David Bowie

Released: May 18, 1979

Songwriter: Brian Eno David Bowie

Producer: Tony Visconti David Bowie

[Verse 1]
In the event that this fantastic voyage
Should turn to erosion
And we never get old

[Pre-Chorus 1]
Remember it's true
Dignity is valuable
But our lives are valuable too

[Chorus]
We're learning to live with somebody's depression
And I don't want to live with somebody's depression
We'll get by, I suppose

[Post-Chorus 1]
It's a very modern world
But nobody's perfect
It's a moving world
But that's no reason
To shoot some of those missiles
Think of us as fatherless scum
It won't be forgotten
'Cause we'll never say anything nice again
Will we?

[Verse 2]
And the wrong words make you listen
In this criminal world

[Pre-Chorus 2]
Remember it's true
Loyalty is valuable
But our lives are valuable too

[Chorus]
We're learning to live with somebody's depression
And I don't want to live with somebody's depression
We'll get by, I suppose

[Post-Chorus 2]
But any sudden movement
I've got to write it down
They wipe out an entire race and I've got to write it down
But I'm still getting educated
But I've got to write it down
And it won't be forgotten
'Cause I'll never say anything nice again
How can I?

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

Lodger

From the albums

Lodger (1979)
iSelect (2008)

David Bowie popular songs

Fantastic VoyageDavid Bowie

David Bowie

Lodger