David Bowie

Released: April 20, 1987

Songwriter: David Bowie

Producer: David Richards David Bowie

[Verse 1]
Photograph king, watches you go
Now, fashions may change, heaven knows
But you still leave a stain on me
Only to go
Colours may fade
Seasons may change, weather blows, but you still leave a mark on me
Wrong, negative fades, never the twain, reckless and tame

[Chorus 1]
I like the beat of your drum
I like to look in your eyes
I like to look through your things
I'd like to beat on your drum
I like the smell of your flesh
I like the dirt that you dish
I like the clothes that you wear
I'd like to beat on your drum
(I'd beat it; I beat it; can't beat it; I feel it)

[Verse 2]
Disco brat, follow the pack
Watching you peel, heaven knows, prison can't hold all
This greedy intention
Only to go, picture you now
Music may change, hi-di-ho, keen to follow your nose
Wrong love out of tune
Sweet is the night
Bright light destroys me

[Chorus 1]
I like the beat of your drum
I like to look in your eyes
I like to look through your things
I'd like to beat on your drum
I like the smell of your flesh
I like the dirt that you dish
I like the clothes that you wear
I'd like to beat on your drum
(I'd beat it; I beat it; I beat it; I beat it)

[Chorus 2]
I'd like to beat on your drum (oh, yeah)
I'd like to beat on your drum (ah)
I like your face in the crowd
I'd like to beat on your drum
(I'd beat it; I beat it; you beat it; I beat it)

[Interlude]
Can't beat it
Can't beat it
I beat it
Ah yeah

[Chorus 2]
I'd like to beat on your drum
I'd like to beat on your drum
I'd like to yell it out loud
I'd like to beat on your drum
(Can't beat it; can't beat it; I beat it; I beat it)

[Outro]
Can't beat it
I beat it
Beat it out loud
Beat it out of the crowd
Beat it
Beat it
Beat it
Beat it

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.

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