David Bowie

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
(Hey man) Oh, leave me alone, you know
(Hey man) Oh, Henry, get off the phone, I gotta
(Hey man) I gotta straighten my face
This mellow thighed chick just put my spine out of place

[Verse 2]
(Hey man) My school day's insane
(Hey man) My work's down the drain
(Hey man) Well, she's a total blam-blam
She said she had to squeeze it but she, and then she

[Chorus]
Oh, don't lean on me, man, 'cause you can't afford the ticket
Back from Suffragette City
Oh, don't lean on me, man, 'cause you ain't got time to check it
You know my Suffragette City
Is outta sight
She's all right

[Verse 3]
(Hey, man) Oh, Henry, don't be unkind, go away
(Hey, man) I can't take you this time, no way
(Hey, man) Dear droogie, don't crash here
There's only room for one and here she comes, here she comes
[Chorus]
Oh, don't lean on me, man, 'cause you can't afford the ticket
Back from Suffragette City
Oh, don't lean on me, man, 'cause you ain't got time to check it
You know my Suffragette City
Is outta sight
She's all right
Oh, hit me

[Chorus]
Oh, don't lean on me, man, 'cause you can't afford the ticket
Back from Suffragette City
Oh, don't lean on me, man, 'cause you ain't got time to check it
You know my Suffragette City
Don't lean on me, man, 'cause you can't afford the ticket
Back from Suffragette City
And don't lean on me, man, 'cause you ain't got time to check it
You know my Suffragette City
Is outta sight
Whoa, she's all right

[Outro]
A Suffragette City
A Suffragette City
I'm back on Suffragette City
I'm back on Suffragette City
Whoa, Suffragette city
Ooh, Suffragette City
Ooh-how, Suffragette City
Ooh-how, Suffragette City
Ooh-how, Suffragette
Oh, wham, bam, thank you, Ma'am!
A Suffragette City
A Suffragette City
Quite all right
A Suffragette City
Too fine
A Suffragette City
Ooh, a Suffragette City
Oh, my Suffragette City
Oh, my Suffragette City
Oh, Suffragette
Suffragette!

David Bowie is undoubtedly one of the most iconic artists in music history. Through his various personas, he brought us some of the most imaginative and timeless songs ever created. His love for Lou Reed and The Velvet Underground is no secret, and this love has been well documented throughout his career. Suffragette City, from his seminal album Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, is one such song that pays homage to these artists in a way only Bowie can.

About Suffragette City

Suffragette City is the fourth track on the Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars album. Released in 1972, the song was written by Bowie, and it’s a high-energy rock song that’s hard to resist. The song’s explosive guitar riffs and upbeat tempo perfectly capture the mood of the rock and roll era, and the raunchy lyrics make the song all the more fun.

The song is said to be based on a true story, where Bowie went to a gay bar called Sombrero where he met a man named Speedy, who inspired the famous line “Wham Bam Thank You, Ma’am.” Bowie is known for his gender-bending persona, and his approach to sexuality was groundbreaking and ahead of his time. In Suffragette City, Bowie uses his sexuality to make a statement about freedom and liberation, which is why the song has become an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community.

Suffragette City starts with an explosive guitar riff that calls out to the listener, urging them to let go. The song’s upbeat tempo makes it a perfect dance number, and it’s hard not to let loose and dance along. The chorus creates an infectious melody, which gets stuck in the listener's head long after the song has ended. Bowie’s raw and emotive voice coupled with the scorching guitar solo by Mick Ronson adds a level of intensity to the song that’s hard to ignore.

The song’s lyrics paint a picture of rebellion, with Bowie declaring that he doesn’t need anyone but himself, embodying the spirit of the rock and roll era. The song’s message of liberation and freedom is conveyed through its lyrics and is a testament to Bowie’s genius as a songwriter and musician.

Suffragette City’s influence can be seen throughout music history, with many contemporary artists citing Bowie as an influence. The song's energy and spirit have made it a crowd favorite at concerts and performances, with the audience often singing along to the chorus in unison.

Conclusion

Suffragette City is a true masterpiece and a testament to Bowie’s genius. The song’s infectious melody and raunchy lyrics make it a high-energy rock anthem that’s hard to resist. Bowie’s approach to sexuality and gender-bending is still relevant today, and the song has become an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community. Suffragette City’s influence can be seen throughout music history, and it will always be remembered as one of Bowie’s greatest songs.

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