White Light/White Heat
David Bowie The Spiders From Mars Lyrics
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White light - White light gonna make me feel so insane
White heat - White shapin' them down to my toes
White light - White light's got it now, goodness knows
White light - White light gonna drive me out of my mind
White light - White light's surely gonna make me blind
White heat - White shaping way down to my toes
Oh, Oh, White light
Oh, Oh, White light
Oh, Oh, White heat
Oh, Oh, White heat
White light - White light gonna drive me out of my brain
White light - White light gonna make me feel so insane
White heat - White shapin' them down to my toes
White light - White light's got it now, goodness knows
White light - White light gonna drive me out of my mind
White light - White light's surely gonna make me blind
White heat - White shaping way down to my toes
White light - White light could kill me now, goodness knows
[Chorus x 2]
White light's a-flashing
White light
Still feels right
What's that sound, what's that sound
Don't turn on, be dead or alive
No feeling
Here she comes
Oww, yeah
(Oh, oh, oh, oh) here she comes
(Oh, oh, oh, oh)
(Ah, ah, ah, ah)
The song White Light White Heat by David Bowie is an intense and raw depiction of the experience of being under the influence of drugs, specifically speed or methamphetamine. The repetitive lyrics of “white light” and “white heat” create a sense of frenzy and chaos, capturing the disorientation and confusion that comes with the drug-induced high. The opening lines, “White light gonna drive me out of my brain” and “White light gonna make me feel so insane,” convey a sense of being consumed by the drug and its effects on the mind.
As the song progresses, the intensity builds, with the repetition of “White light’s gonna drive me out of my mind” and “White light’s surely gonna make me blind.” These lyrics suggest that the experience of being high is all-consuming and has the potential to be dangerous, taking over the mind and leaving the individual in a state of confusion and possible harm. The chorus, with its repetition of “White light’s a-flashing/White light still feels right,” captures the addictive quality of the drug and the sense of euphoria and pleasure that comes with it despite the dangers.
Overall, White Light White Heat is a powerful and unflinching portrayal of drug use, capturing both the intensity and the danger of the experience.
Line by Line Meaning
White light - White light gonna drive me out of my brain
The use of drugs (white light) is causing me to lose my mind.
White light - White light gonna make me feel so insane
Consuming drugs (white light) is going to make me feel mad.
White heat - White shapin' them down to my toes
The sensation of consuming drugs (white heat) is affecting my whole body, even my toes.
White light - White light's got it now, goodness knows
The intensity of drugs (white light) has taken over me completely.
White light - White light gonna drive me out of my mind
The use of drugs (white light) is making me lose my sanity completely.
White light - White light's surely gonna make me blind
The effects of drugs (white light) may lead to loss of vision.
White heat - White shaping way down to my toes
The experience of consuming drugs (white heat) is affecting my entire body, starting from my toes.
White light - White light could kill me now, goodness knows
The intensity of drugs (white light) has reached a point where it could prove fatal.
White light's a-flashing
The flashing of the white light is a reference to the light often associated with drugs.
White light Still feels right
Despite the negative effects, the sensation of consuming drugs (white light) still feels good.
What's that sound, what's that sound
Questioning the sounds being heard after consuming drugs, which may not be real.
Don't turn on, be dead or alive
Trying to stay in a state that is neither fully conscious nor fully unconscious after consuming drugs.
No feeling
Feeling numb or emotionless.
Here she comes
Personifying the rush of taking drugs (white light) as a woman approaching.
Oww, yeah
An exclamation showing pleasure and satisfaction after taking drugs (white light).
Lyrics © SONY ATV MUSIC PUB LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LOU REED
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind