Aside from "Ashes to Ashes", "Teenage Wildlife" was perhaps the album’s most personal lyric. Against a musical backdrop that owed much to his classic song "Heroes", including textural guitar work from both Robert Fripp and Chuck Hammer, Bowie appeared to take aim squarely at his post-punk artistic godchildren, particularly Gary Numan:
A broken-nosed mogul are you
One of the new wave boys
Same old thing in brand new drag
Comes sweeping into view
As ugly as a teenage millionaire
Pretending it’s a whiz-kid world
In a recent article for the Mail On Sunday, Bowie revealed that his vocal performance on this song was an imitation of American girl group singer, Ronnie Spector.
Teenage Wildlife
David Bowie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With its promise of something hard to do
A real-life adventure
Worth more than pieces of gold
Blue skies above, sun on your arms
Strength in your stride and hope in those squeaky-clean eyes
You'll get chilly receptions everywhere you go
Blinded with desire, I guess the season is on
So you train by shadow boxing, search for the truth
But it's all, but it's all used up
Break open your million-dollar weapon and push your luck
Still you push, still you push your luck
A broken-nosed mogul are you
One of the new-wave boys
Same old thing in brand, new drag
Comes sweeping into view, whoa, hoe, hoe, hoe, hoe, hoe
As ugly as a teenage millionaire
Pretending it's a whizz-kid world
You'll take me aside, and say
"Well, David, what shall I do?
They wait for me in the hallway"
I'll say, "Don't ask me, I don't know any hallways"
But they move in numbers and they've got me in a corner
I feel like a group of one
No, no, they can't do this to me
I'm not some piece of teenage wildlife
(Ooh, not some piece of teenage wildlife
Ooh, not some piece of teenage wildlife)
Those midwives to history put on their bloody robes
And the word is that the hunted one is out there on his own
And you're alone for maybe the last time
And you breathe for a long time
Then you howl like a wolf in a trap and you daren't look behind
You fall to the ground, like a leaf from a tree
And look up, one time, at that vast blue sky
Scream out of line as they shoot you down
No, no, I'm not a piece of teenage wildlife
I'm not a piece of teenage wildlife
(Ooh, not a piece teenage wildlife
Ooh, not a piece of teenage wildlife)
And no one will have seen and no one will confess
The fingerprints will prove that you couldn't pass the test
There'll be others on the line, filing past, who'll whisper low
"I miss you," he really had to go
Well, each to his own, he was another piece of teenage wildlife
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh (ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
'Nother piece of teenage wildlife
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh (ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
'Nother piece of teenage wildlife
(Ooo, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
Wildlife (ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
Wildlife (ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
Wildlife (ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
Wildlife (ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
Wildlife (ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
Wildlife (ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
Wildlife (ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
(Ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife
Ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife
Ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
"Teenage Wildlife" is one of David Bowie's songs discussing the characteristics of the music industry and criticising the trends that dominated the industry during his era. In the song, Bowie highlights the desire of some artists to gain quick success and fame without taking the time to develop their art. He addresses the young artists' lack of life experience and their eagerness to become part of the industry. Bowie suggests that being a true artist requires a deep understanding of oneself and the world, and emphasizes that these qualities are unlikely to be found among young artists who lack the patience to develop.
The lines "Well, how come you only want tomorrow? With its promise of something hard to do, a real-life adventure worth more than pieces of gold" is Bowie questioning the intentions of young musicians who are only focused on getting through tomorrow, without focusing on the process or the experience. Bowie is advising them to take a step back and focus on the essential aspects of being an artist, which is the experience.
Furthermore, Bowie criticises what he sees as the phoniness of the music industry, portrayed in the lines "As ugly as a teenage millionaire, Pretending it's a whizz-kid world." In a world where people aspire to be rich and famous for the sake of being rich and famous, Bowie suggests that true artists should not buy into the industry's superficial image but should focus on their art.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, how come you only want tomorrow?
Why are you always focused on the future without appreciating the present?
With its promise of something hard to do
The uncertainty of the future is what drives you
A real-life adventure
You seek challenge and excitement in life
Worth more than pieces of gold
Money is not as valuable as the experiences you have
Blue skies above, sun on your arms
You feel free and alive under the open sky
Strength in your stride and hope in those squeaky-clean eyes
You feel invigorated and optimistic about the future
(Hope in those squeaky-clean eyes)
Even though you may be naive, you still have faith in what's to come
You'll get chilly receptions everywhere you go
People will not always be welcoming to your idealistic views
Blinded with desire, I guess the season is on
Your passion for adventure and change guides you, even if it may not always be rational
So you train by shadow boxing, search for the truth
You prepare yourself by practicing to understand the world
But it's all, but it's all used up
Your efforts don't always lead to success
Break open your million-dollar weapon and push your luck
Use everything at your disposal to strive for more
Still you push, still you push your luck
You're determined to succeed despite the odds
A broken-nosed mogul are you
You're a successful figure, but have been through hardships
One of the new-wave boys
You embrace new ideas and ways of thinking
Same old thing in brand, new drag
Your message is the same, but you present it in a different way
Comes sweeping into view, whoa, hoe, hoe, hoe, hoe, hoe
You introduce your ideas in a bold and impressive way
As ugly as a teenage millionaire
You don't aspire to be rich and superficial; you want to make a difference
Pretending it's a whizz-kid world
The world is full of young people like you who have the potential to make things better
You'll take me aside, and say
You come to me for advice and guidance
"Well, David, what shall I do?
