David Bowie
The Phish Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴

David Bowie

UB 40




Overall Meaning

"David Bowie" by Phish is a tribute to the legendary artist and performer who redefined rock and roll music in the 1970s and continued to inspire future generations of musicians. The song is a classic example of Phish's experimental musical style that blends rock, funk, and improvisational jazz. The lyrics are somewhat cryptic and abstract, but they seem to be about the idea of transformation and transcendence, which was a central theme in Bowie's music and persona.


The opening lyrics of the song, "David Bowie, UB 40, Psychic spies from China try to steal your mind's elation," suggest a surreal and paranoid atmosphere that evokes the sci-fi and psychedelic sensibilities of Bowie's music. The verses describe various characters and situations that are seemingly unrelated but are connected by a sense of unease and dislocation. The chorus, which repeats the lines "David Bowie, David Bowie," is almost like a chant or mantra that builds in intensity and urgency as the song progresses. The bridge section features a funky bass line and a solo section that allows the band to showcase their instrumental skills and improvisational chops.


Overall, "David Bowie" is a tribute not only to the man and the music but also to the spirit of experimentation and creativity that he embodied. The song is a celebration of the power of imagination and the endless possibilities of art and life.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Edgar Winter

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@Jrup2110

I always felt like Phish was what it would be like if a bunch of high school music teachers got together and smoked a joint and then had a jam session

@apothecurio

I would be shocked if anyone could play such complicated music with so much precision while buzzing in outer space.

@idntjerkoffinbars

That's an awesome analogy. I totally agree

@Nocturnalis1978

From Junta all the way to today, this is still the best instrumental performance from Phish IMO. RIP David, you have inspired generations!

@shanemartin9669

Thank you! My favorite!Turned me on!

@shanemartin9669

God, they were so good back then.

@ExProforlife

Thank you World Series and Google music recognition for turning me on to this awesome song!

@deemoney6145

Just heard the song from my husband watching the world series and I knew it right away from a few notes had to prove it to him! Lol I highly recommend you listen to Phish in general all their music for the most part is amazing!

@benringenberg2394

That is crazy. Is that really true? Turned on to Phish from watching world series? If that is true and not a joke, then that is fucking awesome. It's been 2 yrs since your comment, really curious, did you become a fan since then, or was it just a one song fluke. I am hoping and guessing that you are a fan now, because it seems to me, you either love em or hate em, and even from just one song I believe you can start to understand what they are about.

@idntjerkoffinbars

Damn I never think to play this song and I miss it...for sure some of their best.

More Comments

More Versions