Nature Boy
David Bowie Massive Attack Lyrics


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This story is about love
The woman I loved is dead

There was a boy
A very strange enchanted boy

They say he wandered very far
Very far over land and sea

A little shy and sad of eye
But very wise, was he

And then one day
One magic day he passed my way
While we spoke of many things
Fools and kings
This he said to me

The greatest thing
You'll ever learn
Is just to love




And be loved
In return

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "Nature Boy" by David Bowie and Massive Attack tell a story about love and loss. The singer reveals that they have lost the woman they loved, and then begins to tell the story of a strange and enchanted boy who wandered far and wide. This boy was shy and sad of eye but very wise, and he eventually crossed paths with the singer. The two had a conversation about many things, including fools and kings, and the boy imparted some wisdom to the singer. He said that the greatest thing one can ever learn is to love and be loved in return.


The story of the strange enchanted boy in the lyrics is likely inspired by the song "Nature Boy," written by eden ahbez in 1947. The song was made famous by Nat King Cole, and its lyrics describe a "strange enchanted boy" who "wandered very far" and discovered the secret of love. David Bowie and Massive Attack's version of the song updates the lyrics slightly to fit their version of the story, but the core message remains the same. The song is a meditation on the power of love and the importance of cherishing those we care about while we can.


Overall, "Nature Boy" is a haunting and beautiful song that speaks to the universal experience of love and loss. The lyrics and melody evoke a dreamlike sense of wonder and mystery, and the message of the song is one that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds.


Line by Line Meaning

This story is about love
The singer will be recounting a tale of love.


The woman I loved is dead
The singer's love interest has passed away.


There was a boy
The tale involves a male character.


A very strange enchanted boy
The male character had an unusual or mystical quality.


They say he wandered very far
The boy had traveled a significant distance.


Very far over land and sea
The boy had traveled both on land and sea.


A little shy and sad of eye
The boy was introverted and had a melancholy demeanor.


But very wise, was he
Despite his shyness and sorrow, the boy was knowledgeable.


And then one day
At some point in time, a significant event occurred.


One magic day he passed my way
The boy had a chance encounter with the artist that was unforgettable.


While we spoke of many things
During the meeting, the characters conversed about various topics.


Fools and kings
The conversations ranged from the trivial to the profound.


This he said to me
The boy imparted some wisdom or insight to the singer.


The greatest thing
The most significant lesson or truth.


You'll ever learn
The most important thing you will ever comprehend.


Is just to love
The act of loving others is of utmost importance.


And be loved
Being loved by others is equally significant.


In return
One should reciprocate love when it is given.




Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Songtrust Ave
Written by: EDEN AHBEZ

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@paredel89

There was a boy
A very strange enchanted boy
They say he wandered very far, very far
Over land and sea
A little shy and sad of eye
But very wise was he
And then one day
A magic day he passed my way
And while we spoke of many things
Fools and kings
This he said to me
‘The greatest thing you’ll ever learn
Is just to love and be loved in return.



All comments from YouTube:

@paredel89

There was a boy
A very strange enchanted boy
They say he wandered very far, very far
Over land and sea
A little shy and sad of eye
But very wise was he
And then one day
A magic day he passed my way
And while we spoke of many things
Fools and kings
This he said to me
‘The greatest thing you’ll ever learn
Is just to love and be loved in return.

@alexandracoirier3778

Bowie was full of love, his love still radiates!

@ReshonBryant

👻

@AMBERSKYS1

he was the sexiest senior citizen ever! he'll never be forgotten.

@hisashivalentine

Even though this is a cover song - his version is so eerie but beautiful. So heartbreaking to listen to it.

@wewatchmovies4446

Yeah bro, it's music at its height

@randomlight1069

Bowie recorded two versions. One "orchestral" the one, which which can be heard in some scenes in Moulin Rouge. And this one which was slotted for the end credits. Due it's beings so "dark" the films director Baz Luhrmann pulled it saying "it was so dark that we needed to resurrect the audience during the end credits." I prefer this one, for what it's worth.

@dwesdwes5633

Back in the 1950's my father used to sing this song to me when i was a little child. He of course was familiar with the Nat "King" Cole version of it, and never heard Bowie sing it.

@kzinful

Oh my, I never knew of this collaboration.
Even more respect for the genius that is Massive Attack, they have always exhibited that special talent of finding artists and the right song for them as is shown here.
Poignant now with Davids passing but this song is so right for his interpretation, isn't it?
And in the end, the love you take is..
Peace

@patrom0406

equal to the love you take ;)

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