Slip Away Lyrics
Drags his bones to see the Yankees play
Bones Boy talks and flickers gray
Oh, they slip away
Bones and Oogie on a silver screen
No one knew what they could do
Except for me and you
They slip away
They slip away
Twinkle twinkle Uncle Floyd
Watching all the world and war torn
How I wonder where you are
Oo-o
Twinkle twinkle Uncle Floyd
We were dumb but you were fun, boy
How I wonder where you are
Oo-o
Some of us will always stay behind
Down in space it's always 1982
The joke we always knew
Oo-oo
What'sa matter with you
C'mon, let's go
Slip away
Oo-o
Twinkle twinkle Uncle Floyd
Watching all the world and war torn
How I wonder where you are
Oo-o
Twinkle twinkle Uncle Floyd
We were dumb but you were fun, boy
How I wonder where you are
Oo-o
Sailing
Oo-o
This song is about some old British show called "The Uncle Floyd Show". I guess Bowie loved the show as a child.
It was an American show. John Lennon told him about it.
It was an American show. John Lennon told him about it.
it's a pretty depressing song. and i kind of half doubt the song's entirely about the show. i mean, i get it as a basic theme, but i think it's a metaphor for something...probably something to do with a relationship ending.
I think it's about the end of childhood and of a boyhood friendship
I think it's about the end of childhood and of a boyhood friendship
FYI - "Floyd Vivino aka "Uncle Floyd" (b. October 16, 1951 in Paterson, New Jersey) is a television, film, and stage performer primarily known for his influential comedy/variety TV show "The Uncle Floyd Show". The show has been on the air in the local New Jersey and New York area off and on since 1974. It can be read as a children's show, or a parody of a children's show. Much of the humor has a twist aimed at adults in the style of Soupy Sales, or another comedy performer that followed Floyd's lead, Pee Wee Herman. The show features slapstick comedy, puppetry, some audience participation, and piano music. His puppet sidekick (actually a ventriloquial figure) was named Oogie."
Bowie mentioned during a New Jersey concert in 2004, that he saw The Uncle Floyd show in TV in New York years earlier and was inspired to write the song.
John Lennon (Bowie has said) told him about Uncle Floyd. Song seem to be about their friendship.
John Lennon (Bowie has said) told him about Uncle Floyd. Song seem to be about their friendship.
I think it's a song about childhood or teen memories or a friend from childhood/adolescence, a la Tom Robinson's "1967" or "A Brother Like Martin." Bowie the Beautiful deals with the theme just -- beautifully. One of my favorite tunes off Heathen. The lines "We were dumb but you were fun, boy/How I wonder where you are," to me, suggests a friend from boyhood. A gem of musical entertainment from a highly talented and attractive gentleman. Classic Bowie
It's about his friend John. he misses him.
slip away is a wistful, nostalgic look back from aging bowie to happy memories of himself and iggy pop living in new York and watching the uncle Floyd childrens tv show. bowie typically wholly embraces childhood themes, whilst simultaneously obsessing about childhood and death. in tone the song is passionate and mournful, a heartfelt expression of tenderness to old or lost friends "how I wonder where you are" and for happy days gone by. bowie show beautiful tenderness and concern for a distressed friend "whats the matter with you". the following phrase "come on, lets go and slip away" I believe is a drug reference, in the sense of. "don't be sad, lets get stoned and have a laugh". beautiful song. even better live, check it out. incredibly passionate performance on the live versions. gorgeous.
Watch the Reality Tour DVD, it has a nice introduction to the song which actually includes a clip from the show. He did an awesome job(as always), made it really dramatic.