Boys Keep Swinging
David Bowie
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Heaven loves ya The clouds part for ya Nothing stands in your way When you're a boy Clothes always fit ya Life is a pop of the cherry When you're a boy When you're a boy You can wear a uniform When you're a boy Other boys check you out You get a girl These are your favorite things When you're a boy Boys Boys Boys keep swinging Boys always work it out Uncage the colors Unfurl the flag Luck just kissed you hello When you're a boy They'll never clone ya You're always first on the line When you're a boy When you're a boy You can buy a home of your own When you're a boy Learn to drive and everything You'll get your share When you're a boy Boys Boys Boys keep swinging Boys always work it out
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Written by: David Bowie, Brian Eno
Lyrics © TINTORETTO MUSIC, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Song Composition"Boys Keep Swinging," released in 1979, was written by David Bowie and Brian Eno. The lyrics and rhythm of the song reflect Bowie's unique and groundbreaking style of music.
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Chart PerformanceThe song reached number 7 on the UK Singles Chart, showing its popularity during the late 1970s.
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Album AssociationThe song is a part of the album "Lodger", which is the last of Bowie's 'Berlin Trilogy', three albums that were all co-produced by Tony Visconti and Brian Eno.
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Musical Style"Boys Keep Swinging" is considered a post-punk song with elements of funk and glam rock, further highlighting Bowie's multifaceted musicality.
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Music VideoIts music video was directed by David Mallet and is one of the most famous music videos of the 1970s for its notable drag performance by Bowie.
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Song ThemeThe song is known for its satire of machismo and heteronormativity, underlining Bowie's frequent exploration of gender and sexuality in his music.
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Innovative MakingThe song's distinctive sound was created by having the musicians swap instruments after the basic track was recorded, ensuring a beginner's angle to playing the parts which resulted in unique melodies.
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Re-releaseThe track was re-recorded for inclusion in the soundtrack of the film "Center Stage" in 2000.
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Controversial LineIts controversial ending line, “When you’re a boy, other boys check you out!” was changed for the American broadcast to, “When you’re a boy, you get a lot more toys”.
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Cultural ImpactThough not one of Bowie's biggest hits, 'Boys Keep Swinging' has been praised for pushing boundaries and has played a key role in cementing his legacy as an influential figure in music and pop culture.
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Cover VersionThe song has been covered by several other artists since its release, including Duran Duran and the Associates.
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Unique PromotionFor promotional appearances surrounding the song's release, Bowie performed with a puppet body, where his actual head was superimposed on the screen.
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Citation
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"Boys Keep Swinging Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30162084/David+Bowie/Boys+Keep+Swinging>.
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