David Bowie

Released: May 31, 1993

Featuring: Al B. Sure!

Songwriter: David Bowie

Producer: Nile Rodgers David Bowie

[Intro]
(Yo yo yo yo yo)
(Yo yo yo yo yo)
(Yo yo yo yo yo)

[Verse 1]
Getting my facts from a Benetton ad
I'm looking thru African eyes
Lit by the glare of an L.A. fire (Black tie, white noise)
I've got a face, not just my race, bang bang
I've got you babe

[Refrain]
Putting on the black tie
Cranking out the white noise

[Verse 2]
Sun comes up and the man goes down
And the woman comes again
Just an hour or so to be safe from fear (Black tie, white noise)
Then we jump thru hoops, we're divisible now
Just disappear

[Refrain]
Putting on the black tie
Cranking out the white noise

[Chorus]
We reach out over race and hold each other's hands
Then die in the flames singing "We Shall Overcome"
What's going on?
There'll be some blood no doubt about it
But we'll come thru, don't doubt it
I look into your eyes and I know you won't kill me
I look into your eyes and I know you won't kill me
You won't kill me
You won't kill me, no
But I look into your eyes and I wonder sometimes

[Refrain]
Putting on the black tie
Cranking out the white noise

[Bridge]
Oh Lord, just let him see me
Lord, Lord, just let him hear me
Let him call me brother
Let him put his arms around me
Let him put his hands together

[Chorus]
Reach over race and hold each other's hands
Walk thru the nite thinking "We Are the World"
What's going on?
There'll be some blood no doubt about it
But we'll come thru don't doubt it
I look into your eyes and I know you won't kill me
And I turn my back and I know you won't kill me
You won't kill me
You won't kill me, no
But I wonder why
Yes, I wonder why sometimes

[Refrain]
Putting on the black tie
Cranking out the white noise

[Bridge]
They'll show us how to break the rules
But never how to make the rules
Reduce us down to witless punks
(Black tie, white noise)
Facist cries both black and white
Who's got the blood, who's got the gun?

[Refrain]
Putting on the black tie
Cranking out the white noise

(Just a fool!)

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

Black Tie White Noise

From the album

Black Tie White Noise (1993)

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Black Tie White NoiseDavid Bowie

David Bowie

Black Tie White Noise