Bombers

David Bowie

About Bombers

"Bombers" is a song written by David Bowie. It was recorded in July 1971 and intended for the album Hunky Dory, but was replaced at the last minute by the cover "Fill Your Heart". It was released as a promo single by RCA in the US in November 1971, backed by a remix of "Eight Line Poem" that can only be found on this single (both tracks also were issued on an extremely limited edition promotional LP by RCA/Gem). A bootleg version backing "London Bye Ta-Ta" was also released in the early 1970s. The track was eventually given wide release as a bonus track on the Rykodisc reissue of Hunky Dory in 1990. The song was officially released for the second time in 2017 on a newly mixed re-issue of the promotional RCA/Gem LP (commonly entitled "Bowpromo") as an exclusive release for Record Store Day. 


Year:
1971
2:38
114 

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[Chorus]
All clear wail the sirens
Sunshine on the wasteland
Old man sitting in the white sand
Think we're in for a big surprise
Right between the eyes

Seemed a good idea
To drop a bomb on the wasteland here
Only one man could be seen
And he was old and so serene
Captain sat in his deck chair
And the red light flashed Beware
Pilot felt quite big-time
As the bomb sailed through the air
Well, they danced and sang
When the bang went bang
When the lights popped out
And the smoke began to clear
It was positively queer

[Chorus]

"Die" said the General
"Cobblers" said the man
So the Pentagon sent a cable
And the Queen a telegram
A-bombs, H-bombs, even very small ones
Ripped apart that sand
'Til the stench was just revolting
And the sky a greenish tan
But the soldier said "Sir,
There's a crack in the world"
And the figures went "squash",
And the bits flew far and wide
How the universe sighed!

[Chorus: x2]

When the smoke had blown away
There was nothing left to view
Except a man dear Lord who looked like you
Floating high up in the sky

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David Bowie

David Robert Jones (8 January 1947 - 10 January 2016), known by his stage name David Bowie ( /ˈboʊ.i/ BOH-ee), was an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s. He is known for his distinctive voice as well as the intellectual depth and considerable eclecticism of his work. more »

30 fans

Written by: David Bowie

Lyrics © TINTORETTO MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release details
"Bombers" is a song by British musician David Bowie, which was originally meant to be part of his 1971 album "Hunky Dory". However, it was removed before the album was finalized.
Recording history
The track was one of the last songs that Bowie recorded during the "Hunky Dory" sessions in August 1971, just before committing himself fully to his new Ziggy Stardust project.
Musical style
"Bombers" is considered to be one of Bowie's more comedic tracks, with a wry lyric about a man dealing with the fallout from a bomb.
Features
The song includes a distinct radio tuning sound effect at both the beginning and end of the track.
Songwriting
The song was co-written by Bowie and his frequent collaborator, Mick Ronson.
Replacements
“Bombers” was replaced by the song "Quicksand", a decision that was made quite late in the sequencing of the album.
Exclusive release
It was eventually released exclusively as a bonus track on the 1990 Rykodisc reissue of "Hunky Dory".
Live performances
There is no known live performance of this song by David Bowie.
Hidden treasure
Even with its omission from "Hunky Dory", "Bombers" remains a hidden treasure among Bowie's discography as it showcases his humorous songwriting.
Limited releases
Despite its popularity among hardcore Bowie fans, "Bombers" has not been included in many subsequent compilations or reissues of Bowie's music.

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