The Jean Genie
David Bowie & Friends Lyrics


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Poor Jean Genie snuck in to the city
Strung out on lasers and slash back blazers
And ate all the razors
While pulling the waiters
Talking 'bout Monroe, walking on Snow White
New York's a no-go and everything tastes nice
Poor Jean Genie ooh yeah huh
Jean Genie lives on his back
Jean Genie loves chimney stacks
And he's, he's outrageous
He screams and he bawls
Jean Genie, let yourself go, oh go

Looks likе a man
But he smiles like a rеptile
She loves him, she loves him
But just for a short while
She'll scratch in the sand
Won't let go his hand
He says he's a beautician
And sells you nutrition
And keeps all your dead hair
For making up underwear poor Jean Genie
Ooh yeah

Jean Genie lives on his back
Jean Genie loves chimney stacks
He's outrageous, he screams and he bawls
The Jean Genie, let yourself go, oh go go

So simple minded, he can't drive his module
And he bites on the neon
And sleeps in the capsule loves to be loved
Loves to be loved

Oh, Jean Genie lives on his back
Jean Genie loves chimney stacks
And he's, he's outrageous
He screams and he bawls
Jean Genie, let yourself go, oh go

Jean Genie lives on his back
Jean Genie loves chimney stacks
And he's outrageous, he screams and he bawls
Jean Genie, let yourself go, oh go go

Love, love me do you know I love you
I'll always be true so please (Love me do)





No, he loves to be loved loves to be loved
Loves to be loved loves to be loved

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of David Bowie's song "Jean Genie" depict the character of Jean Genie, who is portrayed as a rebellious and audacious figure. The song begins with the introduction of Jean Genie sneaking into the city, indulging in a hedonistic lifestyle fueled by drugs and fashion. He is described as being strung out on lasers and slash back blazers, consuming razors, and causing a ruckus, captivating the attention of waiters. The lyrics also mention his fascination with Marilyn Monroe and his dismissive attitude towards New York City.


The second verse delves into the complex nature of Jean Genie's relationships. Although he appears to be charismatic and alluring, there is an underlying sense of deception. The lyrics describe him as smiling like a reptile and being loved by someone, but only for a brief period. He is charming and manipulative, refusing to let go of the person's hand and presenting himself as a beautician and nutritionist. There is a mention of him keeping dead hair for making underwear, highlighting his eccentric and unconventional behavior.


The chorus emphasizes Jean Genie's rebellious and attention-seeking nature, portraying him as someone who lives on his back and loves chimney stacks. He is outrageous, constantly screaming and bawling, urging himself and others to let go and indulge in their desires. The final part of the song suggests that despite his outward confidence, Jean Genie craves love and acceptance. The repetition of the phrase "Loves to be loved" underscores this longing, presenting a glimpse into the vulnerability beneath his unconventional persona.


Line by Line Meaning

Poor Jean Genie snuck in to the city
Jean Genie, who is in a disadvantaged position, secretly entered the city


Strung out on lasers and slash back blazers
Completely fascinated and captivated by extravagant and provocative fashion


And ate all the razors
Indulged in risky and dangerous behavior


While pulling the waiters
Manipulating and taking advantage of people in service positions


Talking 'bout Monroe, walking on Snow White
Engaging in conversations about iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe while being in a dreamlike state


New York's a no-go and everything tastes nice
Finding that New York is not an ideal place to be, but still enjoying the pleasures it offers


Poor Jean Genie ooh yeah huh
Expressing sympathy for Jean Genie's situation


Jean Genie lives on his back
Jean Genie is in a passive and dependent state


Jean Genie loves chimney stacks
Jean Genie finds fascination and comfort in urban structures like chimneys


And he's, he's outrageous
Jean Genie's behavior is shocking and unconventional


He screams and he bawls
He expresses his emotions in a loud and dramatic manner


Jean Genie, let yourself go, oh go
Encouraging Jean Genie to release inhibitions and embrace freedom


Looks like a man
Jean Genie appears to be a conventional man


But he smiles like a reptile
His smile is deceptive and evokes a sense of unease or cunning


She loves him, she loves him
Despite his flaws, she loves Jean Genie


But just for a short while
Her love for Jean Genie is temporary and fleeting


She'll scratch in the sand
She will leave behind traces of her presence or mark her territory


Won't let go his hand
She remains attached and refuses to part ways with Jean Genie


He says he's a beautician
Jean Genie claims to be a person skilled in enhancing beauty


And sells you nutrition
He offers and promotes products or ideas related to nourishment


And keeps all your dead hair
He holds onto your discarded or no longer useful aspects of yourself


For making up underwear poor Jean Genie
Even in a disadvantaged state, Jean Genie remains resourceful and adaptable


Ooh yeah
Expressing agreement or satisfaction


So simple minded, he can't drive his module
Jean Genie lacks sophistication or the ability to navigate his own life


And he bites on the neon
He is drawn to the vibrant and flashy aspects of modern life


And sleeps in the capsule loves to be loved
Finding solace and comfort in a confined space while craving affection and attention


Love, love me do you know I love you
Expressing a desire for reciprocal love and confirming devotion


I'll always be true so please (Love me do)
Promising unwavering loyalty and requesting love in return


No, he loves to be loved loves to be loved
Jean Genie seeks validation and thrives on receiving love and attention


Loves to be loved loves to be loved
Jean Genie's ultimate desire is to feel cherished and adored




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Feisal Alykhan

I have watched this over and over again. This is truly a vicious guitar showdown. RIP Jeff Beck.

MrZootalores

i have to agree... for a guest appearance, Jeff certainly laid down some sweet slide playing too

Stephen Hensley

ME TOO !!

KittyGrizGriz

Yes! Mick & Jeff are having a Guitar duel. Love how Mick moves across stage. Rapid fire!

My BrilliantName

@KittyGrizGriz Mick was like, I love ya bro, but you're killing me over here.😅

4 More Replies...

Pilar Martinez

Beck, Ronson, Bowie. Rest in peace. Fantastic musicians. Forever. ❤️💖♥️

Zoran Taylor

Two of those three people died on January 11th!

Jean-Marc Evans

And don’t forget, Trevor Bolder no longer with us either.

Tim Penfield

TITANS OF ROCK

alukuhito

They're all dead. Not so long ago, they were all alive.

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