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Without You
David Bowie Lyrics


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Just when I'm ready to throw in my hand
Just when the best things in life are gone
I look into your eyes (ooh, ooh)

There's no smoke without fire (ooh, ooh)
You're exactly who I want to be with (ooh, ooh)
Without you
What would I do?

And when I'm willing to call it a day
Just when I won't take another chance
I hold your hand (ooh, ooh)

There's no smoke without fire (ooh, ooh)
Woman, I love you (ooh, ooh)
Without you
What would I do?

Overall Meaning

David Bowie's song "Without You" is a love ballad that expresses how much the singer depends on his lover. The first two lines convey the singer's feelings of hopelessness, as he is about to give up on his dreams and the "best things in life" seem to have vanished. However, when he looks into his lover's eyes, he sees a glimmer of hope and strength, represented by the metaphor "there's no smoke without fire." This line suggests that the love between the two of them is real and powerful, and that it is worth fighting for. The next line, "You're exactly who I want to be with," reinforces this idea and shows the singer's deep affection for his lover.


The chorus, "Without you, what would I do?" repeats twice, emphasizing the singer's emotional dependence on his lover. The second verse echoes the same sentiment, as the singer is "willing to call it a day" and give up on his endeavors when he holds his lover's hand. The line "Woman, I love you" stands out in this verse, as it speaks to the intensity of the singer's feelings and his desire to express them.


Overall, "Without You" is a heartfelt tribute to the power of love and the importance of having a supportive partner in one's life.


Line by Line Meaning

Just when I'm ready to throw in my hand
Right when I'm about to give up


Just when the best things in life are gone
At the lowest point of my life when everything good is over


I look into your eyes (ooh, ooh)
I find hope in your gaze


There's no smoke without fire (ooh, ooh)
There must be some truth to what they say about us


You're exactly who I want to be with (ooh, ooh)
You're the only one I want to share my life with


Without you
If I didn't have you in my life


What would I do?
What would I even do?


And when I'm willing to call it a day
When I'm about to give up for good


Just when I won't take another chance
At the point where I've given up hope of succeeding again


I hold your hand (ooh, ooh)
I seek comfort in your touch


Woman, I love you (ooh, ooh)
You mean everything to me


Without you
If I didn't have you in my life


What would I do?
What would I even do?




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: David Bowie

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Steven Haywood

YAHOOOOOO! I love this song!, Really good! I have read, your well written, well researched information about this song!,Thanks not only for uploading this oh-true-Bowie-in-the 80's-fan, but for all the info you provide in the description. It is exactly the kind of detail I like to know!
WOO HOO!
sttgaegoaktd

Steven Haywood

MT- TVC15 , I will if I can access it!
sttgaegoaktd

MT- TVC15

Check out the Pushing ahead of the dame website link in the Description every song has a lot of info it's my go to website when researching also thanks for the thanks lad much appreciated 😂

Danny Miles

Thanks for touching on the Lets Dance mega album. This has always been a beautiful song. I've loved it since 73. The music is lovely and Bowie's voice is even greater.With Lets Dance I have always loved his version of Criminal World, and I wonder MR TVCI5 if u agree that the original done by Metro is even better. I tried asking Steven Haywood oh-so-true-fan stickagoat but he doesn't feel like responding so I won't be sharing ideas etc. with him from now on.

Danny Miles

@MT- TVC15 bloody auto correct did that

Danny Miles

@MT- TVC15 Sorry that's MT

Danny Miles

@MT- TVC15 Hello MY. I was a bit worried something's wrong or maybe your comment wasn't meant for me. Last time we had contact I was thanking u for enriching our lives with your dedication to DB and TM. The comment was a sharp tone. I hope it wasn't meant for me.

MT- TVC15

@Danny Miles very plzed to hear makes my time worth while Big Thanks

Danny Miles

@MT- TVC15 thanks for that. I appreciate your contact and I love the work u do to keep us T.M. and Bowie fans very happy. Your dedication enriches our lives and helps me when I am a bit down.

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bowie said

What Would We Do Without You MT - TVC15 Stay Safe Everyone

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