David Bowie

Released: September 12, 1980

Songwriter: Tom Verlaine

Producer: Tony Visconti David Bowie

[Verse 1]
Well, I walked in the pouring rain
And I heard a voice that cries "It's all in vain"
The voice of doom was shining in my room
I just need one day somewhere far away
Oh Lord, I just need one day

[Chorus]
Well, I've been breaking these rocks
And cutting this hay
Yes, I've been breaking these rocks
What's my price to pay?

[Verse 2]
Well, the river's so muddy, but it may come clear
And I know too well what's keeping me here
I'm just a slave of a burning ray
Oh, give me the night, I can't take another sight
Please, please give me the night

[Chorus]
Been breaking these rocks
And cutting this hay
Yes, I've been breaking these rocks
What's my price to pay?

[Bridge]
Sun keeps beating down on me, wall's a mile high
Up in the tower they're watching me, hoping I'm going to die

[Chorus]
(I won't be breaking no rocks)
I won't be breaking no rocks
(I won't be breaking no rocks)
I said I won't be breaking no rocks
(I won't be breaking no rocks) Oh-oh-oh
Who will pardon me?
(I won't be breaking no rocks)
(I won't be breaking no rocks)
(I won't be breaking no rocks)

[Outro]
When the kingdom comes
(When the kingdom comes)
(When the kingdom comes)
When the kingdom comes
(When the kingdom comes)
(When the kingdom comes)
When the kingdom comes
(When the kingdom comes)
(When the kingdom comes)
When the kingdom comes

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

Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) (1980)
Sound + Vision (1989)

David Bowie popular songs

Kingdom ComeDavid Bowie

David Bowie

Sound + Vision