Bowie

Album: True Meanings (2018)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Paul Weller penned this song about the death of a much-loved icon with Erland Cooper from the folk rock band Erland & The Carnival. He told Uncut about their collaboration:

    "Even though it's about Bowie, it's about coming to terms with loss - so I related to it on that level. But I liked singing someone else's lyrics. I'm critical of my own lyrics. Probably a lot of the time - it doesn't even matter - it's just me getting hung up - so it's liberating to sing someone else's words."
  • The song is one of three on True Meanings for which Erland Cooper penned the lyrics. He also contributed backing vocals to the track.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Gavin Rossdale of Bush

Gavin Rossdale of BushSongwriter Interviews

On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."

Kerry Livgren of Kansas

Kerry Livgren of KansasSongwriter Interviews

In this talk from the '80s, the Kansas frontman talks turning to God and writing "Dust In The Wind."

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Petula Clark

Petula ClarkSongwriter Interviews

Petula talks about her hits "Downtown" and "Don't Sleep In The Subway," and explains her Michael Jackson connection.

Dr. John

Dr. JohnSongwriter Interviews

The good doctor shares some candid insights on recording with Phil Spector and The Black Keys.