David Bowie

Lyrics

[Intro]

[Verse 1]
Man, she punched me like a dude
Hold your mad hands, I cried
‘Tis a pity she was a whore
‘Tis my curse, I suppose
That was patrol
That was patrol
This is the war
[​Bridge]

[Verse 2]
Black struck the kiss, he kept my cock
Smote the mistress, drifting on
‘Tis a pity she was a whore
She stole my purse, with rattling speed
That was patrol
This is the war
‘Tis a pity she was a whore

[Bridge 2]​​

[Verse 3]
Man, she punched me like a dude
Hold your mad hands, I cried
‘Tis a pity she was a whore
‘Tis my fate, I suppose
For, that was patrol
That was patrol
‘Tis a pity she was a whore
[Outro]
‘Tis a pity she was a whore
Woo!
Ahh! Woo!
Woo!

David Bowie was one of the most influential musicians of his generation. Known for his boundary-pushing music and fashion sense, Bowie's impact on the music world is still felt today, years after his passing. In 2014, Bowie released the single "Sue (Or In a Season of Crime)." On the B-side of that single was a track called "’Tis a Pity She Was a Whore."

About ’Tis a Pity She Was a Whore

The song takes its name from a play written by John Ford called "’Tis a Pity She's a Whore." Bowie acknowledged that the song was inspired by the rawness of the First World War. The lyrics are cryptic, but there are some interpretations of what Bowie may have been expressing.

Some people have suggested that the song is a commentary on the dark side of love, and how passion can lead people to do irrational things. The line "Man, she punched me like a dude" seems to suggest that there was some kind of physical altercation between the two lovers in the song. The line "The center of her own attention" could be interpreted as the woman's desire to do whatever she wants, regardless of the consequences.

The instrumentation of the song is very interesting as well. It features a raw, distorted guitar sound that almost sounds like it's breaking up. The drums are heavy, and the bass is constantly moving, driving the song forward. Bowie's vocals are haunting and melancholic, which adds to the overall mood of the song.

'Tis a Pity She Was a Whore was eventually released as a part of Bowie's final album, Blackstar, which was released just two days before his death. Blackstar was widely regarded as one of the greatest albums of Bowie's long and varied career.

The song's music video is also worth noting. It features Bowie as a blind prophet, wandering through a futuristic city. The video is filled with surreal imagery, and Bowie's presence adds to the otherworldly vibe of the song.

Overall, 'Tis a Pity She Was a Whore is a unique and powerful song. Bowie's ability to create music that is both thought-provoking and emotive is on full display here. While the song's meaning may be up for interpretation, there is no denying the impact it has on the listener. It's a haunting and unforgettable track that will continue to be celebrated for years to come.

• Release Date: November 10, 2014
• Artist: David Bowie