Up the Hill Backwards
David Bowie Lyrics


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The vacuum created by the arrival of freedom
And the possibilities it seems to offer
It's got nothing to do with you, if one can grasp it
It's got nothing to do with you, if one can grasp it

A series of shocks - sneakers fall apart
Earth keeps on rolling - witnesses falling
It's got nothing to do with you, if one can grasp it
It's got nothing to do with you, if one can grasp it

Yeah, yeah, yeah - up the hill backwards
It'll be alright, ooh

While we sleep they go to work
We're legally crippled it's the death of love
It's got nothing to do with you, if one can grasp it
It's got nothing to do with you, if one can grasp it

More idols then realities, ooh
I'm OK, you're so-so, ooh





Yeah, yeah, yeah - up the hill backwards
It'll be alright ooh

Overall Meaning

In David Bowie's song "Up the Hill Backwards," he reflects on the concept of freedom and how it affects society. He compares the arrival of freedom to a vacuum, suggesting that freedom has created a void in society that must be filled. The possibilities that come with freedom can be daunting, and Bowie acknowledges that this doesn't necessarily have anything to do with the individual, stating, "It's got nothing to do with you, if one can grasp it." He highlights the series of shocks that occur as society navigates newfound freedom, such as sneakers falling apart and witnesses falling.


Bowie then introduces a comforting refrain, repeating "up the hill backwards, it'll be alright." This suggests that even though society may be facing challenges and obstacles as they move towards freedom, everything will eventually work out in the end. Bowie then shifts to the idea of society's divide between the working and non-working class, stating that while we sleep, they go to work, emphasizing the struggles of the labor force. He recognizes the difficulty of living in a world where love is dying and people are more obsessed with their idols than living in reality, stating "More idols than realities." Bowie acknowledges that people's emotional state is not at their best either, saying "I'm okay, you're so-so."


Overall, "Up the Hill Backwards" is a reflection on the challenges of societal change in the face of newfound freedom. Bowie is empathetic towards society's struggles, but ultimately optimistic that everything will eventually be okay.


Line by Line Meaning

The vacuum created by the arrival of freedom
The emptiness left behind after someone has gained their freedom


And the possibilities it seems to offer
The potential opportunities that freedom presents


It's got nothing to do with you, if one can grasp it
If one can understand it, they will realize that it doesn't pertain to them


It's got nothing to do with you, if one can grasp it
The same as the previous line, repeated for emphasis


A series of shocks - sneakers fall apart
Unexpected incidents and bad luck occur


Earth keeps on rolling - witnesses falling
Life carries on, even when people are suffering


Yeah, yeah, yeah - up the hill backwards
An expression of frustration or exasperation


It'll be alright, ooh
Everything will be fine


While we sleep they go to work
People are toiling and struggling while others sleep


We're legally crippled it's the death of love
We are held back by societal constraints and limitations, leading to the demise of love


It's got nothing to do with you, if one can grasp it
Once again, emphasizing that these issues do not concern the listener


It's got nothing to do with you, if one can grasp it
Repeating the same idea


More idols then realities, ooh
We focus on unrealistic idols rather than confronting the true realities of life


I'm OK, you're so-so, ooh
I may be doing well, but you are only doing okay


Yeah, yeah, yeah - up the hill backwards
Once again, expressing frustration or annoyance


It'll be alright ooh
Reassuring that everything will be fine in the end




Lyrics © EMI MUSIC PUBLISHING, TINTORETTO MUSIC,
Written by: DAVID BOWIE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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