Nature Boy
Massive Attack & David Bowie Lyrics
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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
The first verse of Nature Boy sets the tone for a tragic love story. The singer says that the woman he loved is now dead. It's a somber start to the song and suggests that the rest of the lyrics might explore themes of loss and grief.
The second verse introduces the titular "Nature Boy," a character who is described as both "strange" and "enchanted." He's the subject of gossip and intrigue, having apparently wandered far and wide across the world. Despite his unusual ways, the boy is said to be wise, though also somewhat reserved and melancholy.
The third verse is where the song's central message is revealed. The singer meets the Nature Boy and they discuss a variety of topics, ranging from the foolishness of some people to the greatness of kings. The Nature Boy imparts his wisdom to the singer, telling him that the most important thing in life is to love and be loved in return. It's a simple but profound sentiment that ties together the various strands of the song.
Overall, Nature Boy is a melancholic yet ultimately hopeful meditation on love and the human experience. It suggests that despite the pain and heartache that can come with loving someone, it's still worth pursuing and cherishing that connection while we can.
Line by Line Meaning
This story is about love
The song I'm about to sing is focused on the theme of love.
The woman I loved is dead
The person who I once loved is no longer alive.
There was a boy
The story which follows is centered around a young male.
A very strange enchanted boy
This boy was peculiar and held a certain sort of spellbinding quality.
They say he wandered very far
Accounts of his travels suggest he journeyed great distances.
Very far over land and sea
He had explored foreign lands and oceans alike.
A little shy and sad of eye
While slightly timid, he had a sorrowful look about him.
But very wise, was he
This youngster possessed a high level of intelligence.
And then one day
On a particular day, something notable occurred.
One magic day, he passed my way
The day in question was exceptional and he crossed paths with the storyteller.
While we spoke of many things
During our conversation, we touched on various topics.
Fools and kings
Two examples of the topics covered were foolish behavior and royal figures.
This he said to me
He imparted some wisdom upon me on this occasion.
The greatest thing
One of the most important things.
You'll ever learn
That you'll ever come to understand.
Is just to love
Is simply to love others.
And be loved
And to be loved in return is equally important.
In return
In exchange for the love you have given.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Eden Ahbez
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@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.
@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 ;)