DJ
David Bowie Lyrics


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I'm home, lost my job, and incurably I'll
You think this is easy, realism
I've got a girl out there, I suppose
I think she's dancing
Feel like Dan Dare lies down
I think she's dancing, what do I know?

I am a D.J., I am what I play
Can't turn around no, can't turn around, no, oh, ooh
I am a D.J., I am what I play
Can't turn around no, can't turn around, no, oh no

I am a D.J., I am what I play
I got believers
Believing me, oh

One more, weekend, of lights and evening faces
Fast food, living nostalgia
Humble pie or bitter fruit

I am a D.J., I am what I play
Can't turn around no, can't turn around no, ooh

I am a D.J., I am what I say
Can't turn around no, can't turn around, ooh
I am a D.J., I am what I play
I've got believers
Believing me

I am a D.J., I am what I play
Can turn around no, can't turn around
I am a D.J., I am what I play
Can turn around no, can't turn around
I am a D.J., I am what I play
Can turn around no

Time flies when you're having fun
Break his heart, break her heart
He used to be my boss and now he is a puppet dancer
I am a D.J., and I've got believers

I've got believers
I've got believers
I've got believers in me
I've got believers




I am a D.J., I am what I play
I am a D.J.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of David Bowie's "DJ" are a reflection of the life of a DJ, his influence on people, and his relationships. The opening lines of "I'm home, lost my job and incurably I'll, you think this is easy realism" show that the singer is struggling with his life's path. He then speaks about a girl he thinks is dancing, which could represent the listener who is enjoying the music that he is playing. The line "Feel like Dan Dare lies down, I think she's dancing, what do I know?" refers to the British comic character Dan Dare, who travels to different planets and has adventures, which is similar to the travel that the DJ's music provides.


The chorus of the song is simply, "I am a DJ, I am what I play, can't turn around, no, can't turn around" meaning that the DJ is what he plays, and he cannot turn around from his job as a DJ. He has fans who believe in him, and that belief keeps him going despite his difficulties. The second verse talks about the weekend lights and faces, fast food, nostalgia, humble pie, and bitter fruit, which can be seen as the experiences that his listeners go through and find comfort in his music.


Overall, "DJ" is a song that explores the life of a DJ and his relationship with his fans. It's a reflection on how music can bring people together, offer them solace, and help them through tough times.


Line by Line Meaning

I'm home, lost my job, and incurably I'll
I'm at home, unemployed, and chronically sick


You think this is easy, realism
Real life is more difficult than you imagine


I've got a girl out there, I suppose
I have a girlfriend somewhere, I assume


I think she's dancing
I believe she's dancing


Feel like Dan Dare lies down
I feel like a defeated superhero


I think she's dancing, what do I know?
I assume she's dancing, but I'm not certain


I am a D.J., I am what I play
I define myself as a DJ by the music I play


Can't turn around no, can't turn around, no, oh, ooh
I can't change what I am


I am a D.J., I am what I play
My identity is tied to the music I play


I got believers
There are people who believe in me


Believing me, oh
They believe in what I represent


One more, weekend, of lights and evening faces
One more weekend of partying and socializing


Fast food, living nostalgia
Eating fast food is a reminder of my past


Humble pie or bitter fruit
Accepting reality can be hard


Can't turn around no, can't turn around no, ooh
I can't change who I am


I am a D.J., I am what I say
My words reflect who I am as a DJ


Can't turn around no, can't turn around, ooh
I cannot change who I am or what I do


I am a D.J., I am what I play
Music defines who I am as a DJ


I've got believers
People trust and believe in me


Believing me
They have faith in my abilities


Can turn around no, can't turn around
I cannot change my identity


Time flies when you're having fun
Having fun makes time pass quickly


Break his heart, break her heart
Love can be painful and destructive


He used to be my boss and now he is a puppet dancer
Someone I used to work for is now a powerless performer


I am a D.J., and I've got believers
I am a DJ, and there are people who trust and believe in me


I've got believers
People have faith in me


I've got believers
People believe in me


I've got believers in me
People have trust and faith in me as a DJ


I've got believers
There are people who believe in me


I am a D.J.
I define myself as a DJ




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: BRIAN ENO, CARLOS ALOMAR, DAVID BOWIE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

Glenn Mccudden

Absolutely true with robert fripp.
On guitar. And Brian eno.
Berlin trilogy. Boys on that album.
With the ending guitar solo fripp.
Out of this world. Amazing
How it got on the radio .ALSO
SCARRY MONSTERS. TOO.
WAS BIZARRE FOR RADIO.
BUT HE DEFINITELY WAS
THE THIN WHITE DUKE
THROWING DARTS IN
LOVERS EYES.



All comments from YouTube:

terry denney

Bowie was ahead of his time...this was 1979 but it could have been 1989. He was and will always be a musical genius, not to ever be replaced.

Jose Gomez

1989, he was on hiatus from his solo career. Have you heard of Tin Machine?

Lic. José Chavez

Mike Girard It's just a meme, dude, chill

Julian Hudson

Also not forgetting,he was a massive influence on 'New Wave' in the first place!

nano

@Sameer Kotwal then why are you here, watching a david bowie music video

Kelly Campbell

You’re so right. I get chills.

27 More Replies...

Joy Campi

One of the best parts of this video is David walking around the streets and people swarming around him laughing, kissing him, following him, dancing......and he is loving it, as they are too!! One of his best songs!! Miss you 💔

thevoid99

he's just like all of us except cooler and more attractive he gets all of dudes and chicks because he's david bowie.

Amber P

I love how he kisses the guy without hesitation, but when the girl starts kissing him he's like "what tf are you doing?" 😂

Selestina118

My absolute favorite is the random woman with the glasses and sweater that he just sweeps up in a little twirl and her face is all "What the hell!!??" xD So great.

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