You're unsure of how to navigate the challenges ahead
They wait for me in the hallway"
You feel pressured by those who want to see you succeed
I'll say, "Don't ask me, I don't know any hallways"
I don't have all the answers, and can't always guide you in the right direction
But they move in numbers and they've got me in a corner
You feel overwhelmed and outnumbered by those who oppose you
I feel like a group of one
You feel isolated in your beliefs and ideas
No, no, they can't do this to me
You won't let others bring you down or change your belief in yourself
I'm not some piece of teenage wildlife
You won't be reduced to a superficial stereotype of young people
(Ooh, not some piece of teenage wildlife
Ooh, not some piece of teenage wildlife)
You won't let anyone treat you as such
Those midwives to history put on their bloody robes
Those in power who have shaped history have done so via violent means
And the word is that the hunted one is out there on his own
Those who go against the norm are often ostracized by society
And you're alone for maybe the last time
You feel isolated and unsure of whether anyone else shares your beliefs
And you breathe for a long time
You pause to reflect on your life and beliefs
Then you howl like a wolf in a trap and you daren't look behind
You let out a cry of defiance and refuse to look back
You fall to the ground, like a leaf from a tree
You feel defeated and vulnerable
And look up, one time, at that vast blue sky
You see the possibility of hope and success
Scream out of line as they shoot you down
You refuse to go down without a fight and make your voice heard
No, no, I'm not a piece of teenage wildlife
You refuse to let others define you by your age or stage in life
(Ooh, not a piece teenage wildlife
Ooh, not a piece of teenage wildlife)
You won't let anyone put you in a box
And no one will have seen and no one will confess
No one will acknowledge or take responsibility for the challenges you face
The fingerprints will prove that you couldn't pass the test
You will bear the negative consequences of the challenges you face, even if they're not your fault
There'll be others on the line, filing past, who'll whisper low
Others in your position will face the same challenges you do
"I miss you," he really had to go
Others will lament the loss of potential and could-have-beens
Well, each to his own, he was another piece of teenage wildlife
Everyone is their own person and has the potential to make their own impact
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh (ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
Another young person trying to make their mark
'Nother piece of teenage wildlife
Another young person seeking adventure and change
Wildlife (ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
A reminder of the wildness and potential of youth
Wildlife (ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
Celebrating the energy and spirit of young people
Wildlife (ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
A call to embrace the passion and drive of youth
Wildlife (ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
An anthem for young people who want to make a difference in the world
Wildlife (ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
A reminder that youth is fleeting and should be cherished
Wildlife (ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
A celebration of youthful ideals and passion
(Ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife
Ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife
Ooh, 'nother piece of teenage wildlife)
Embracing the energy, spirit, and potential of young people
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DAVID BOWIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Space Cat
I'm pretty sure it's because the song isn't what you'd call "commercial".
It's isn't 3 minutes long, it doesn't have a sing-along chorus, the lyrics are obscure if
you don't know what he's singing about and it's not particularly fun to dance to.
But it is a masterpiece. Is it the best song on the album? I don't know. The first side
(in LP terms) is flawless and utterly classic. But is it the one song on Scary Monsters that
most people don't know about in spite of the fact that, artistically, it's as brilliant as Ashes to Ashes?
Definitely.
Richard Bowie
This is one of David Bowie’s personal favourite Bowie Songs .....this is what David said of it back in 2008......
Teenage Wildlife
So it's late morning and I'm thinking: 'New song and a fresh approach. I know, I'm going to do a Ronnie Spector. Oh yes I am. Ersatz, just for one day.'
And I did and here it is. Bless. I'm still enamoured of this song and would give you two Modern Loves for it any time. It's also one that I find fulfilling to sing onstage. It has some nice interesting sections to it that can trip you up, always a good kind of obstacle to contend with live.
Ironically, the lyric is something about taking a short view of life, not looking too far ahead and not predicting the oncoming hard knocks. The lyric might have been a note to a younger brother or my own adolescent self.
The guitars on this track form a splintery little duel between the great Robert Fripp and my long-time friend Carlos Alomar.
Brewen Fichou
[Verse 1]
Well, how come you only want tomorrow?
