David Bowie

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
It's safe in the city
To love in a doorway
To wrangle some screams from the dawn
And isn't it me
Putting pain in a stranger?
Like a portrait in flesh, who trails on a leash
Will you see that I'm scared and I'm lonely?
So I'll break up my room, and yawn and I
Run to the centre of things
Where the knowing one says:

[Chorus]
"Boys, Boys, it's a sweet thing
Boys, Boys, it's a sweet thing, sweet thing
If you want it, boys, get it here, thing
For hope, boys, is a cheap thing, cheap thing"

[Verse 2]
I'm glad that you're older than me
Makes me feel important and free
Does that make you smile, isn't that me?
I'm in your way, and I'll steal every moment
If this trade is a curse, then I'll bless you
And turn to the crossroads of Hamburgers, and
[Chorus]
"Boys, Boys, it's a sweet thing
Boys, Boys, it's a sweet thing, sweet thing
If you want it, boys, get it here, thing
For hope, boys, is a cheap thing, cheap thing"

David Bowie's "Sweet Thing" is a song that was part of the planned 1984 triptych, consisting of three songs including "Candidate" and "Sweet Thing (Reprise)." The inspiration for the triptych came from the George Orwell novel "1984," which Bowie initially wanted to turn into a theatrical stage production.

About Sweet Thing

The lack of permission to use the novel in his production led to a change of narrative and the creation of a concept album called "Diamond Dogs." This album features themes of a dystopian future, with an end-of-the-world atmosphere but with less austerity and minimalism that satirize the Royal Family of the UK. Bowie has been quoted saying that he was looking to create a profligate world that could have been inhabited by characters from Kurt Weill or John Rechy, A bridge between Enid Blyton's Beckenham and The Velvet Underground’s New York. Many of the songs on the album have been abstractly changed to bear a resemblance to the novel, but "Sweet Thing" still has clear homage to Orwell's work with tinges of fear and loneliness beneath the panoptic view of a knowing one.

One of the fascinating things about "Sweet Thing" is that Bowie employed a technique called the "cut-up" technique when writing the song. This technique is a literary method where a piece of literature is cut up into pieces that are then rearranged to create a new text. This technique has a strong association with the writer William S. Burroughs. Bowie was a fan of Burroughs and used this technique to create something that was unique and original compared to his previous works.

The song has a surreal and dark nature that is hard to ignore. There is a strong feeling of loneliness and paranoia that seems to be conveyed through the lyrics. The way the song is composed is quite complex, with changes in the vocal range, tempo, and style that come together to create a truly unique sound. Add to this the powerful lyrics and you have a song that is not only hauntingly beautiful but incredibly meaningful.

As with many Bowie songs, there is a lot of symbolism and hidden meanings in "Sweet Thing" that the listener can interpret in their own way. Some have suggested that the song is about a person's search for inner peace or happiness in a world filled with chaos and darkness. Others have interpreted the song as a commentary on technology and the way it is taking over our lives and causing us to lose touch with ourselves.

The song starts with "It's safe in the city to love in a doorway," suggesting that there may be danger lurking in the city that we must be aware of. We then hear the refrain of "Sweet Thing" that is repeated throughout the song. The first verse begins with "The discotheque is empty, and they've closed down the aisles of lights. Heavy-eyed, they wait for the fury to rise, but, oh, oh, how, how, my heart, it shakes to think of something on two legs." The lyrics are surreal and almost dreamlike, creating a sense of uncertainty and fear. This feeling is further emphasized by the refrain of "Sweet Thing" that contrasts with the darker lyrics.

The second verse begins with the line "Standing, by the wall, the shades, are, drawn and cold." This line, along with the rest of the verse, adds to the feeling of loneliness and desperation that is prevalent throughout the song. The use of the word "shades" may also be a reference to ghosts or the dead. The verse then ends with the line "But oh, how, my, heart, it shakes, to wait in that, cool, hall" which once again contrasts the darker lyrics with the more upbeat refrain.

Throughout the song, Bowie's vocals change in style and range, sometimes a low, melancholic tone and other times soaring high in an almost operatic style. This change in vocal style is evident in the bridge, where all the beats and drums stop in a vague atmospheric effect with a ghost-like echo and expands like a colorful musical paintbrush. It creates an almost transcendental quality that adds to the otherworldly nature of the song. The song ends with the refrain of "Sweet Thing" as a final reminder of the beauty that is present in the world even amidst fear and uncertainty.

In summary, "Sweet Thing" is a hauntingly beautiful song that showcases Bowie's unique blend of artistry and talent. The song features a complex composition with shifting vocal styles and tempos that add to its dreamlike and surreal quality. The lyrics are full of hidden meanings and symbolism, which allow the listener to interpret the song in their way. The use of the "cut-up" technique makes the song a unique and groundbreaking piece of music that marks a significant moment in Bowie's career. Overall, "Sweet Thing" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire listeners to this day.

• Release Date: April 24, 1974
• Artist: David Bowie