David Bowie

Released: October 14, 1977

Songwriter: David Bowie

Producer: Tony Visconti David Bowie

[Chorus]
Joe the lion went to the bar
A couple of drinks on the house an' he said
"Tell you who you are if you nail me to my car"

[Verse 1]
Boy, thanks for hesitating
This is the kiss off
Boy, thanks for hesitating
You'll never know the real story
Just a couple of dreams
You get up and sleep
You can buy God
It's Monday
Slither down the greasy pipe
So far so good no one saw you
Hobble over any freeway
You will be like your dreams tonight
You get up and sleep
You get up and sleep
Joe the lion
Made of iron

[Chorus]
Joe the lion went to the bar
A couple of drinks on the house an' he was a fortune teller
He said, "nail me to my car and I'll tell you who you are"
Joe the lion, yeah, yeah
Went to the bar, yeah, yeah
A couple of dreams and he was a fortune teller
He said, "nail me to my car, tell you who you are"

[Verse 2]
You get up and sleep
The wind blows on your cheek
The day laughs in your face
I guess you'll buy a gun
You'll buy it secondhand
And you'll get up and sleep

[Outro]
Joe the lion
Made of iron
Joe the lion, made of iron
Joe the lion
Made of iron
Joe the lion
Made of iron

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

Sound + Vision

From the albums

Heroes (1977)
Sound + Vision (1989)

David Bowie popular songs

Joe the LionDavid Bowie

David Bowie

Sound + Vision