Panic in Detroit
David Bowie
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He looked a lot like Che Guevara, drove a diesel van Kept his gun in quiet seclusion, such a humble man The only survivor of the national people's gang Panic in Detroit, I asked for an autograph He wanted to stay home, I wish someone would phone Panic in Detroit He laughed at accidental sirens that broke the evening gloom The police had warned of repercussions, they followed none too soon A trickle of strangers were all that were left alive Panic in Detroit, I asked for an autograph He wanted to stay home, I wish someone would phone Panic in Detroit Putting on some clothes I made my way to school And I found my teacher crouching in his overalls I screamed and ran to smash my favorite slot machine And jumped the silent cars that slept at traffic lights Having scored a trillion dollars, made a run back home Found him slumped across the table, a gun and me alone I ran to the window, looked for a plane or two Panic in Detroit, he'd left me an autograph Let me collect dust, I wish someone would phone Panic in Detroit, panic in Detroit, panic in Detroit
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: David Bowie
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, TINTORETTO MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Album Classification"Panic in Detroit" is a song from David Bowie's sixth studio album, "Aladdin Sane", released in 1973.
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Lyric InspirationThe lyrics of "Panic in Detroit" were inspired by Bowie's time in Detroit and his experiences during the 1967 Detroit riot.
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Musical StyleThe song is known for its distinctive hard rock style, featuring Bowie’s unique voice and high-energy guitar work, compared to some of his more pop and theater-influenced songs.
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Concert RarityDespite being popular among Bowie's fans, "Panic in Detroit" has rarely been included in the setlists of the artist's concerts.
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Ignored by Commercial RadioThe song was never released as a single, and it received little airplay on commercial radio.
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Cover VersionA cover version of "Panic in Detroit" was recorded by the Australian punk band Radio Birdman.
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B-side TrackIn 1979, a revised version of "Panic in Detroit" was planned for release as a b-side to "Boys Keep Swinging". However, due to issues related to time constraints, the original recording was used instead.
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Original Drum Beat CreditThe distinctive conga drum beat on the original recording was performed by percussionist Mike Garson.
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Artist's FavoriteBowie reportedly considered "Panic in Detroit" as one of his favorite tracks from the "Aladdin Sane" album.
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Song's CharacterThe song makes mention of “Che”, likely referring to Che Guevara, the Argentine Marxist revolutionary. In the lyrics, Bowie constructs a narrative about revolution, disorder, and the persona of a rebel leader.
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Citation
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"Panic in Detroit Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/22659793/David+Bowie/Panic+in+Detroit>.
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