The song is notable for juxtaposing an uplifting guitar and synthesizer-led instrumental track with Bowie’s withdrawn lyrics. These were drawn from the cocaine-fueled paranoia the singer had lived in while residing in Los Angeles.
In keeping with the minimalist approach of ''Low'', Tony Visconti and Bowie originally recorded the track as an instrumental, bar the backing vocal (performed by Visconti’s wife, Mary Hopkin). Bowie then recorded his vocal after the rest of the band had left the studio, before trimming verses off the lyric, and leaving a relatively lengthy instrumental intro on the finished song.
Selected as a first single from the album, “Sound and Vision” was used by the BBC on trailers at the time. This provided considerable exposure, much needed as Bowie opted to do nothing to promote the single himself, and helped the song to #3.
Sound and Vision
David Bowie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ah
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
Don't you wonder sometimes
'Bout sound and vision?
Blue, blue, electric blue
That's the color of my room
Where I will live
Blue, blue
Pale blinds drawn all day
Nothing to do, nothing to say
Blue, blue
I will sit right down, waiting for the gift of sound and vision
And I will sing, waiting for the gift of sound and vision
Drifting into my solitude, over my head
Don't you wonder sometimes
'Bout sound and vision?
David Bowie's Sound and Vision is a poignant ode to human introspection and the power of music in breaking through the monotony of daily life. The song starts with a repetitive doo-doo-doo chant that underscores the importance of sound in our lives. The chorus then poses a rhetorical question about the significance of sound and vision in our lives, lending itself to various interpretations. Bowie uses color symbolism to describe his existential crisis, describing his room as blue, a serene color associated with calmness and contemplation. However, the blinds are pale, and there's nothing happening, inducing a sense of ennui and making him question the very purpose of existence.
The song takes a hopeful turn when Bowie decides to sit down and wait for the "gift" of sound and vision, indicating that he's holding out for a moment that breaks the monotony and revitalizes his senses. The chant of "doo-doo-doo" takes on a more meaningful tone, as he's waiting for a moment of musical epiphany. As the song progresses, Bowie's voice soars higher, accompanied by swanky horns and groovy basslines, potentially symbolizing the moment of epiphany that he was waiting for. The song ends with the same question that it starts, reminding listeners that the importance of sound and vision is a never-ending meditation on life's meaning, suggesting that Bowie never found an answer to the question he posed.
Line by Line Meaning
Ah
The sound of a singer expressing a feeling of relief, acceptance, or delight.
Ah
A repetition of the same sound expressing satisfaction and comfort.
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
A repeated sound of a music instrument or a voice conveying a sense of rhythm or melody.
Doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo, doo
A continuation of the rhythm or melody, expressing consistency and stability.
Don't you wonder sometimes
The singer is inviting the listener to contemplate life or the world around them, suggesting that there are mysteries that are yet to be discovered.
'Bout sound and vision?
The singer is suggesting that one of the mysteries of life is the relationship between sound and vision, and how they affect our perceptions and emotions.
Blue, blue, electric blue
The singer is describing the color of his room, expressing a feeling of emptiness, loneliness, and detachment.
That's the color of my room
The singer is emphasizing the importance of color in shaping our mood and thoughts, suggesting that his room is a reflection of his internal state of mind.
Where I will live
The singer is suggesting that his room is not just a physical place but a mental and emotional space where he can retreat from the world and find solace and comfort.
Pale blinds drawn all day
The singer is describing the state of his room, suggesting that it is a place of darkness, sadness, and despair.
Nothing to do, nothing to say
The singer is describing his state of mind and his lack of purpose or direction in life, suggesting that he feels lost and lonely.
Blue, blue
The singer is repeating the color blue, emphasizing the theme of loneliness, detachment, and sadness.
I will sit right down, waiting for the gift of sound and vision
The singer is describing his state of mind and his longing for something to fill the emptiness and silence of his room, suggesting that he is waiting for an inspiration, a revelation, or a connection to the world outside.
And I will sing, waiting for the gift of sound and vision
The singer is expressing his desire to create something beautiful, meaningful, or inspiring, suggesting that he sees music as a way of bringing sound and vision together and transcending his feelings of emptiness and loneliness.
Drifting into my solitude, over my head
The singer is describing his mental and emotional state, suggesting that he feels isolated, disconnected, and overwhelmed by his thoughts and feelings.
Don't you wonder sometimes
A repetition of a previous line, emphasizing the importance of questioning, exploring, and discovering the mysteries of life.
'Bout sound and vision?
A repetition of a previous line, emphasizing the theme of the song and the singer's fascination with the relationship between sound and vision.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID BOWIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
microlig
Ah
Ah
Doo, doo, doo, do-doh
Doo, doo, doo, do-doh
Don't you wonder sometimes
'Bout sound and vision
Blue, blue, electric blue
That's the color of my room
Where I will live
Blue, blue
Pale blinds drawn all day
Nothing to do, nothing to say
Blue, blue
I will sit right down, waiting for the gift of sound and vision
And I will sing, waiting for the gift of sound and vision
Drifting into my solitude, over my head
Don't you wonder sometimes
'Bout sound and vision
Compositori: David Bowie
BRUTAL TV
You're here because you have a great taste of music!
Josh Lions the man
nice
Karel Vostal
Frankly said I came here to ensure that I dont like this song even as the album version :-(
Visibly Jacked
Why thank you 😁
Rebel The Uncanny
And you, as well, Brutal_TV.
käärijäsupremacy
Thank you
scose
this was the first song I played when I heard he died. it's not his most popular song, not even sure if it's my favorite, but there is something about it... it speaks the full range of human emotion, from depression and misery to joy and beauty... and beyond that, I think it shows how those feelings can all coexist at the same time in one person... life is hard and complicated but also incredibly beautiful
Merle Rosenzweig
My feeling about this song--IT IS SO BOWIE.
breakfastattifs61
scose first class comment sir
Archie T
Facts that is