Yassassin
David Bowie Lyrics


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Yassassin - I'm not a moody guy
Yassassin - I walk without a sound
Yassassin - just a working man, no judge of men
Yassassin - but such a life I've never known

We came from the farmlands
To live in the city
We walked proud and lustful
In this resonant world

You want to fight
But I don't want to leave
Or drift away

Yassassin - I'm not a moody guy
Yassassin - I walk without a sound
Yassassin - just a working man, no judge of men
Yassassin - but such a life I've never known

Look at this - no second glances
Look at this - no value of love
Look at this - just sun and steel
Look at this - then look at us

If there's someone in charge
Then listen to me
Don't say nothing's wrong
'cause I've got a love
And she's afeared

You want to fight
But I don't want to leave
Or drift away

Yassassin - I'm not a moody guy
Yassassin - I walk without a sound
Yassassin - just a working man, no judge of men
Yassassin - but such a life I've never known

Yassassin - I'm not a moody guy
Yassassin - I walk without a sound
Yassassin - just a working man, no judge of men
Yassassin - but such a life I've never known





Yassassin, yassassin, yassassin, yassassin

Overall Meaning

The song Yassassin by David Bowie is a powerful statement on cultural identity, self-discovery, and personal empowerment. The chorus of the song emphasizes that the singer is not someone who is moody or temperamental, but rather a hard-working man who has never known the kind of life he sees around him. The verses, however, tell a different story. The singer speaks of his journey from the countryside to the city, where he and his fellow immigrants walk with pride and lust for life. He also expresses compassion for the woman he loves, who is afraid in a world that values sun and steel over love and emotion.


The use of the word "yassassin" is significant, as it is a Turkish word meaning "long live." In this context, it serves as a rallying cry for self-affirmation and cultural pride, regardless of the challenges faced in a foreign land. Overall, the song is a commentary on the immigrant experience and the struggle to find one's place in a new and often hostile world.


Line by Line Meaning

Yassassin - I'm not a moody guy
I am not easily affected by my emotions or moods.


Yassassin - I walk without a sound
I move quietly and stealthily.


Yassassin - just a working man, no judge of men
I am not in a position to judge others, just a regular working person.


Yassassin - but such a life I've never known
My life has been different from what I have seen in this new place.


We came from the farmlands
We were originally farmers


To live in the city
We moved to the city to start a new life and pursue new opportunities.


We walked proud and lustful
We were confident in our new surroundings and felt a strong desire for success and fulfillment.


In this resonant world
In this world that is full of constantly changing sounds and vibrations.


You want to fight
You are ready for conflict or confrontation.


But I don't want to leave
I am not interested in abandoning my current situation or giving up.


Or drift away
Or lose my sense of direction or focus.


Look at this - no second glances
No attention is being paid to us or our situation.


Look at this - no value of love
Love and relationships are not appreciated or valued in this place or situation.


Look at this - just sun and steel
This place is harsh and unforgiving, with no warmth or compassion.


Look at this - then look at us
Comparing our situation with the cold, impersonal environment around us.


If there's someone in charge
If there is a person or authority figure responsible for our current situation.


Then listen to me
I have opinions and ideas that need to be heard and considered.


Don't say nothing's wrong
Don't dismiss or ignore the problems and difficulties we are facing.


'cause I've got a love
Because I have a significant other or lover who is important to me.


And she's afeared
And she is afraid or concerned about our situation.


Yassassin, yassassin, yassassin, yassassin
Repeating the title of the song, which is an Arabic word meaning 'long live the assassin.'




Contributed by Muhammad F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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DrJKintobor


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Peter Bonney


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