Anyway Anyhow Anywhere
David Bowie Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I can go anyway (way I choose)
I can live anyhow (win or lose)
I can go anywhere (for something new)
Anyway, anyhow, anywhere I choose

I can do anything (right or wrong)
I can talk anyhow (and get along)
I don't care anyway (I never lose)

Anyway, anyhow, anywhere I choose

Nothing gets in my way
Not even locked doors
Don't follow the lines that been laid before
I get along anyway I care
Anyway, anyhow, anywhere

I can go anyway (way I choose)
I can live anyhow (win or lose)
I can go anywhere (for something new)
Anyway, anyhow, anywhere I choose

Anyway, anyway I choose
I wanna go

Do it myself, do it myself, do it myself, do it myself
Anyway, anyway I choose

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of David Bowie's "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere" reflect an era of rock and roll rebellion when young people challenged established norms and values. The song is about having the freedom to do things your own way, without anyone else's permission or approval. The lyrics suggest that the singer has the power to live life on his own terms, choosing his own path, whether it leads to triumph or failure. The attitude of defiance and independence is echoed in the driving instrumentation, with its distorted guitar riffs and pounding drums.

The song's refrain, "Anyway, anyhow, anywhere I choose," is a statement of unbridled optimism and confidence. It implies that no obstacle is too big, no setback too daunting, for someone who is determined to forge his own path. The lines "Nothing gets in my way, Not even locked doors" speak to the idea that one can overcome any obstacle with enough grit and determination.

Line by Line Meaning

I can go anyway (way I choose)
I can go in any direction I want to, without anyone else's permission or interference.

I can live anyhow (win or lose)
I have the freedom to live my life however I want, regardless of the potential outcomes.

I can go anywhere (for something new)
I have the ability to travel and explore new places, seeking out fresh experiences and opportunities.

Anyway, anyhow, anywhere I choose
Overall, I have complete autonomy and self-determination, able to make my own path and decisions in life.

I can do anything (right or wrong)
I have the power to make both good and bad choices, without anyone else dictating what I should or shouldn't do.

I can talk anyhow (and get along)
I can express myself in any way I see fit, without being judged or ostracized by others.

I don't care anyway (I never lose)
I don't let other people's opinions or views affect me, and I always come out on top no matter what.

Nothing gets in my way
I am unencumbered by obstacles, able to move forward toward my goals unhindered.

Not even locked doors
Even literal barriers can't stop me from achieving what I want to achieve.

Don't follow the lines that been laid before
I disobey conventions and norms, blazing my own trail without being restricted by others' expectations.

I get along anyway I care
I interact with people however I want, without feeling pressured to conform to social norms or expectations.

Anyway, anyhow, anywhere
Once again emphasizing my complete freedom to do what I choose in any situation or context.

Anyway, anyway I choose
Re-iterating the primary message of the song, that I am in control and will decide the course of my own life.

I wanna go
Asserting my desire for exploration and adventure, unwilling to be restricted or bound to one place or routine.

Do it myself, do it myself, do it myself, do it myself
Embracing my independence and self-determination even further, emphasizing that I will accomplish my goals on my own terms.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: PETER TOWNSHEND, ROGER DALTRY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS