Absolute Beginners
David Bowie
Lyrics currently unavailable…
13 facts about this song
Release Date"Absolute Beginners" was released in the U.K. on March 3, 1986. In the U.S., the song was released later in the same month.
|
Movie Tie-inThe song served as the theme song for a British musical film of the same title, 'Absolute Beginners,' directed by Julien Temple.
|
Chart PerformanceIn the UK, the song peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart. In the U.S. it reached number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100.
|
Length'Absolute Beginners' is one of Bowie's longest single releases with a running time of approximately 7.54 minutes for the full-length version. A shorter, edited version of approximately 5.35 minutes was also released.
|
ProducerThe song was produced by David Bowie in collaboration with Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley, known for their work with successful British bands like Madness.
|
Fusing StylesThe song is a fusion of doo-wop style with a modern beat, exhibiting Bowie's ability to blend traditional rock n’ roll with contemporary music styles.
|
Music VideoThe music video, directed by Julien Temple, was an elaborate production, depicting Bowie walking in a rainy street scene with various references to his past music videos and films.
|
Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by a number of artists including Carla Bruni, Steve Harley, Frank Sidebottom, and Tin Machine.
|
Critic AcclaimCritics usually list 'Absolute Beginners' among Bowie's best work and it often ranks highly in his discography despite the mixed reviews of the film it was associated with.
|
InstrumentationThe song features a powerful saxophone solo played by long-time Bowie collaborator, Don Weller. Weller wasn’t a known rock musician, primarily playing in jazz bands.
|
Backing VocalsThe distinctive backing vocals on the track were provided by Janet Armstrong and The Phantom Horns.
|
Personal MeaningBowie claimed in interviews that he wrote 'Absolute Beginners' to express the feeling of finding a kind of 'real love' at last, as reflected in the song’s lyrics like “I absolutely love you.” Some believe the song was inspired by his relationship with his then-wife, supermodel Iman.
|
Musical InfluenceThe song has had a lasting cultural impact and has been used in various media, including commercials and television series.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Absolute Beginners Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 25 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/10367651/David+Bowie/Absolute+Beginners>.
Discuss the Absolute Beginners Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In