David Bowie

Lyrics

[Produced By David Bowie & Tony Visconti]

[Verse 1]
I know something's very wrong
The pulse returns the prodigal sons
The blackout hearts, the flowered news
With skull designs upon my shoes

[Chorus]
I can't give everything
I can't give everything away
I can't give everything away

[Verse 2]
Seeing more and feeling less
Saying no but meaning yes
This is all I ever meant
That's the message that I sent

[Chorus]
I can't give everything
I can't give everything away
I can't give everything away
I can't give everything
I can't give everything away
I can't give everything away
[Verse 1]
I know something's very wrong
The pulse returns the prodigal sons
The blackout hearts, the flowered news
With skull designs upon my shoes

[Chorus]
I can't give everything
I can't give everything away
I can't give everything away
I can't give everything
I can't give everything away
I can't give everything away

If you're a fan of David Bowie and you haven't heard "I Can't Give Everything Away," then you're missing out on a hauntingly beautiful tune that captures Bowie's essence as an artist. The song, released after his death, is both a celebration of his life and a poignant reflection on change and loss. With a mix of electronic beats, saxophone riffs, and a mesmerizing chorus, "I Can't Give Everything Away" is a masterpiece that transcends time and space.

About I Can’t Give Everything Away

At first listen, "I Can't Give Everything Away" is a joyous and uplifting song, with an infectious beat that will get you tapping your feet and nodding your head. But as you dive deeper into the lyrics and the music, you'll uncover a melancholy and introspective message that speaks to the fragility of life and the inevitability of change.

The song, which appears on Bowie's final album "Blackstar," was released just two days before his death on January 10, 2016. It marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new one, as Bowie's legacy as one of the most innovative and influential artists of all time was cemented forever.

It's worth noting that the song opens with a harmonica theme borrowed from "A New Career in a New Town," another Bowie classic from his 1977 album "Low." The reference to moving on and starting anew takes on a new meaning in light of Bowie's death, suggesting that he has truly moved on and left the world behind.

Lyrically, "I Can't Give Everything Away" is both cryptic and straightforward, with Bowie singing "I know something's very wrong/The pulse returns the prodigal sons/The blackout hearts, the flowered news/With skull designs upon my shoes." The chorus repeats the phrase "I can't give everything away," which can be interpreted as Bowie's confession that, despite all his music and art, there are still parts of him that he couldn't share with the world.

While the lyrics are emotionally charged and thought-provoking, it's the music that elevates "I Can't Give Everything Away" to the ranks of Bowie's timeless classics. The song is a seamless blend of electronic beats and organic instrumentation, with the saxophone solo towards the end serving as the perfect homage to Bowie's jazz influences. The music is both familiar and new, combining elements from Bowie's entire career while still sounding fresh and exciting.

Overall, "I Can't Give Everything Away" is a bittersweet reminder of Bowie's brilliance and his untimely death. It's a testament to his artistic vision and his willingness to push boundaries and experiment with different styles and genres. With its infectious beat and haunting melody, the song will stay with you long after it's finished, a fitting tribute to one of the greatest artists of all time.

• Release Date: January 8, 2016
• Artist: David Bowie