Jump They Say
David Bowie
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When comes the shaking man A nation in his eyes Striped with blood and emblazed tattoo Streaking cathedral spire They say He has no brain They say He has no mood They say He was born again They say Look at him climb They say 'jump' They say He has two gods They say He has no fear They say He has no eyes They say He has no mouth They say hey that's really something They feel he should get some time I say he should watch his ass My friend don't listen to the crowd They say 'jump' Got to believe somebody Got to believe
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10 facts about this song
Release and Reception"Jump They Say" was the first single released by David Bowie from his 1993 album, "Black Tie White Noise." It achieved moderate commercial success, reaching top 10 chart positions in the UK and several other countries.
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Music VideoThe music video for "Jump They Say" was directed by renowned filmmaker Mark Romanek, who is known for his work with other prominent artists such as Madonna, Taylor Swift, and Johnny Cash.
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Inspirations for the SongThe song is about Bowie's step-brother Terry Burns, who committed suicide in 1985. Bowie had often looked to his relationship with his half-brother for inspiration in his work, discussing his struggles with schizophrenia and the impact it had on their family.
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Sound and Style"Jump They Say" is strongly influenced by the Philly soul sound, featuring lush orchestration and melodic hooks. It has also been described as a return to Bowie's soul and R&B roots, after exploring various musical styles on his previous albums.
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Lyric Interpretation"Jump They Say" has often been interpreted as a commentary on the pressures of fame and the music industry, which Bowie knew quite well. However, Bowie has explained that its specific references and metaphors are related to his brother's journey through the mental health system.
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Extended VersionsThere are improved versions of "Jump They Say" that appeared on other versions of the album. "The Rock Mix," extended the ending of the original song and added more guitar, while the "Brothers in Rhythm 12" Mix" transformed the song into a lengthier, dance-oriented track.
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Sampling UseIn 1999, the French house duo Cassius sampled "Jump They Say" on their track "Nulife". This highlighted Bowie's continua influence on a wide range of musical genres.
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Live Performances"Jump They Say" was a part of Bowie's setlist for The Outside Tour (1995) and The Earthling Tour (1997). However, it was performed significantly less often than many of his other hits.
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Awards and RecognitionThe song was nominated for Best Male Video at the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards. However, it lost to Neil Young's "Harvest Moon."
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Reflection of Personal Life"Jump They Say" reflects a very personal part of Bowie's life, dealing directly with the suicide of his half-brother and the resulting feelings of grief and confusion. This adds a layer of depth and resonance to the song that fans and critics alike have noted over the years.
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Citation
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"Jump They Say Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 23 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/25479230/David+Bowie/Jump+They+Say>.
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