Don't Look Down
David Bowie Lyrics
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They're making sorta crazy sounds
Don't look down, no
Don't know who else came to kneel
On this empty battlefield
But when I hear that crazy sound, I don't look down
From Central Park to shanty town
I always hear that crazy sound
There's always something else
Don't look down, no
I went this morning to the cemetery
To see old Rudy Valentino buried
Lipstick traces on his name
He never looked down
'Cause they were making crazy sounds (sound)
From Central park to shanty town
He always heard that crazy sound
There's always something else
Don't look down (don't look down) no
When I see you standing there
I can't see the clothes you wear
I just hear that crazy sound
And I can't look down
From Central Park to shanty town
I've always heard that crazy sound
From New York to shanty town
There's always something else
Don't look down, no
Don't look down
Don't look, don't look down
No I won't be bored I won't be there
Look at life it's no piece of cake
When I hear that crazy sound
I don't look down
From Central Park to shanty town
I always hear that crazy sound
From New York to shanty town
There's always something else
Don't look down (don't look down, don't look down)
Don't look down, no
Well, don't look, don't look down
Don't look down
"Don't Look Down" by David Bowie is a song about the importance of not being afraid and not giving up. The song's title is repeated throughout the lyrics, emphasizing the need to keep moving forward and not ever look down. Bowie talks about "crazy sounds" that are being heard, which is a metaphor for life's challenges and distractions. He implores his listeners to not let these distractions get be a hindrance in their journey.
The song also references Rudy Valentino, a silent film icon of the 1920s. Bowie mentions that Rudy never looked down because he was too busy focused on his craft and his career. Bowie admires Valentino's attitude of not being afraid, and encourages his listeners to follow in his footsteps. He talks about how life is not easy, but that you won't be bored if you keep pushing forward.
Beneath the surface, the song could be interpreted as a reflection of Bowie's own career. Throughout his career, Bowie faced many challenges and distractions. He was a trendsetter in the music industry, and often had to look beyond what others were doing to find his own path. The line "look at life, it's no piece of cake" could be a reference to the challenges he faced in the music industry. Ultimately, the message of the song is about staying focused, being courageous, and letting go of fear to achieve your goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Don't look down
Don't focus on the negative or become overwhelmed by obstacles
They're making sorta crazy sounds
There are distractions and challenges that can be disorienting
Don't know who else came to kneel
Others have faced the same challenges, but one must stay focused on their own journey
On this empty battlefield
Life can feel like a struggle or competition, even if there is no clear enemy
But when I hear that crazy sound, I don't look down
Despite chaos and distractions, one must stay the course and persevere
From Central Park to shanty town
These struggles are present regardless of social status or location
There's always something else
Life is unpredictable and full of surprises
I went this morning to the cemetery
Reflecting on mortality and the fleeting nature of life
To see old Rudy Valentino buried
Acknowledging the passing of a Hollywood icon
Lipstick traces on his name
A nod to the many women who adored Valentino and his image
He never looked down
Valentino remained focused and committed to his craft
When I see you standing there
Addressing an unknown person, perhaps a romantic interest
I can't see the clothes you wear
Appearances are not important, but rather the connection and energy shared with another person
Well, don't look, don't look down
A final reminder to stay focused and remain determined despite obstacles
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: IGGY POP, JAMES WILLIAMSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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