I Can't Read

Tin Machine

About I Can't Read

"I Can't Read" is a song written by David Bowie and Reeves Gabrels for Tin Machine on their debut album in 1989. Bowie recorded a new version of the song in 1997 for the film The Ice Storm. This version was released as a single in Germany and Scandinavia by Velvel Records in December 1997. In January 1998 it was also released in Australia by Shock Records under exclusive license from Velvel Records. The single stayed in the UK Top 200 for 3 weeks, peaking at No. 73. When Bowie performed the song in 1996 he described it as "full of remorse and agony, I expect, it's when jobs go wrong, and home doesn't really feel warm any more, and you don't need anybody - you don't even pretend you do - and you end up in this kind of state. " 


Year:
1991
6:25
185 
#1

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I can't read and I can't write down
I don't know a book from countdown
I don't care which shadow gets me
All I've got is someone's face

Money goes to money heaven
Bodies go to body hell
I just cough, catch the chase
Switch the channel watch the police car

I can't read shit anymore
I just sit back and ignore
I just can't get it right, can't get it right
I can't read shit I can't read shit

When you see a famous smile
No matter where you run your mile
To be right in that photograph
Andy where's my fifteen minutes

I can't read shit anymore
I just sit back and ignore
I just can't get it right, can't get it right
I can't read shit I can't read shit

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Tin Machine

Tin Machine was a hard rock band formed in 1988, famous for being fronted by singer David Bowie. The group recorded two studio albums before dissolving in 1992, when Bowie returned to his solo career. Drummer Hunt Sales said that the group's name "reflects the sound of the band," and Bowie stated that he and his bandmates joined up "to make the kind of music that we enjoyed listening to." Tony Sales and Hunt Sales, members of Tin Machine, had performed with David Bowie in support of Iggy Pop in the late seventies. As with Tin Machine, Bowie had decided to support rather than star on stage, so he toured with his peer Iggy Pop. The acclaimed TV Eye Live 1977 captured a concert at Cleveland, Ohio's Agora Theatre and Ballroom from the tour. more »

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Written by: David Bowie, Reeves Gabrels

Lyrics © TINTORETTO MUSIC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Band Creation
"I Can't Read" is a song by the rock band Tin Machine, where David Bowie was a member. The band was formed in 1988 and was active until 1992.
Song Release
The song was first released in 1989 on the band's debut self-titled album "Tin Machine".
David Bowie's Role
Within the band, David Bowie played the role of the lead vocalist and also contributed to the songwriting. "I Can't Read" was primarily penned by David Bowie alongside his bandmate, Reeves Gabrels.
Song Meaning
Although the song's lyrics do not display a precise narrative, they convey a strong feel of personal and emotional disconnection. Bowie stated in an interview that the song was about his feelings on leaving Los Angeles after years of substance abuse.
Uncomfortable Memories
"I Can't Read" was reportedly one of the last songs Bowie performed live because it brought back uncomfortable memories for him.
Song Remake
"I Can't Read" was remade by Bowie in 1997 for his album "Ice Storm" with a slower tempo and alternative lyrics. However, this version was not released until the album "earthling" in 1997.
Bowie's Perspective
Bowie once disclosed that "I Can't Read" is one of the few songs that he was genuinely delighted with, from both his time in Tin Machine, as well as his solo career.
Music Video
There is a music video for the song "I Can't Read". The black and white video, released in 1989, mainly features close-up shots of David Bowie singing and shows the band performing the song in a cavernous industrial setting.
Cameos
The 1997 version's music video of "I Can't Read" has brief clips from the movie "The Ice Storm" as it was part of the film's soundtrack.
Popularity
Though Tin Machine was not as well-received as Bowie's solo work, "I Can't Read" was noted as a standout track and has retained popularity among Bowie fans.

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