John, I'm Only Dancing
David Bowie
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Well, Annie's pretty neat, she always eats her meat Joe is awful strong, bet your life he's putting us on Oh lordy, oh lordy, you know I need some loving Oh move me, touch me John, I'm only dancing She turns me on, but I'm only dancing She turns me on, don't get me wrong I'm only dancing Oh shadow love was quick and clean, life's a well-thumbed machine I saw you watching from the stairs, you're everyone that ever cared Oh lordy, oh lordy, you know I need some loving Move me, touch me John, I'm only dancing She turns me on, but I'm only dancing She turns me on, don't get me wrong I'm only dancing John, I'm only dancing She turns me on, but I'm only dancing She turns me on, don't get me wrong I'm only dancing Dancing Won't someone dance with me? Touch me, ohh
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30 fans
Written by: David Bowie
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, TINTORETTO MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Release Date"John, I'm Only Dancing" was initially released by David Bowie in the United Kingdom on September 1, 1972.
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Record LabelIt was published by the RCA Victor record label, marking the second single presented by Bowie with this company.
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Chart SuccessUpon its release, the track reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart, increasing Bowie's popularity.
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Musical ContributorsInstrumentalists in "John, I'm Only Dancing" include Mick Ronson on guitar, Trevor Bolder on bass, and Mick Woodmansey on drums. They were part of Bowie's backing band 'The Spiders from Mars'.
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Multiple VersionsThere exist two main versions of the song - the original, and a 'sax version'. A re-recorded version also exists, created for the album 'Aladdin Sane', but it was never released until much later.
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ControversyThe song is noted for its implicit homoerotic content, which gave it a controversial edge during the period of release. Due to this, the song was banned by some radio stations.
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HomageThe song is a homage to Iggy Pop, a friend, and collaborator of Bowie's.
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Live PerformancesDespite its initial success and considerable popularity, "John, I'm Only Dancing" was rarely performed live by David Bowie.
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Not Included on AlbumInterestingly, despite its popularity, the song was not included on any of Bowie's studio albums.
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Cover Versions"John, I'm Only Dancing" has been covered by various artists, including 'The Polecats' and 'Vivian Girls'.
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Music VideoA music video for the song was directed by iconic video director Mick Rock in August 1972. It featured Bowie performing with the Spiders From Mars and his choreographer, Lindsay Kemp.
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Unofficial SequelThe 1980 track "Ashes to Ashes" has occasionally been referred to as a sort of unofficial sequel to "John, I'm Only Dancing." However, this has not been confirmed by Bowie or anyone involved in the production of either song.
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Citation
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"John, I'm Only Dancing Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5961337/David+Bowie/John%2C+I%27m+Only+Dancing>.
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