Under Pressure
Gail Ann Dorsey & David Bowie Lyrics

Pressure pushin' down on me
Feeling overwhelmed with the weight of expectations and responsibilities

Pressin' down on you, no man ask for
Feeling suffocated and trapped without any control over the situation

Under pressure that brings a building down
The overwhelming stress that can cause physical or emotional collapse

Splits a family in two, puts people on streets
The severe impact of societal and familial expectations can be devastating, leading to breakups and homelessness

That's the terror of knowing what this world is about
The realization and fear of the harsh realities and complexities of life

Watchin' some good friends screamin', "Let me out"
Witnessing those closest to us break down under immense pressure

Pray tomorrow gets me higher
Hoping for relief and a reprieve from one's struggles in the future

Pressure on people, people on streets
The burden of societal expectations and circumstances leading to homelessness and poverty

Chippin' around, kick my brains 'round the floor
Being mentally and emotionally scattered and unsure in times of stress

These are the days it never rains but it pours
Feeling overwhelmed and facing multiple problems at once

It's the terror of knowing what this world is about
Repeating the first verse to emphasize the fear and anxiety of life

Watching some good friends screaming, "Let me out"
Again expressing the emotional toll that overwhelming pressure takes on friends and loved ones

Pressure on people, people on streets
Repeating the chorus to highlight the societal impact of pressure and stress

Turned away from it all like a blind man
Avoiding the pressures of life by simply ignoring them, just like a blind person ignoring their surroundings

Sat on the fence but it don't work
Choosing not to get involved or take a side in difficult situations does nothing to alleviate the pressure

Keep comin' up with love but it's so slashed and torn
Attempts to overcome challenges and pressure with love and positivity may seem futile or ineffective

Insanity laughs under pressure we're breaking
As pressure builds, people may show signs of breaking down or succumbing to mental illness

Can't we give ourselves one more chance?
Asking for another opportunity to overcome stress and pressure

Why can't we give love that one more chance?
Suggesting that love and compassion may be the key to overcoming pressure and stress

'Cause love's such an old-fashioned word
Love is often dismissed as a cliche or outdated concept in modern society

And love dares you to care for
Love challenges people to care for others and their well-being

The people on the edge of the night
Those most in need and vulnerable in society

And love dares you to change our way of caring about ourselves
Love requires us to shift our focus from selfishness to concern for others

This is our last dance
Life is short and we must make the most of our time

Under pressure
Final repetition to emphasize the central theme and title of the song