Sense of Doubt
David Bowie Lyrics


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Someday they won't let you, so now you must agree
The times they are a-telling, and the changing isn't free
You've read it in the tea leaves, and the tracks are on TV
Beware the savage jaw
Of 1984

They'll split your pretty cranium, and fill it full of air
And tell that you're eighty, but brother, you won't care
You'll be shooting up on anything, tomorrow's never there
Beware the savage jaw
Of 1984

Come see, come see, remember me?
We played out an all night movie role
You said it would last, but I guess we enrolled
In 1984 (who could ask for more)
1984 (Who could ask for mor-or-or-or-ore)
(Mor-or-or-or-ore)

I'm looking for a vehicle, I'm looking for a ride
I'm looking for a party, I'm looking for a side
I'm looking for the treason that I knew in '65
Beware the savage jaw
Of 1984

Come see, come see, remember me?
We played out an all night movie role
You said it would last, but I guess we enrolled
In 1984 (who could ask for more)
1984 (Who could ask for mor-or-or-or-ore)
(Mor-or-or-or-ore)

1984
1984
1984 (More)
1984




1984 (More)
1984

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of David Bowie's "Sense of Doubt" speak of a dystopic future where people are controlled by a repressive regime, referred to as the "savage jaw" of 1984. The first stanza warns that the times are changing, and eventually, people will be forced to conform to the ways of those in power. The second stanza speaks to the brutality of the regime, where they can manipulate one's mind and body to a point where one will surrender to their control.


The third and final stanza speaks to the singer's personal search for something, whether it be a vehicle, a ride, a party, or even the treason they knew in '65. The repeated line "Come see, come see, remember me?" is a call to those who know him to remember what they have gone through, perhaps referencing Bowie's own past experiences or those of the people around him.


Overall, "Sense of Doubt" is a haunting portrayal of a totalitarian society and a warning against complacency in the face of changing times.


Line by Line Meaning

Someday they won't let you, so now you must agree
In the future, you may not have the freedom to choose, so you must conform to societal expectations now.


The times they are a-telling, and the changing isn't free
The current era is forecasting an inevitable transformation that will come with a cost.


You've read it in the tea leaves, and the tracks are on TV
You can see the upcoming events clearly, thanks to the signs all around you.


Beware the savage jaw, Of 1984
Be cautious of the cruel nature of the year 1984.


They'll split your pretty cranium, and fill it full of air
The society will do unspeakable harm to your innocent mind and make it shallow.


And tell that you're eighty, but brother, you won't care
They will trick you into accepting that you are old, but you won't feel like you have aged.


You'll be shooting up on anything, tomorrow's never there
You will indulge in anything you can to hide the fact that there is no hope for the future.


Come see, come see, remember me?
Do you still remember me? Let's reconnect.


We played out an all night movie role
We acted in a great film all night long.


You said it would last, but I guess we enrolled
You claimed our adventure would go on, but we might have been mistaken.


In 1984 (who could ask for more)
In the year 1984, what else could one desire?


1984 (Who could ask for mor-or-or-or-ore)
What more could there be in the year 1984?


(Mor-or-or-or-ore)
What more could there be?


I'm looking for a vehicle, I'm looking for a ride
I am searching for a means of escape and a way out.


I'm looking for a party, I'm looking for a side
I want to find a group of like-minded individuals who share my beliefs and values.


I'm looking for the treason that I knew in '65
I want to rediscover the rebellion that I felt in 1965.


1984 (More)
There is more to the year 1984 than we anticipated.


1984
The year 1984 is significant.


1984 (More)
There is more to the year 1984 than we anticipated.


1984
The year 1984 is significant.




Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, TINTORETTO MUSIC
Written by: BOWIE, DAVID

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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