Under Pressure
Nine Inch Nails and David Bowie Lyrics
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Doom-boom-ba-beh
Doo-boo-boom-ba-beh-beh
Pressure pushin' down on me
Pressin' down on you, no man ask for
Under pressure that brings a building down
Splits a family in two, puts people on streets
Dee-day-da, ee-day-da
That's okay
That's the terror of knowing what this world is about
Watchin' some good friends screamin', "Let me out"
Pray tomorrow gets me higher
Pressure on people, people on streets
Da-da-da, mm-mm
Da-da-da-ba-bum
Okay
Chippin' around, kick my brains 'round the floor
These are the days it never rains but it pours
Ee-doh-ba-buh, ee-da-ba-ba-bop
Mm-bo-bop, beh-lup
People on streets, ee-da-dee-da-day
People on streets, ee-da-dee-da-dee-da-dee-da
It's the terror of knowing what this world is about
Watching some good friends screaming, "Let me out"
Pray tomorrow gets me higher, higher, high
Pressure on people, people on streets
Turned away from it all like a blind man
Sat on the fence but it don't work
Keep comin' up with love but it's so slashed and torn
Why, why, why?
Love
Insanity laughs under pressure we're breaking
Can't we give ourselves one more chance?
Why can't we give love that one more chance?
Why can't we give love, give love, give love, give love
Give love, give love, give love, give love?
'Cause love's such an old-fashioned word
And love dares you to care for
The people on the edge of the night
And love dares you to change our way of
Caring about ourselves
This is our last dance
This is our last dance
This is ourselves
Under pressure
Under pressure
Pressure
The lyrics to "Under Pressure" by Nine Inch Nails and David Bowie explore the theme of the immense pressure that individuals face in their daily lives and the consequential effects it has on society. The repetition of sounds such as "Mm-noom-ba-deh" and "Doom-boom-ba-beh" at the beginning of the song sets a tense and urgent tone, preparing the listener for the heavy subject matter that follows.
The song starts off by acknowledging the omnipresence of pressure that weighs down on everyone. It emphasizes that no one asks for this pressure, yet it burdens every individual. The line, "Under pressure that brings a building down, splits a family in two, puts people on streets," highlights the destructive impact that pressure can have on people's lives, tearing apart families and leaving them homeless.
The chorus delves deeper into the existential dread caused by pressure and the emotional toll it takes. The refrain, "That's the terror of knowing what this world is about, watching some good friends screaming, 'Let me out,'" suggests that pressure forces individuals to confront the harsh realities of the world, witnessing the anguish and desperation of their loved ones. The plea to "Pray tomorrow gets me higher" reflects a desperate longing to escape the suffocating weight of pressure.
In the second verse, the lyrics continue to highlight the duality of pressure. The line, "These are the days it never rains but it pours," metaphorically illustrates that when pressure strikes, it does so relentlessly. It also describes the mental strain that comes with pressure, as represented by the action of "kick my brains 'round the floor." The refrain emphasizes that pressure affects not only individuals, but also entire communities, as it pushes people to the streets and creates societal unrest.
The bridge of the song reflects a sense of frustration and disillusionment. The lyrics express the inability to escape or find solace in the face of pressure, using phrases like "turned away from it all like a blind man" and "sat on the fence but it don't work." The repeated question of "Why, why, why?" signifies the confusion and despair caused by the relentless pressure.
The song then shifts its focus to the power of love as a potential remedy. It questions why people don't give love another chance and why they can't extend compassion to others. The lyrics suggest that love has become an antiquated concept, yet it dares individuals to care for those who are marginalized or struggling. It encourages a change in the way society values and treats one another.
Overall, "Under Pressure" serves as a poignant commentary on the weight of pressure in society, its detrimental effects, and the potential redemption found in love and compassion. It tackles existential themes and leaves the listener with a call to action, urging them to confront the pressures of the world and strive for a more empathetic and caring society.
Line by Line Meaning
Mm-noom-ba-deh
This line is a nonsensical vocalization and does not have a specific meaning.
Doom-boom-ba-beh
This line is a nonsensical vocalization and does not have a specific meaning.
Doo-boo-boom-ba-beh-beh
This line is a nonsensical vocalization and does not have a specific meaning.
Pressure pushin' down on me
The intense force of societal expectations and responsibilities pressing heavily on an individual.
Pressin' down on you, no man ask for
The burden of external pressures weighing down on everyone, regardless of their consent or desire.
Under pressure that brings a building down
The immense weight of stress and strain that can lead to the collapse and destruction of one's mental or emotional stability.
Splits a family in two, puts people on streets
The overwhelming pressure causing fractures within relationships and forcing individuals into homelessness and despair.
Mm-ba-ba-beh, mm-ba-ba-beh
This line is a nonsensical vocalization and does not have a specific meaning.
Dee-day-da, ee-day-da
This line is a nonsensical vocalization and does not have a specific meaning.
That's okay
Despite the hardships and strain, accepting and acknowledging the reality of the situation is regarded as acceptable.
