Diamond Dogs

David Bowie

About Diamond Dogs

"Diamond Dogs" is a 1974 single by David Bowie, the title track of the album of the same name. The lyric introduces the listener to Bowie's latest persona and his environment; Halloween Jack dwells on top of an abandoned skyscraper ("Manhattan Chase", a.k.a. One Chase Manhattan Plaza) in a post-apocalyptic Manhattan. The guitar sound is heavily influenced by The Rolling Stones, and signalled Bowie moving away from glam rock and closer to a proto-punk Stooges-influenced sound. The track was considered by many commentators to be an unconventional single, and it only reached number 21 in the United Kingdom. According to NME critics Roy Carr and Charles Shaar Murray, "As a potential hit single, the title track from Diamond Dogs was something of a non-event. Too long, too bleak in vision, too tough to dance to... you know the drill."Although it was not issued in the US as a single (despite the fact that copies were pressed in the US for shipment to the UK and were commonly imported into the US for sale in shops that sold imports), the song became a central part of Bowie's North American tour in 1974. 


Year:
1993
6:03
572 
#9

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This ain't rock'n'roll, this is genocide

As they pulled you out of the oxygen tent
You asked for the latest party
With your silicone hump and your ten inch stump
Dressed like a priest you was
Todd Browning's freak you was

Crawling down the alley on your hands and knee
I'm sure you're not protected, for it's plain to see
The diamond dogs are poachers and they hide behind trees
Hunt you to the ground they will, mannequins with kill appeal

(Will they come?)
I'll keep a friend serene
(Will they come?)
Oh baby, come unto me
(Will they come?)
Well, she's come, been and gone
Come out of the garden, baby
You'll catch your death in the fog
Young girl, they call them the Diamond Dogs
Young girl, they call them the Diamond Dogs

The Halloween Jack is a real cool cat
And he lives on top of Manhattan Chase
The elevator's broke, so he slides down a rope
Onto the street below, oh Tarzie, go man go

Meet his little hussy with his ghost town approach
Her face is sans feature, but she wears a Dali brooch
Sweetly reminiscent, something mother used to bake
Wrecked up and paralyzed, Diamond Dogs are stabilized

(Will they come?)
I'll keep a friend serene
(Will they come?)
Oh baby, come unto me
(Will they come?)
Well, she's come, been and gone
Come out of the garden, baby
You'll catch your death in the fog
Young girl, they call them the Diamond Dogs
Young girl, they call them the Diamond Dogs
Oo-oo-ooh, call them the Diamond Dogs
Oo-oo-ooh, call them the Diamond Dogs

In the year of the scavenger, the season of the bitch
Sashay on the boardwalk, scurry to the ditch
Just another future song, lonely little kitsch
(There's gonna be sorrow) try and wake up tomorrow

(Will they come?)
I'll keep a friend serene
(Will they come?)
Oh baby, come unto me
(Will they come?)
Well, she's come, been and gone
Come out of the garden, baby
You'll catch your death in the fog
Young girl, they call them the Diamond Dogs
Young girl, they call them the Diamond Dogs
Oo-oo-ooh, call them the Diamond Dogs
Oo-oo-ooh, call them the Diamond Dogs

Bow-wow, woof woof, bow-wow, wow
Call them the Diamond Dogs
Dogs
Call them the Diamond Dogs, call them, call them
Call them the Diamond Dogs, call them, call them, ooo
Call them the Diamond Dogs

Keep cool
Diamond Dogs rule, ok
Hey-hey-hey-hey
Beware of the Diamond Dogs
Beware of the Diamond Dogs
Beware of the Diamond Dogs

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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: DAVID BOWIE

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, TINTORETTO MUSIC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Production Background
"Diamond Dogs" was produced by David Bowie himself, showcasing his talent not only as a singer but also as a music producer.
Concept Album
The song is the titular track of David Bowie's 1974 album "Diamond Dogs," which is a concept album loosely based on George Orwell's novel "1984."
Influence
“Diamond Dogs” was heavily influenced by Bowie's immersion in the New York scene and his fascination with the urban decay and gang culture he observed.
Transition
This song marked a transition in Bowie's musical style from glam rock, seen in his previous albums, toward a more soulful and jazz-oriented approach in his future works.
Artwork
The original cover art of the "Diamond Dogs" album features Bowie as a striking half-man, half-dog creature, symbolizing the theme of metamorphosis.
Lyrical Theme
The lyrics revolve around a post-apocalyptic urban world and reflect Bowie's perceptions of a collapsing society.
Chart Performance
"Diamond Dogs" achieved significant success upon its release, reaching No. 1 in the UK album charts.
Guitar Performance
The guitar part in the song is performed by David Bowie himself, demonstrating his versatility as a musician.
Influence on Popular Culture
References to the song appear broadly within pop culture, including music, movies, and even video games.
Critical Reception
Although it got mixed reviews from critics upon its release, "Diamond Dogs" is now considered one of the greatest albums by David Bowie and a significant work in rock music history. It is often mentioned in conversations about dystopian cultural works.
Tragic Event
The release of "Diamond Dogs" was melancholically followed by the death of the artist in January 2016, making it one of the last major works released during Bowie's lifetime.
Music Video
No official music video was created for the song or for any track from the album. This decision deviated from Bowie’s usual tendency to use visual components in his work, contributing to the song’s mysterious intrigue.

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