All art really does is keep you focused on questions of humanity, and it really is about how do we get on with our maker.
Songs don't have to be about going out on Saturday night and having a good rink-up and driving home and crashing cars. A lot of what I've done is about alienation... about where you fit in society.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights that songs can explore deeper themes like alienation rather than just superficial fun.
David Bowie's quote emphasizes the depth and complexity of song lyrics, suggesting that many songs delve into themes of alienation and a search for identity within society rather than merely celebrating nightlife and carefree experiences. He points out that music can serve as an artistic reflection of personal and societal struggles, making it a powerful medium for expressing emotions and experiences that resonate with listeners on a deeper level.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a discussion about the role of music in expressing personal struggles during a seminar.
More from David Bowie
All quotes →I guess, taking away all the theatrics or the costuming and the outer layers of what I do, I'm a writer... I write.
I always had a repulsive need to be something more than human.
Nothing prepared me for your smile
But I've got to think of myself as the luckiest guy. Robert Johnson only had one album's worth of work as his legacy. That's all that life allowed him.
I'm an early riser. I get up between five and six, have coffee, and read for a couple of hours before everyone else gets up.
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Poetry is a political act because it involves telling the truth.