The Secret Life of Arabia

David Bowie

About The Secret Life of Arabia

"The Secret Life of Arabia" is a song written by David Bowie, Brian Eno and Carlos Alomar in 1977 for the album "Heroes". It was the final track on the original vinyl album, following the instrumental "Neuköln". NME editors Roy Carr and Charles Shaar Murray described the song as "like seeing 'The Sheik' on acid and laughing quietly to yourself. Bowie's vocal is genuinely humorous." Author Nicholas Pegg considered it an "unjustly overlooked" piece, remarking on Bowie's "outrageous extremes of bass and falsetto". However, for biographer David Buckley, "The Secret Life of Arabia" was "a great song, but its position on the album spoils the dramatic effect... the last note of 'Neuköln' really ought to have been the last sound on the album..." 


Year:
1977
3:46
215 
#6

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The secret life of Arabia
Secret, secret never seen
Secret, secret ever green

I was running at the speed of life
Through morning's thoughts and fantasies
Then I saw your eyes at the cross fades (secret, secret, never seen)
Secret, secret ever green

The secret life of Arabia
Never here, never seen
Secret life, ever green

The secret life of Arabia
You must see the movie the sand in my eyes
I walk through a desert song when the heroine dies

Arabia
(Secret, secret)
Arabia
Secret
Arabia
(Secret, secret)
Arabia
Arabia
(Secret, secret)
Arabia
Arabia
(Secret, secret)
Arabia
Arabia
(Secret, secret)

The secret life of Arabia
Never here, never seen
Secret life, ever green

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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, CARLOS ALOMAR, BRIAN PETER GEORGE ENO

Lyrics © UNIDISC MUSIC, TINTORETTO MUSIC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Release
"The Secret Life of Arabia" is a song by British rock musician David Bowie. It is the last track on his 1977 album "Heroes."
Collaborative Effort
The song was written by David Bowie, Brian Eno, and Carlos Alomar. Eno is a noted English musician, composer, and record producer, while Alomar is a Puerto Rican guitarist, composer, and arranger.
Blend of Genres
The track "The Secret Life of Arabia" is a blend of rock, pop and ambient music. It incorporates Middle Eastern themes and rhythms, showcasing the innovative aspect of Bowie's music.
Importance in Bowie's Discography
Although not as widely recognized as some of Bowie's biggest hits, "The Secret Life of Arabia" holds its own significance in his discography as it reflects his experimental and innovative spirit.
Critical Reception
The song was well received by critics for its adventurous quasi-oriental sound setting and inventiveness.
Influence on Other Artists
The song has been covered by several artists, including Trent Reznor, the lead vocalist of the American industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails, further proving its influence in the music industry.
Live Performance
Despite being a significant track from the "Heroes" album, "The Secret Life of Arabia" was never performed live by Bowie.
Unique Music Structure
The music of "The Secret Life of Arabia" abruptly transitions from pop song to free-form instrumental in its final minutes, adding an unusual and innovative touch to the structure of the song.
Ambient Music Influence
It's one of the songs that marked Bowie's shift towards more ambient music, a style he would further explore in his subsequent album "Low."
Album Theme
Like the rest of the "Heroes" album, "The Secret Life of Arabia" is noted for its abstract lyrics and represents Bowie's interest in creating a style of music that breaks away from the traditional pop song structure.

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