

David Bowie (1947 – 2016) was a British musician, and one of the most iconic rock stars with a widely diverse career where he frequently changed his appearance and musical style, resulting in an acclaimed discography comparable to other stalwarts such as The Beatles and Bob Dylan. Born David Robert Jones, Bowie quickly renamed himself to prevent confusion with The Monkees singer Davy Jones. Enduring many early missteps, he rose to prominence when his most famous song, “Space Oddity,” was played during the coverage of the Apollo 11 moon landing.

Despite this early breakthrough, Bowie remained a cult figure for several years. Even the release of Hunky Dory, his first great album, went largely unnoticed. Bowie only lodged himself firmly in the public consciousness when he announced his bisexuality and created Ziggy Stardust in early 1972. A Martian who combined the debauchery of Iggy Pop with the artistry of Lou Reed, Ziggy was the main character in Bowie’s breakthrough album, and his public persona for eighteen months.

Bowie used his new-found popularity to move to America, and dabble with new musical directions and cocaine. Diamond Dogs and Young Americans continue to divide critics, but Station To Station found Bowie at a new creative peak, despite escalating drug use and related health issues.

more tracks from the album

Hunky Dory (1990 Rykodisc)

From the albums

Hunky Dory (1971)
Hunky Dory (1990 Rykodisc) (1990)

David Bowie popular songs

Fill Your HeartDavid Bowie

David Bowie

Hunky Dory (1990 Rykodisc)