Sorrow

Album: Best of Bowie (1973)
Charted: 3
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Sorrow" was originally performed by The McCoys in 1965. The McCoys released most of their works on the Bang Records label, founded by Atlantic Records alumni Ahmet Ertegün, Nesuhi Ertegün, and Jerry Wexler. Writing credits go to the writing team of Feldman-Goldstein-Gottehrer (FGG Productions), who also had a group called The Strangeloves.
  • The McCoys are better known for their #1 hit, "Hang On Sloopy." "Sorrow" was released as the B-side of their follow-up single "Fever," which went to #7. Future releases failed to crack the Top 10.
  • David Bowie's cover is the most famous version of "Sorrow." It comes from his cover project album, Pin Ups, released in 1973, which peaked at #1 and stayed in the UK album charts for 21 weeks. The album later re-entered the charts on two more occasions, for 15 weeks peaking at #57, and for one more week at #52. "Sorrow" itself was the only single from Pin Ups to chart, staying for 15 weeks on the UK singles chart, peaking at #3. The B-side was "Amsterdam," a song originally by Belgian singer-songwriter Jacques Brel.
  • In the UK this was originally recorded by The Merseys. Their version peaked at #4 ion the singles chart in 1966.

Comments: 3

  • İ.alparslan Dİzdarer from Ankara, TurkeyMy most favourite David Bowie track.
  • Davidtpayne from Stoke-on-trentA all-time clasic song
  • Zabadak from London, EnglandAlthough the original was by The McCoys, Bowie's cover was inspired by the version by The Merseys. Also, FYI, Amsterdam was not on Pin-Ups.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"

Marc Campbell - "88 Lines About 44 Women"They're Playing My Song

The Nails lead singer Marc Campbell talks about those 44 women he sings about over a stock Casio keyboard track. He's married to one of them now - you might be surprised which.

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Thomas Dolby

Thomas DolbySongwriter Interviews

He wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct a video about a home for deranged scientists.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.