With its promise of something hard to do
A real life adventure worth more than pieces of gold
Blue skies above and sun on your arms
Strength in your stride and hope in those squeaky clean eyes
You'll get chilly receptions everywhere you go
Blinded with desire - I guess the season is on
[Verse 2]
So you train by shadow boxing, search for the truth
But it's all, but it's all used up
Break open your million dollar weapon
And you push your luck, still you push, still you push your luck
A broken nosed mogul, are you one of the New Wave boys?
[Verse 3]
Same old thing in brand new drag
Comes sweeping into view, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
As ugly as a teenage millionaire
Pretending it's a whizz kid world
You'll take me aside, and say
"Well, David, what shall I do? They wait for me in the hallway"
I'll say "Don't ask me, I don't know any hallways"
But they move in numbers and they've got me in a corner
I feel like a group of one, no-no
They can't do this to me
[Chorus]
I'm not some piece of teenage wildlife
[Bridge]
Those midwives to history put on their bloody robes
And the word is that the hunted one is out there on his own
And you're alone for maybe the last time
And you breathe for a long time
Then you howl like a wolf in a trap
And you daren't look behind
[Verse 4]
You fall to the ground like a leaf from the tree
And look up one time at that vast blue sky
Scream out aloud as they shoot you down
No, no
[Chorus]
I'm not some piece of teenage wildlife
I'm not a piece of teenage wildlife
[Verse 5]
And no one will have seen and no one will confess
The fingerprints will prove that you couldn't pass the test
There'll be others on the line filing past
Who'll whisper low I miss you he really had to go
Well, each to his own, he was another piece of teenage wildlife
Oh-oh-oh-oh, oh
Another piece of teenage wildlife, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
Another piece of teenage wild... life
[Outro]
Wild...
Wild... life
lotus sacré
Well, how come you only want tomorrow
With its promise
of something hard to do
A real life adventure
worth more than pieces of gold
Blue skies above
and sun on your arms
strength in your stride
And hope in those squeaky clean eyes
You'll get chilly receptions
everywhere you go
Blinded with desire
- guess the season is on
So you train by shadow boxing,
search for the truth
But it's all, but it's all used up
Break open
your million dollar weapon
And you push , still you push,
still you push your luck
A broken nosed mogul are you
One of the new wave boys9
Same old thing in brand new drag
Comes sweeping into view, oh-ooh
As ugly as a teenage millionaire
Pretending
it's a whizz kid world
You'll take me aside, and say
"Well, David, what shall I do?
They wait for me in the hallway"
I'll say "Don't ask me, I don't know any hallways"
But they move in numbers and they've got me in a corner
I feel like a group of one, no-no
They can't do this to me
I'm not some piece
of teenage wildlife
Those midwives to history put on their bloody robes
The word is that the hunted one is out there on his own
You're alone for maybe the last time
And you breathe for a long time
Then you howl like a wolf in a trap
And you daren't look behind
You fall to the ground
like a leaf from the tree
And look up one time
at that vast blue sky
Scream out aloud as they shoot you down
No no, I'm not a piece
of teenage wildlife
I'm not a piece
of teenage wildlife
And no one will have seen
and no one will confess
The fingerprints will prove
that you coudn't pass the test
There'll be others
on the line filing past,
who'll whisper low
I miss you he really had to go
Well each to his own, he was
Another piece of teenage wildlife, oh-oh-oh-ohh
Another piece of teenage wildlife, oh-oh-oh-ohh
Another piece of teenage wild...
Wild
Wild
teargarden
By the time this song reaches it's end, I always find myself almost in tears. It is just that powerful to me. I will never understand why this wasn't a major hit for him. In my opinion it is the best song on the album. Brilliant.
Join The
I guess it doesn't have that immediate accessibility of the pop hits like Starman. On my first listen, I didn't 'get it', but it has since become one of my best 3 Bowie tracks.
Space Cat
I'm pretty sure it's because the song isn't what you'd call "commercial".
It's isn't 3 minutes long, it doesn't have a sing-along chorus, the lyrics are obscure if
you don't know what he's singing about and it's not particularly fun to dance to.
But it is a masterpiece. Is it the best song on the album? I don't know. The first side
(in LP terms) is flawless and utterly classic. But is it the one song on Scary Monsters that
most people don't know about in spite of the fact that, artistically, it's as brilliant as Ashes to Ashes?
Definitely.
James Colyn
Definitely one of Bowie's classic songs. It still send shivers down my spine.
Danny James
When was a kid I used to think that I was settling for this over, say, Ziggy, because it was the only Bowie record in my pop’s house.. Now that I’m in my thirties it kills stronger and longer than anything I can ever hope to hear or write
fc1873
"and it's not particularly fun to dance to" ..... loved that :)
bklyn2shoes
The thing about David Bowie's music is you continue to find incredible songs forever!
Stuart Wray
The thing about/with D.Bowie's music...
June Asiimwe
Bowie's vocals on this are majestic. Robert Fripp's soaring guitar makes it even better.
ح
It's epic, beyond everything