Hang Onto Yourself
David Bowie/David Bowie & The Spiders From Mars Lyrics
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Praying to the light machine
She wants my honey not my money she's a funky-thigh collector
Layin' on 'lectric dreams
So come on, come on, we've really got a good thing going
Well come on, well come on, if you think we're gonna make it
You better hang on to yourself
We can't dance, we don't talk much, we just ball and play
But then we move like tigers on vaseline
Well the bitter comes out better on a stolen guitar
You're the blessed, we're the spiders from Mars
So come on, come on, we've really got a good thing going
Well come on, well come on, if you think we're gonna make it
You better hang on to yourself
So come on, come on, we've really got a good thing going
Well come on, well come on, if you think we're gonna make it
You better hang on to yourself
So come on, come on, we've really got a good thing going
Well come on, well come on, if you think we're gonna make it
You better hang on to yourself
Come on, ah, come on, ah (repeat ad inf.)
In "Hang On To Yourself," David Bowie, accompanied by his band The Spiders From Mars, sings about a sensual and impulsive woman who wants to experience the show and the music on a primal level. She is not interested in money, but in passion, and is willing to lose herself in the electric dreams of the performance. The lyrics suggest that the woman embodies the essence of rock and roll: a wild and untamed force that can't be held back by society's norms and expectations.
The song's chorus encourages the listener to hang on to themselves, presumably in the face of the raw power and energy of the music. The verses describe the Spiders as a group who don't conform to traditional social conventions, but who are united by their love of music and their ability to move together like animals. Their music is described as "bitter" and "stolen," indicating that it is born of rebellion and a rejection of mainstream culture.
Overall, "Hang On To Yourself" is a celebration of rock and roll's transformative and rebellious potential. It urges the listener to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the power of music to break down barriers and create something new and exciting.
Line by Line Meaning
Well she's a tongue twisting storm, she will come to the show tonight
She is a captivating and mesmerizing performer who will be at the show tonight.
Praying to the light machine
She seeks the transcendental and transformative experience of performing.
She wants my honey not my money she's a funky-thigh collector
She doesn't care about material things, only desires pleasure and physical experiences.
Layin' on 'lectric dreams
She is fully immersed in the fantastical world of her art.
We can't dance, we don't talk much, we just ball and play
Our music is primal and instinctual, we prioritize physical expression over verbal communication.
But then we move like tigers on vaseline
Despite our rough exterior, we have a smooth and effortless grace.
Well the bitter comes out better on a stolen guitar
Our music has an edgy and rebellious quality, and is born from a place of dissatisfaction and struggle.
You're the blessed, we're the spiders from Mars
Our music comes from a higher power, and we see ourselves as otherworldly creatures.
So come on, come on, we've really got a good thing going
We are confident in our ability and the success of our music.
Well come on, well come on, if you think we're gonna make it
We welcome anyone who believes in us and supports our mission.
You better hang on to yourself
Our music is dangerous and exhilarating, so be prepared for a wild ride.
Come on, ah, come on, ah (repeat ad inf.)
We are urging our audience to join us in our journey and experience the full force of our music.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID BOWIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind