Written aboard the QE2 in December 72 (David hated flying at this time) and inspired by Bowie's travels around the United States. The song and album title were actually a play on words refering to his Brother Terry who later died in a mental hospital near London, Cain Hill Hospital.
@kyms Obviously "a lad" being "insane" describes Bowie's brother Terry but when you say "actually", where did you hear about your info? I can imagine your explanation working regarding the album title but not the song title. As someone else here stated, the song is much more likely about young men partying before going off to war.
@kyms Obviously "a lad" being "insane" describes Bowie's brother Terry but when you say "actually", where did you hear about your info? I can imagine your explanation working regarding the album title but not the song title. As someone else here stated, the song is much more likely about young men partying before going off to war.
Written aboard the QE2 in December 72 (David hated flying at this time) and inspired by Bowie's travels around the United States. The song and album title were actually a play on words refering to his Brother Terry who later died in a mental hospital near London, Cain Hill Hospital.
@kyms Obviously "a lad" being "insane" describes Bowie's brother Terry but when you say "actually", where did you hear about your info? I can imagine your explanation working regarding the album title but not the song title. As someone else here stated, the song is much more likely about young men partying before going off to war.
@kyms Obviously "a lad" being "insane" describes Bowie's brother Terry but when you say "actually", where did you hear about your info? I can imagine your explanation working regarding the album title but not the song title. As someone else here stated, the song is much more likely about young men partying before going off to war.