Absolute Beginners
David Bowie
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I've nothing much to offer There's nothing much to take I'm an absolute beginner But I'm absolutely sane As long as we're together The rest can go to hell I absolutely love you But we're absolute beginners With eyes completely open But nervous all the same If our love song Could fly over mountains Could laugh at the ocean Just like the films There's no reason To feel all the hard times To lay down the hard lines It's absolutely true Nothing much could happen Nothing we can't shake Oh, we're absolute beginners With nothing much at stake As long as you're still smiling There's nothing more I need I absolutely love you But we're absolute beginners But if my love is your love We're certain to succeed If our love song Could fly over mountains Sail over heartaches Just like the films If there's reason To feel all the hard times To lay down the hard lines It's absolutely true
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13 facts about this song
Release Date"Absolute Beginners" was released in the U.K. on March 3, 1986. In the U.S., the song was released later in the same month.
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Movie Tie-inThe song served as the theme song for a British musical film of the same title, 'Absolute Beginners,' directed by Julien Temple.
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Chart PerformanceIn the UK, the song peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart. In the U.S. it reached number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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Length'Absolute Beginners' is one of Bowie's longest single releases with a running time of approximately 7.54 minutes for the full-length version. A shorter, edited version of approximately 5.35 minutes was also released.
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ProducerThe song was produced by David Bowie in collaboration with Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, known for their work with successful British bands like Madness.
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Fusing StylesThe song is a fusion of doo-wop style with a modern beat, exhibiting Bowie's ability to blend traditional rock n’ roll with contemporary music styles.
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Music VideoThe music video, directed by Julien Temple, was an elaborate production, depicting Bowie walking in a rainy street scene with various references to his past music videos and films.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by a number of artists including Carla Bruni, Steve Harley, Frank Sidebottom, and Tin Machine.
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Critic AcclaimCritics usually list 'Absolute Beginners' among Bowie's best work and it often ranks highly in his discography despite the mixed reviews of the film it was associated with.
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InstrumentationThe song features a powerful saxophone solo played by long-time Bowie collaborator, Don Weller. Weller wasn’t a known rock musician, primarily playing in jazz bands.
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Backing VocalsThe distinctive backing vocals on the track were provided by Janet Armstrong and The Phantom Horns.
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Personal MeaningBowie claimed in interviews that he wrote 'Absolute Beginners' to express the feeling of finding a kind of 'real love' at last, as reflected in the song’s lyrics like “I absolutely love you.” Some believe the song was inspired by his relationship with his then-wife, supermodel Iman.
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Musical InfluenceThe song has had a lasting cultural impact and has been used in various media, including commercials and television series.
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Citation
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"Absolute Beginners Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/3114978/David+Bowie/Absolute+Beginners>.
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