John Lennon

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Fame (Fame), makes a man take things over
Fame (Fame), lets him loose, hard to swallow
Fame (Fame), puts you there where things are hollow
Fame (Fame)

[Chorus 1]
Fame, it's not your brain, it's just the flame
That burns your change to keep you insane ('Sane)
Fame (Fame)

[Verse 2]
Fame (Fame), what you like is in the limo
Fame (Fame), what you get is no tomorrow
Fame (Fame), what you need, you have to borrow
Fame (Fame)

[Chorus 2]
Fame, "Nein! It's mine!" is just his line
To bind your time, it drives you to crime
Fame (Fame)

[Bridge]
Could it be the best, could it be?
Really be, really, babe?
Could it be, my babe, could it, babe?
Could it, babe? Could it, babe?
[Verse 3]
Is it any wonder I reject you first?
Fame (Fame), fame, fame, fame
Is it any wonder you are too cool to fool
Fame (Fame)

[Chorus 3]
Fame, bully for you, chilly for me
Got to get a rain check on pain (Pain)
(Fame)

[Outro]
Fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame
Fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame
Fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame, fame
Fame
What's your name?
(Feeling so gay, feeling gay)

David Bowie and John Lennon's collaboration brought us the iconic hit song "Fame." Recorded in 1975, the song topped the Billboard chart in September of the same year. The two legendary musicians co-wrote the song while in New York, and Lennon can be heard in the recording contributing the high voice, elevating the song to another level.

About Fame

The song 'Fame' is a commentary on the fame machine, exploring what happens when the glorification of celebrity status takes over the actual work they are known for. The lyrics are introspective as Bowie reflects on his experience with fame, his lyrics touching on the sacrifices and challenges that come with life in the public eye.

While Bowie found a confidant in Lennon, their collaboration was not initially supposed to happen. The two met in New York by chance, and Bowie was shocked that Lennon was aware of his works. The conversation that ensued that day was the source of this iconic track that resonates with people to this day.

The song Fame opens with a funky guitar riff that is a perfect complement to Bowie's languid vocals, singing "Fame, makes a man take things over. Fame, lets him loose, hard to swallow. Fame, puts you there where things are hollow." This powerful opening sequence sets the tone for the rest of the song and perfectly encapsulates the concept of the song.

The lyrics continue on with lines like "Fame, what you like is in the limo. Fame, what you get is no tomorrow. Fame, what you need you have to borrow" painting a picture of the dark side of fame. Regardless, fame still lingers on like a drug, "Fame, it's not your brain; it's just the flame, that burns your change to keep you insane." With the typical feverish sounds of Bowie and the lyrics that resonate with so many, the song still manages to be catchy, making for timeless music that is loved by many and is still played to this day.

The song's instrumentation has a unique texture, featuring a drum track consisting of a loop taken from a song James Brown recorded and a bassline played backward, creating a relaxed and mesmerizing effect that was one of its kind during that period. This was again Bowie's innovation in blending funk, rock, and disco music, making Fame a masterpiece.

John Lennon's contribution to the song is also exceptional, with his high backing vocals giving the song a unique and memorable flavor. Despite Bowie feeling initially hesitant towards Lennon adding to the song, Lennon's addition helped create a consistent narrative to the lyrics, reinforcing the message even further.

In the end, Fame has been a favorite of music lovers for several decades, with its evergreen quality and the timeless message in the lyrics. It is proof that music has the power to be one of the most essential expressions of a time, capturing the essence of an era and still resonating with the generations that follow.

In summary, Fame by David Bowie is one of the finest pieces in music history that continues to inspire many artists today. Bowie and Lennon's collaboration produced some of the most creative music ever made; it is a classic that should be experienced and cherished by all music fans around the world.

• Release Date: July 25, 1975
• Artist: John Lennon