Dead Man Walking

David Bowie

About Dead Man Walking

"Dead Man Walking" is a song written by David Bowie and Reeves Gabrels and released as single from the 1997 album Earthling. It was a number 32 hit in the UK. The guitar riff used in the intro dates back to the mid-1960s when Jimmy Page taught this to Bowie. Bowie later used it for his song "The Supermen" in 1970, and revived it 25 years later for "Dead Man Walking".


Year:
2007
7:26
73 
#1

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He swivels his head
Tears his eyes from the screen
As his past puts him back in Atlantic City

There's not even a demon in Heaven or Hell
Is it all just human disguise?
As I walk down the aisle

Gone gone gone spinning slack through the end?
Deadens? my brain falling up through the years
Till I swivel back round then I fly fly fly
Losing breath from the water then I'm gone gone gone

And I'm gone gone gone
Now I'm older than movies
Let me dance away
Now I'm wiser than dreams
Let me fly fly fly
While I'm touching tomorrow
And I know who's there
When silhouettes fall

And I'm gone
Like I'm dancing on angels
And I'm gone through a crack in the past

Like a dead man walking
Like a dead man walking

Three old men dancing under the lamplight
Shaking their sex and their bones
And the boys that we were
An alien nation in therapy
Sliding naked and new
Like a bad tempered child 
On a rain slicked street

Gone gone gone spinning slack through the end?
Deadens? my brain falling up through the years
Till I swivel back round then I fly fly fly
Losing breath from the water then I'm gone gone gone

And I'm gone

And I'm gone, like I'm dancing on angels
And I'm gone, through the crack in the past

Like a dead man walking
Like a dead man walking
Like a dead man
Like a dead man walking

And I'm gone gone gone
Let me dance dance dance
And I'm gone gone gone
Let me dance dance dance

And I'm gone, like I'm dancing on angels
And I'm gone, through a crack in the past
And I'm gone, like I'm dancing on angels
And I'm gone, through a crack in the past

Like a dead man walking
Like a dead man walking
Like a dead man
Like a dead man walking

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


David Bowie

David Robert Jones (8 January 1947 - 10 January 2016), known by his stage name David Bowie ( /ˈboʊ.i/ BOH-ee), was an English musician, actor, record producer and arranger. A major figure for over four decades in the world of popular music, Bowie is widely regarded as an innovator, particularly for his work in the 1970s. He is known for his distinctive voice as well as the intellectual depth and considerable eclecticism of his work. more »

30 fans

Written by: IAN VINCENT JONES, JAIME LEE OLSEN

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Album
"Dead Man Walking" is a song from David Bowie's twentieth studio album, titled "Earthling" which was released in 1997.
Song Composition
The song embodies Bowie's experimentation with electronica, featuring heavy use of synthesizers, drum machines, and altered vocals.
Derivative Work
"Dead Man Walking" reportedly takes major inspiration from the song "The Supermen" from Bowie's 1970 album "The Man Who Sold the World".
Accolades
Although not a commercial hit, "Dead Man Walking" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance in 1998.
Song Interpretation
As with many of Bowie's songs, "Dead Man Walking" is subject to interpretation. Some fans believe the lyrics reflect Bowie's self-acknowledgement of aging and his own mortality.
Music Video
The music video for "Dead Man Walking" was directed by Floria Sigismondi, who also directed the music videos for Bowie's songs "Little Wonder" and "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)". The video presents a surreal, dystopian future featuring multiple Bowies.
Live Performances
Bowie performed "Dead Man Walking" on a number of TV shows, including Saturday Night Live and the Late Show with David Letterman, upon its release.
Remix Versions
The song was released with several remixes, including the "Moby Mix 1," which incorporates new guitar parts played by Bowie himself.
Song Cover
Electro-industrial band Gary Numan covered "Dead Man Walking" as a tribute to Bowie following his death in 2016.
Production
The song was produced by David Bowie himself along with Mark Plati, who also co-produced the entire "Earthling" album.
Instrumental and Vocals
Besides vocals, Bowie also provided guitar and Saxophone section for the song.

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