Bowie & Crosby
David Bowie / Bing Crosby Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It does more good than a big thick steak
Start with a tablespoon of trouble
Then add a smile and let it bubble up
We ought to bake a sunshine cake
It isn't really so hard to make
Fresh tears, a pound or two of pleasure
It's not from a recipe book
You don't have to be a good cook
Or run to the oven and look
With such a simple dish, all you do is wish
So why not bake a sunshine cake
Of course it may keep your dreams awake
FRANK:
Friends say there's nothing like the flavor
Don't wait to do your friends a favor
And for goodness sake, let's bake a sunshine cake
It's got vitamins A, vitamins B
Vitamins L-O-V-E
If you're fat, it's for that
If you're thin, stuff it in
What's wrong if you get a double grin
We ought to bake a sunshine cake
It's not from a recipe book
You don't have to be a good cook
Or run to the oven and look
With such a simple dish, all you do is wish
So why not bake a sunshine cake
Of course it may keep your dreams awake
Friends say there ain't nothing like the flavor
Don't wait to do your friends a favor
And for goodness sake, let's bake a sunshine cake
The lyrics to "Bowie & Crosby" by David Bowie and Bing Crosby suggest that baking a "sunshine cake" is a simple and effective way to spread positivity and happiness. They argue that the combination of trouble and joy, tears and pleasure mixed together with kindness can create a recipe that is good for the soul. Although the song acknowledges that there is no recipe book for this cake, it's easy enough to make, and anyone can do it, even if they're not a good cook. The song concludes with the proposition that baking a "sunshine cake" can be a generous act, shared with friends to bring warmth, light, and love into their lives.
There are several interpretations of this song. It may be an ode to the joy of simple pleasures in life, and a reminder to focus on the positive aspects of living. It could be a call to action for listeners, encouraging them to spread love and kindness through small gestures like baking. Another possible interpretation is that the song is a nod to the power of music to bring people together, even across generational or cultural divides, as evidenced by the unlikely duet of Bowie and Crosby. Regardless of how one interprets the lyrics, the song conveys a message that is inspiring, uplifting, and timeless.
Line by Line Meaning
We ought to bake a sunshine cake
Let's create some positivity and happiness.
It does more good than a big thick steak
Creating happiness is more beneficial to health than indulging in material pleasures.
Start with a tablespoon of trouble
Begin by identifying and addressing any issues that may be causing negativity in your life.
Then add a smile and let it bubble up
Once you've addressed any problems, allow positivity to take over and let it flourish.
Fresh tears, a pound or two of pleasure
Embrace both the good and bad emotions that come along with life.
Kind words you needn't use a measure cup
Being kind and empathetic towards others should come naturally, without needing to be quantified.
It's not from a recipe book
Happiness and positivity cannot be found in a manual or guidebook.
You don't have to be a good cook
Creating happiness does not require any particular set of skills or talents.
Or run to the oven and look
Creating happiness is not an arduous task that requires constant monitoring or effort.
With such a simple dish, all you do is wish
Creating happiness can be as simple as desiring it and being open to it.
Of course it may keep your dreams awake
Being happy and positive may lead to staying awake and having a sense of excitement for life.
Friends say there ain't nothing like the flavor
Others may also enjoy and benefit from your positivity and happiness.
Don't wait to do your friends a favor
Share your happiness and positivity with others as soon as you can.
And for goodness sake, let's bake a sunshine cake
Let's all embrace positivity and happiness and share it with those around us.
It's got vitamins A, vitamins B
Happiness and positivity bring benefits to both physical and mental health.
Vitamins L-O-V-E
Love is a crucial ingredient in creating happiness and positivity.
If you're fat, it's for that / If you're thin, stuff it in
Regardless of physical appearance or personal circumstances, everyone can benefit from happiness and positivity.
What's wrong if you get a double grin
There is no harm in a having a big smile and being happy.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@laurensavard6506
Thank you for sharing, John! Your words really resonated with me and my own sentiments regarding this song, and I wondered if you might appreciate an additional fact on it.
In late 2020, I learned through an ordinary internet search for facts about this song that it was recorded on September 11, 1978. To think that exactly 24 years to the day before 9/11 occured, two men from two different generations and countries would get together and sing such a beautiful song praying for peace on earth and goodwill among humanity gets me every time it comes to mind!
Something that especially touches me is when David Bowie shares before they sing that his son was 6 at the time they recorded the song, and he soon sings the line that his child would see a "day when men of goodwill would live in peace again." Interestingly, I've felt called to serve in response to 9/11 longer-term and plan to move from my home in Maryland to greater NYC (likely North Jersey) to do so. Since I was born in 1995, I was the age his son was on 9/11 (age 6). I've started listening to this song year-round as my sense of calling has developed, as it reminds me to do my part to work towards the vision Bing Crosby and David Bowie sang about all those years ago and to do what I can to encourage others to do the same thing.
While I've always loved it, this song has become so dear to me with these thoughts in mind over the past two years. I hope and pray their masterpiece can help many others in their own ways! 💙🙏🏻🇺🇸🇬🇧🌏
Best wishes and blessings for you and your loved ones from Harford County, MD, for Christmas, 2023, and always! 🙏🏻🎄☃️
@dorisblack7631
This song touches my soul everytime I hear it! Still listening in 2023! Two phenomenal artists. May they both rest in peace!!
@bottletree33
Yeah it’s beautiful. I try to listen to it every year. Great voices coming from two very different worlds.
@christinehughes6928
So magical love it ❤
@majorthumbsup8563
The finest!
@72mossy
It was like passing the old to new,
@DeborahAbelha
Me too 😢😢😢❤❤love
@EriksAngel15
Whoever came up with the idea to pair these two singers together was an absolute genius.
@bren4061
Took the word's out of my head
@I_Am_The_Paulrus
Bing Crosby's kids apparently
@stone1andonly
It was the combination of a couple very quirky tv producers and Bowie's mother's love of Bing Crosby that made it happen. They get the credit for putting together the icons of two different ages to create one of the holiday season's most immortal duets, one that will outlive us all. I was fortunate enough to be watching that show that night.