Rock and Roll Suicide
David Bowie Lyrics

Time takes a cigarette, puts it in your mouth
Time is slipping away, and life is passing you by. You need something to hold onto, something to ground you, so you reach for the comfort of a cigarette.

You pull on your finger, then another finger, then your cigarette
As you smoke, you desperately try to slow time down, savoring each drag as if it might be your last.

The wall to wall is calling, it lingers, then you forget
The distractions of everyday life seem to call out to you, but they soon fade away into insignificance as you become lost in your own thoughts.

Ohhh, you're a rock 'n' roll suicide
Your life is spiraling out of control, and you're not sure how much longer you can keep it up. You feel like a rock star who's burning out too soon.

You're too old to lose it, too young to choose it
You're caught between youth and middle age, uncertain which path to take. You're not ready to give up, but you're not exactly sure what you're fighting for either.

And the clock waits so patiently on your song
Time continues to tick by, oblivious to your struggles. You feel like you're running out of time, yet the clock inexorably ticks on.

You walk past a cafe but you don't eat when you've lived too long
You're past the point of finding pleasure in simple things like food or drink. Life has lost its flavor, and you're left with a bitter taste in your mouth.

Oh, no, no, no, you're a rock 'n' roll suicide
As much as you try to fight it, you know deep down that your lifestyle is unsustainable. You're living too fast and too hard, and it's only a matter of time before you crash and burn.

Chev brakes are snarling as you stumble across the road
Your reckless behavior is starting to catch up with you. You're lucky to be alive, and you know it, but you can't seem to slow down.

But the day breaks instead so you hurry home
Each new day brings the promise of a fresh start, but you're not sure you're ready for that yet. You race home, hoping to find some measure of peace in your own familiar surroundings.

Don't let the sun blast your shadow
You're afraid of what the future might bring, of what you might become. You're trying to hold onto what you are, to avoid being consumed by the harsh light of day.

Don't let the milk float ride your mind
You're easily distracted, your mind wandering from one thing to another. You struggle to stay focused, to keep moving forward, but it's a constant battle.

You're so natural, religiously unkind
You're a product of your environment, a natural result of the choices you've made. But those choices have left you hardened and cynical, unkind to those around you.

Oh no love! You're not alone
Despite the despair and loneliness you feel, you're not truly alone. Others have gone through similar struggles, and there are people who care about you and want to help.

You're watching yourself but you're too unfair
You're your own worst critic, judging yourself harshly for things that are beyond your control. You need to learn to be kinder to yourself, to give yourself a break.

You got your head all tangled up
Your thoughts and emotions are a mess, tangled up in a web that's difficult to unravel. You need help sorting through them, but you don't know where to turn.

But if I could only make you care
There are people who care about you and want to help, but you need to be open to their support. If you could see that they genuinely care, it might make all the difference.

No matter what or who you've been
Your past doesn't define you, and it doesn't dictate your future. You have the power to change your life, to become the person you want to be.

No matter when or where you've seen
Despite the struggles you've faced and the challenges you've endured, you can still find hope and meaning in your life. It's never too late to turn things around.

All the knives seem to lacerate your brain
Every painful memory, every harsh word, every personal failing seems to cut you to the core. You're burdened by your own mistakes, your own shortcomings.

I've had my share, I'll help you with the pain
The person singing this song has also gone through hard times, and they're willing to help you through your struggles. They understand what you're going through and want to support you.

Just turn on with me and you're not alone
The singer is offering a sense of solidarity and companionship to anyone who feels lost or alone. They're saying, 'I'm here with you, I understand, and we can get through this together.'

Let's turn on with me and you're not alone
This line is a continuation of the invitation to join the singer in a shared experience. They're reaching out to anyone who needs a friendly hand or a listening ear, promising that together they can face anything.

Gimme your hands 'cause you're wonderful
Finally, the singer is emphasizing the value and worth of every individual. Despite the struggles and the pain, they want you to know that you are a valuable and wonderful human being, worthy of love and respect.

Gimme your hands 'cause you're wonderful
In this final line, the singer repeats the message of inclusion and support, calling for people to join together and support each other through the trials of life.