Rock 'n' Roll Suicide
David Bowie
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Time takes a cigarette, puts it in your mouth You pull on your finger, then another finger, then your cigarette The wall-to-wall is calling, it lingers, then you forget Ohh how how how, you're a rock 'n' roll suicide You're too old to lose it, too young to choose it And the clocks waits so patiently on your song You walk past a cafe but you don't eat when you've lived too long Oh, no, no, no, you're a rock 'n' roll suicide Chev brakes are snarling as you stumble across the road But the day breaks instead so you hurry home Don't let the sun blast your shadow Don't let the milk float ride your mind You're so natural religiously unkind Oh no love, you're not alone You're watching yourself but you're too unfair You got your head all tangled up but if i could only Make you care Oh no love, you're not alone No matter what or who you've been No matter when or where you've seen All the knives seem to lacerate your brain I've had my share, I'll help you with the pain You're not alone Just turn on with me and you're not alone Let's turn on with me and you're not alone (wonderful) Gimme your hands 'cause you're wonderful (wonderful) Gimme your hands 'cause you're wonderful (wonderful) Oh gimme your hands
The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com
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
Track Details"Rock 'N' Roll Suicide" is a song by British musician David Bowie. It was released as the final track on his fifth studio album, "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars", in 1972.
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Song's PopularityThough initially not released as a single, "Rock 'N' Roll Suicide" went on to receive significant acclaim over the years and is often considered one of Bowie's best tracks.
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Release as a SingleThe song was later released as a single in 1974, almost two years after the album's release. Despite its popularity and critical acclaim, it only reached number 22 in the UK Singles Chart.
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Inspiration and ThemeThe song is seen as Bowie's farewell to his alter-ego Ziggy Stardust. The lyrics depict Ziggy's demise as he is consumed by his own rock lifestyle to a point where it becomes metaphorical suicide.
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Impact on AudiencesBowie's passionate vocal performance and the dramatic, emotional content of the song's lyrics made it a striking and memorable closing track. Its message of isolation and desperation resonates with many fans.
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Live Performances"Rock 'N' Roll Suicide" became a staple of Bowie's live performances. Especially notable is the performance at the Hammersmith Odeon, London, in 1973, where Bowie famously retired his Ziggy persona.
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Musical StructureThe song is known for its theatrical structure and dramatic arrangement. It starts slow and gradually builds up in intensity, culminating in a fervor in the final chorus, matching the emotional arc of the lyrics.
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Influence of Jacques BrelBowie was known to have been a fan of Belgian singer Jacques Brel - "Rock 'N' Roll Suicide" has often been compared to Brel's theatrical style and the lyrics have shades of Brel's track "My Death".
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Role in Album's NarrativeAs the closing track, "Rock 'N' Roll Suicide" plays a crucial role in the narrative structure of the "Ziggy Stardust" concept album. It wraps up the rise and fall story of the rockstar character Bowie created.
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Legacy and PermanenceIn 2020, Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Rock 'N' Roll Suicide" at number 214 in their revised list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, highlighting its ongoing impact in popular culture.
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Citation
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"Rock 'n' Roll Suicide Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 14 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/32022880/David+Bowie/Rock+%27n%27+Roll+Suicide>.
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