Black Tie White Noise
David Bowie Lyrics

Getting my facts from a Benneton ad
I'm aware of the diversity of cultures and races shown in ads by the clothing brand Benetton, but I also recognize that ads are a skewed depiction of reality.

I'm lookin' through African eyes
As someone who has grown up in a Western culture, I am trying to see the world from the perspective of a person living in Africa, with their unique history and experiences.

Lit by the glare of an L.A. fire
I'm in Los Angeles, a city known for its glamor and excess, but there is also a sense of danger and instability lurking under the surface.

I've got a face, not just my race, Bang Bang I've got you babe
I am a multi-dimensional person with a unique identity beyond the color of my skin. I am not just a representation of my race, but a complex individual. I am also referencing a love song ('Bang Bang I've got you babe') to show the complexity of relationships between people of different races.

Sun comes up and the man goes down
This is a bleak statement about the brevity of life. Each day the sun rises, a man's life ends.

And the woman comes again
The woman returns, perhaps as a symbolic representation of the cyclical nature of life and death.

Just an hour or so to be safe from fear
Life is uncertain and often dangerous, but for a brief moment we can enjoy some safety and peace before facing the challenges ahead.

Then we jump through hoops, we're divisable now, just disappear
Despite the brief moments of safety, we live in a world that forces us to constantly jump through various hoops and declare our allegiances, leading to division and separation between people. We often feel like we are disappearing due to these forces.

We reach out over race and hold each other's hands
Despite the separation between people due to their race or cultural background, we have the capacity to reach out and connect with each other. Symbolically holding hands represents the desire for unity and connection.

Then die in the flames singing "we shall overcome"
This refers to people who have died fighting for their beliefs and the hope that they had for a better future. The phrase 'we shall overcome' is a symbol of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Whoa! What's going on?
This is an expression of confusion and disbelief at the state of the world. The singer is questioning how we've come to this point of division and violence.

There'll be some blood no doubt about it
Change is often accompanied by conflict and sacrifice. This line acknowledges that there will be people hurt and potentially killed in the struggle for unity and equality.

But we'll come through don't doubt it
Despite the challenges and obstacles ahead, the singer has faith that people will overcome the barriers between them and move towards a more unified future.

I look into your eyes and I know you won't kill me You won't kill me You won't kill me
This repetitious phrase highlights the fear and uncertainty that can exist between people of different races. Despite this primal fear, the singer has hope that people will eventually learn to trust each other.

But I look into your eyes And I wonder sometimes
Despite the hope and faith the singer has in a brighter future, they acknowledge that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. They are not naive to the reality of the world and are sometimes struck by doubt.

Oh Lord, just let him see me Lord, Lord just let him hear me Let him call me brother Let him put his arms around me Let him put his hands together.
This prayer is a plea for understanding and unity between people of different races. The singer wants to be seen and heard as an equal, and for people to embrace each other as siblings rather than enemies.

We walk through the night thinking we are the world
The phrase 'We are the world' refers to the hope and idea that people can come together despite their differences to create a better future. Walking through the night represents the struggle and challenges that lay ahead, but the singer is determined to keep going.

They'll show us how to break the rules but never how to make the rules
This is a criticism of those in power who exploit and oppress people by breaking the rules. They are not interested in creating a better world for everyone, only in maintaining their own power.

Reduce us down to witless punks
This line acknowledges the way in which society often stereotypes and marginalizes people of different races and cultures, reducing them to caricatures and stereotypes.

Facist cries both black and white, who's got the blood, who's got the gun.
This line highlights the destructive nature of fascism and how it can be used by people of all races to perpetuate violence and terror. It also references the idea of power being held by those with the most blood and weapons.

Putting on the black tie, cranking out the white noise
This is a critique of those who choose to ignore the struggles of others in favor of superficiality and distraction. Wearing a black tie represents a certain level of privilege and the white noise represents the emptiness of the distractions we use to avoid facing uncomfortable truths.