That's the terror of knowing what this world is about
The overwhelming fear that arises from gaining a deep understanding of the harsh and unforgiving nature of the world.
Watchin' some good friends screamin', "Let me out"
Observing close friends experiencing immense distress and desperately seeking liberation from their struggles.
Pray tomorrow gets me higher
Hopeful aspirations for a better future, characterized by personal growth, fulfillment, and relief from the current pressures.
Pressure on people, people on streets
The weight of societal demands impacting individuals, driving them to the point of destitution and desperation.
Chippin' around, kick my brains 'round the floor
Frantically maneuvering and struggling to find solutions, often resulting in mental exhaustion and disarray.
These are the days it never rains but it pours
A period of time where difficulties and problems seem to relentlessly accumulate, without any respite or relief.
Ee-doh-ba-buh, ee-da-ba-ba-bop
This line is a nonsensical vocalization and does not have a specific meaning.
Mm-bo-bop, beh-lup
This line is a nonsensical vocalization and does not have a specific meaning.
People on streets, ee-da-dee-da-day
Individuals who have been pushed to the margins, often homeless and desperate, struggling to survive day by day.
People on streets, ee-da-dee-da-dee-da-dee-da
This line emphasizes the numerous individuals suffering on the streets, emphasizing their desperation and daily struggles.
It's the terror of knowing what this world is about
Reiterating the fear and anxiety that arises from comprehending the true nature of the world and its challenges.
Watching some good friends screaming, "Let me out"
Witnessing close friends in extreme distress, pleading for liberation from their overwhelming circumstances.
Pray tomorrow gets me higher, higher, high
Expressing a fervent hope that the upcoming days will bring substantial improvement, elevating one's spirits and well-being.
Pressure on people, people on streets
The unrelenting weight of societal pressures impacting individuals, leading to their plight of homelessness and desperation.
Turned away from it all like a blind man
Choosing to ignore or detach oneself from the overwhelming realities and challenges of life, similar to being oblivious like a blind person.
Sat on the fence but it don't work
Remaining indecisive and neutral, trying to avoid taking a stance, yet realizing that this approach is ineffective in addressing the pressures.
Keep comin' up with love but it's so slashed and torn
Continuously seeking love and compassion, but encountering disappointment and emotional pain as it is often damaged and fragmented.
Why, why, why?
Expressing frustration and bewilderment towards the challenging circumstances and the lack of satisfactory answers or solutions.
Love
The concept and emotion of love, which serves as a recurring theme in the song.
Insanity laughs under pressure we're breaking
The strain and intense pressure causing mental distress, sometimes leading to irrational thoughts or behaviors.
Can't we give ourselves one more chance?
Questioning the possibility of granting oneself another opportunity to make things right and find a sense of fulfillment.
Why can't we give love that one more chance?
Expressing the desire to rekindle and embrace love, hoping for the chance to restore and nurture it once again.
Why can't we give love, give love, give love, give love
Emphasizing the importance of continuously giving and expressing love, highlighting its transformative and healing power.
Give love, give love, give love, give love
Reiterating the plea to offer love freely and generously, as it has the potential to bring about positive change and connection.
'Cause love's such an old-fashioned word
Acknowledging that the word 'love' may seem antiquated or out of touch with the contemporary world, but it still holds significant meaning.
And love dares you to care for
Implying that love challenges and urges individuals to genuinely care for the well-being and needs of others.
The people on the edge of the night
Focusing attention on those who are most vulnerable and marginalized, often experiencing hardship and adversity during nighttime.
And love dares you to change our way of
Suggesting that love prompts individuals to adopt a different approach and mindset, transforming the usual ways of thinking and behaving.
Caring about ourselves
Recognizing the significance of self-care and self-compassion in order to authentically care for others and create meaningful connections.
This is our last dance
Conveying the idea that the present moment is the final opportunity to make a positive impact and create meaningful experiences.
This is our last dance
Repeating the previous line to emphasize the urgency and importance of cherishing and making the most out of the present moment.
This is ourselves
Affirming that the choices and actions taken in the present moment truly reflect who we are as individuals.
Under pressure
Reiterating the central theme of the song, which is the immense stress and strain exerted upon individuals by societal expectations and the challenges of life.
Under pressure
Repeating the previous line to further emphasize the intense weight of pressure felt by individuals.
Pressure
Summarizing the overall concept of pressure and its profound impact on individuals and society.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: David Bowie, John Richard Deacon, Brian Harold May, Freddie Mercury, Roger Meddows Taylor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Kevin Beran
Trent soznds so great. He doesn't sing like Fredfädie and this makes a great job 👍
Seagraey
I don't think Trent sings in this song unfortunately.
Las Realistas
very good sound btw
Torsten Kunz
Bowie forever...
Robain Halluin
Do you know who sings with David on this song?
zenobowie
not with that scratching sound in the end of the last 4 tracks on cd2 , it has to be of a master tape recording not a cd download recording with too many tracks than you will get that scratching sound in the end , '' a small plot of land and nite flights '' are fxcked ( Nine Inch Nails With David Bowie - back in anger )
Las Realistas
On that tour maybe, not with NIN onstage