David Bowie

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Time takes a cigarette, puts it in your mouth
You pull on your finger
Then another finger, then cigarette
The wall-to-wall is calling
It lingers, then you forget

[Refrain]
Oh, oh, oh, oh, you're a rock 'n' roll suicide

[Verse 2]
You're too old to lose it, too young to choose it
And the clock waits so patiently on your song
You walk past the café, but you don't eat
When you've lived too long

[Refrain]
Oh, no, no, no, you're a rock 'n' roll suicide

[Verse 3]
Chev's brakes are snarling
As you stumble across the road
But the day breaks instead, so you hurry home
Don't let the sun blast your shadow
Don't let the milk float, ride your mind
They're so natural, religiously unkind
[Bridge]
Oh no, love, you're not alone
You're watching yourself, but you're too unfair
You got your head all tangled up
But if I could only make you care
Oh no, love, you're not alone
No matter what or who you've been
No matter when or where you've seen
All the knives seem to lacerate your brain
I've had my share, I'll help you with the pain
You're not alone

[Outro]
Just turn on with me, and you're not alone
Let's turn on and be not alone (wonderful)
Gimme your hands, 'cause you're wonderful (wonderful)
Gimme your hands, 'cause you're wonderful (wonderful)
Oh, gimme your hands

David Bowie’s song Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide is an iconic piece of music that serves as the closing song for both the Ziggy and Aladdin Sane tours. It is a powerful song that tells the story of the decline of Ziggy Stardust, while also touching on the struggles of depression and mental illness. Bowie’s announcement at the final concert of the tour, that it would be the last show they would ever perform, made the significance of the song even more poignant.

About Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide

The song Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide is one of the most important tracks on the iconic album Ziggy Stardust by David Bowie. The song is pivotal to the story of Ziggy Stardust as it marks the end of the narrative. It is the closing number of the Ziggy Stardust concert and serves as the final curtain call for the eponymous character. The narrative of the song tells the story of the decline of Ziggy Stardust, the washed-up superstar, as the crushing weight of stardom and the rock ‘n roll lifestyle takes its toll.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide is not only the thematic death of Ziggy Stardust on the album, but the real-life end to the character as portrayed by Bowie. Before playing the song at The Hammersmith Odeon in London, Bowie announced that this would be the last show of the tour, and that it would be the last show they would ever perform. With this announcement, the Ziggy Stardust era had ended, and the only member of the band who knew what Bowie was going to do was Mick Ronson.

The song’s power and significance extend beyond its context in the Ziggy Stardust narrative. Away from the story, it is an incredibly powerful song that touches on the struggles of depression and mental illness. The crescendo throughout the track is symbolic of the growing problems in a person, starting with mild cynicism or depression before spiraling down into the depths of helplessness. Bowie’s increasingly desperate lyrics and attempts to reach out and connect with an unknown person add to the emotive power of the track.

One of the most striking things about Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide is its grand sense of staged drama – something that was previously unheard of in rock & roll. The song starts with a simple acoustic chord before building to a quasi-orchestral climax. It is this crescendo and release of tension that provides the song with its power and intensity.

Bowie’s vocal performance is one of the standout aspects of the track. The way he delivers the lyrics, with increasing desperation and passion, highlights the raw emotion of the song. His voice is powerful, yet it also conveys a sense of vulnerability and fragility.

Overall, Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide is one of David Bowie’s most significant and iconic songs. It is a powerful track with a grand sense of staged drama that touches on some universal themes, including the struggles of mental illness and the crushing weight of fame. It is a fitting end to the Ziggy Stardust era and remains a testament to Bowie’s genius and his ability to connect with his audience on a deeply emotional level.

• Release Date: June 16, 1972
• Artist: David Bowie