Fantastic Voyage
David Bowie Lyrics


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In the event
that this fantastic voyage
Should turn to erosion
and we never get old
Remember it's true, dignity is valuable
But our lives are valuable too

We're learning to live with somebody's depression
And I don't want to live with somebody's depression
We'll get by, I suppose
It's a very modern world,
but nobody's perfect

It's a moving world,
but that's no reason
To shoot some of those missiles
Think of us as fatherless scum
It won't be forgotten
'Cause we'll never say anything nice again, will we?

And the wrong words make you listen
In this criminal world
Remember it's true, loyalty is valuable
But our lives are valuable too

We're learning to live with somebody's depression
And I don't want to live with somebody's depression
We'll get by I suppose
But any sudden movement I've got to write it down
They wipe out an entire race and I've got to write it down
But I'm still getting educated but I've got to write it down




And it won't be forgotten
'Cause I'll never say anything nice again, how can I?

Overall Meaning

David Bowie’s song “Fantastic Voyage” speaks to the complexities of the modern world and the mental health issues that are commonly experienced within it. The opening lines of the song, “In the event that this fantastic voyage should turn to erosion and we never get old. Remember it's true, dignity is valuable but our lives are valuable too”, serve as a poignant reminder that no one is invincible, and that even the most fantastic journeys can come with pain and suffering. The author is acknowledging that life is fragile and that one's dignity and mental health can be just as important as one's life itself.


The line “We’re learning to live with somebody’s depression, And I don’t want to live with somebody’s depression” highlights the prevalent issue of mental health in today's society. Bowie sings about having to come to terms with other peoples' mental health issues and how difficult it can be. He refutes the idea of ignoring or abandoning someone with mental health problems and recognizes the importance of addressing them. There is an underlying theme of empathy and compassion, exemplified by the line, “Remember it's true, loyalty is valuable, But our lives are valuable too.” - Bowie is warning us not to ignore our own needs and self-worth at the expense of others.


The concluding lines, “And it won't be forgotten 'Cause I'll never say anything nice again, how can I?” are haunting. They give the impression that the world is deeply flawed, and that by retaining the memory of our experiences, we can ensure that the lessons of the past are never forgotten. Bowie is encouraging listeners to observe the world around them, document their experiences, and hold onto the knowledge they gain from their journeys.


Line by Line Meaning

In the event that this fantastic voyage Should turn to erosion and we never get old Remember it's true, dignity is valuable But our lives are valuable too
If our journey through life becomes challenging and difficult, and we feel we are losing our youthfulness and vigor, we must remember that while dignity is important, our own lives and wellbeing also hold significant value and worth.


We're learning to live with somebody's depression And I don't want to live with somebody's depression We'll get by, I suppose It's a very modern world, but nobody's perfect
We are trying to understand and coexist with people who suffer from depression, but personally, I do not want to be consumed by their sadness. We will continue anyway, for ours is a complex and evolving world, but we must acknowledge that no one is perfect.


It's a moving world, but that's no reason To shoot some of those missiles Think of us as fatherless scum It won't be forgotten 'Cause we'll never say anything nice again, will we?
Although our society is constantly changing and advancing, it is never a valid justification to use weapons and violence to create chaos and destruction. When we consider our fellow human beings as insignificant or worthless, the memory of our cruelty will remain etched in everyone's minds, and we will struggle to find compassion and kindness within ourselves.


And the wrong words make you listen In this criminal world Remember it's true, loyalty is valuable But our lives are valuable too
We often hesitate to speak out against injustice in a world where criminal actions and behaviors are not uncommon. However, we must be mindful that our words hold power and can move others into action. While loyalty is an admirable trait, we must remember that our own lives should be valued just as much.


But any sudden movement I've got to write it down They wipe out an entire race and I've got to write it down But I'm still getting educated but I've got to write it down And it won't be forgotten 'Cause I'll never say anything nice again, how can I?
Whenever I see any act of aggression, even if it is small, I must document it and keep a record. The atrocities committed against entire communities and ethnic groups must be remembered and kept alive. I will never be content to say something nice and kind after seeing and experiencing the horrors of the world.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN ENO, DAVID BOWIE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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