Fame

David Bowie

About Fame

"Fame" is a song recorded by David Bowie, initially released in 1975. Written by Bowie, Carlos Alomar and John Lennon, it was a hit in North America, becoming Bowie's first number 1 single in the Canadian Singles Chart as well as the U. S. Billboard Hot 100. The song was one of the more successful singles of the year, ranking at number 7 on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100. It was less successful in Europe, reaching number 17 in the UK Singles Chart. The song is one of four of Bowie's songs to be included in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.  


Year:
1993
4:16
971 
#9

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Fame makes a man take things over
Fame lets him loose, hard to swallow
Fame puts you there where things are hollow (fame)
Fame, it's not your brain, it's just the flame
That burns your change to keep you insane (fame)

Fame, (fame) what you like is in the limo
Fame, (fame) what you get is no tomorrow
Fame, (fame) what you need you have to borrow Fame
Fame, (fame) it's mine, it's mine, it's just his line
To bind your time, it drives you to crime (fame)

Is it any wonder I reject you first?
Fame, fame, fame, fame
Is it any wonder you are too cool to fool? (fame)
Fame, bully for you, chilly for me
Got to get a rain check on pain (fame)

Fame
Fame, fame, fame
Fame, fame, fame
Fame, fame, fame, fame
Fame, fame, fame, fame
Fame, fame, fame
Fame, what's your name?
Fame

 Struggling with Fame? Become a better singer in 30 days with these videos!


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: Carlos Alomar, David Bowie, John Lennon

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, UNIDISC MUSIC, TINTORETTO MUSIC, Downtown Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Genre
"Fame" is a funk rock song, a genre that combines elements of funk and rock music. This was a departure from Bowie's previously more glam rock style.
Production and Writing
"Fame" was co-written by David Bowie, Carlos Alomar and John Lennon. In fact, it is Lennon's voice you can hear singing the title in the background of the song.
Chart Performance
The single was released in 1975 and reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the U.S. It became Bowie's first No.1 single in America.
Album Inclusion
"Fame" is part of the album "Young Americans", which marked a significant shift in Bowie's musical style toward soul and R&B.
Song Inspiration
"Fame" was inspired by Bowie's observation of the downside of fame; the song reflects his disillusionment with the celebrity lifestyle.
Song Recording
The song was allegedly recorded in a one-day session, a testament to the spontaneous creative flow of its creators.
McCartney's Misconception
Paul McCartney once incorrectly thought that the song "Fame" was about him, but David Bowie clarified that it wasn't.
Multiple Versions
Over the years, Bowie performed several different versions of "Fame" during his concert tours, exhibiting the song's versatility and his own ability to reinvent his music.
Additional Recognition
In 1998, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Cover Versions
"Fame" has been covered by several artists over the years, including Duran Duran and George Michael.

Discuss the Fame Lyrics with the community:

1 Comment
  • Paulbaby
    Dave was a horse of a different color. Is it any wonder?
    LikeReply1 year ago

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Fame

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Top Hot 100 Songs 1975

Billboard #1


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