Fame

I laughed when I read the comments, because there is such irony in the fact that, when given the chance to interpret a song crafted by Bowie and Lennon --two of the most beloved and celebrated artists of the last forty years-- not one person knowingly shared any real insight, but instead chose to analyze Bowie's sexuality and private life; in doing so, the commenters unknowingly affirmed the theme of this song.

"Fame, puts you there where things are hollow." Indeed, more attention is directed at his ambiguous sexuality than his work, proving that substance is hollowed by notoriety.

why can't people just write about the song and not his life? if you wan't to know about his sexuality then go to wikipedia haha. this song is amazing. it was the first david bowie song i ever heard.

Does Anyone know if the bridge of the song, where he sings the decending "Fame, Fame, Fame, Fame," etc., may have been the first use of a pitch corrector (vocoder)?

There's some fascinating background info about the studio development and recording of this song. Bowie said its his least favorite song on the LP. But he loved meeting (and working with) Lennon.

About the song itself, it has a great melodic hook (James Brown riff?), some great effects, and some cool "easter eggs". Headphones recommended.

Did no one else hear something like "What's your name?" (with strong echo) and a whispered reply "Satan". I dunno maybe just imagining it.

I didn’t know that John Lennon collaborated with David Bowie on ‘Fame.’ Now the tone of the song makes even more sense, for everything about it conveys disillusionment and bitterness toward the industry, the machine that makes up the “business” in Show Business. There’s always a stürm und drang between the artist and the company with whom they’re signed. What Dylan, Prince and George Michael resorted to proves that point. Lennon knew from experience the strangulation and confinement of the artist’s vision brought about by the company’s aim to sell them as a commodity. (I say, the artist wants to tell; the company wants to sell.) I worked for years as the Stage Manager for a splendid venue. My interaction with well-known and internationally acclaimed musicians/singers/performers gave me a hell of an education in their lives and the nature of touring and production of the sound. Oh, I saw some things. My opinion is that fame is a trap. Listen to the lyrics and tone of G. Michael’s “Star People,” “Freedom,” and “Through.” He practically wrote the definitive book on how life was for the people chasing fame, the management of it, and the drive to extract themselves from it to maintain their integrity and artistic freedom. It’s a tough business, especially for women. Bless the artists who stand their ground and persevere, for they’re the ones who truly impact our lives with their holy water of expression.

I had heard this song but I am so happy I ran into it and looked deeper into the lyrics - I love lyrics! I feel this song is about him speaking about how FAME is powerful and a man can be deceived by that power. Hence Hollywood is seeing giants and tyrants fall. I love how Bowie says it takes you over, lets him lose and what you get is no tomorrow. To me its the sin of it all, the fact that a man chases all that is carnal and then he ends with the questioning - could it be my babe, could it be? Then I love how he takes a stance and says Ill take a raincheck and reject you first- then he says whats your name because a person who takes on the lust for fame can lose their identity.

Bowie whispers something at the end of the song. On the 1978 tour, they could clearly be made out as "Brings so much pain", although others have suggested on the album version, it is "Feeling so gay, feeling gay".

wow..john lennon produced this song.

this song is so great! i listen to it over and over and over it never gets old. why only three people have commented on it i dont know. ahh bowie is so great!

I don't mind this song, and although a Bowie fan, I must criticize one of Bowie's live versions of this song, if you could even call it that. It may have been the drugs, he may have just been distracted, but Bowie's performance on 'Soul Train', performing this song was appalling. If he's going to mime, at least be in time with the song, or know the words... he did this also with 'Golden Years'.