The Meaning Behind The Song: Sorrow by David Bowie
David Bowie’s “Sorrow” is a melancholic song that speaks of heartache and sadness. It was originally written and recorded by the British band The Merseys in 1965, but its most famous version was released by Bowie in 1973. Bowie’s version is a cover, but his interpretation of the song is unique, personal, and undoubtedly haunting.
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “Sorrow” are simple and straightforward. The song describes the pain of losing someone and the feelings of emptiness and loneliness that come with it. The chorus is especially powerful, with the repeating line “with your long blonde hair and your eyes of blue, the only thing I ever got from you was sorrow.”
The Music
The music of “Sorrow” is equally tragic. The song’s melody is based on a simple, repeating riff that complete the song’s mournful lyrics. Bowie’s vocals are subdued but full of emotion, underscoring the song’s theme of sadness and loss.
The Inspiration
While the exact inspiration behind “Sorrow” is unclear, Bowie’s own life was undoubtedly a source of inspiration. Bowie himself experienced numerous losses in his life, including the death of his half-brother from suicide and the passing of his father from cancer.
FAQs
1. Was David Bowie’s cover of “Sorrow” a commercial success?
Yes, Bowie’s version of “Sorrow” was a commercial success. It reached the top 10 in the UK charts and the top 40 in the US charts.
2. Who wrote the original version of “Sorrow”?
The original version of “Sorrow” was written by the British band The Merseys.
3. What was David Bowie’s connection to The Merseys?
David Bowie had no direct connection to The Merseys. However, The Merseys were part of the British Invasion scene that Bowie himself was a part of.
4. What was the inspiration behind The Merseys’ version of “Sorrow”?
The Merseys’ version of “Sorrow” was inspired by the 1962 song “It’s My Party” by Lesley Gore.
5. Were there any other famous covers of “Sorrow”?
Yes, several other notable covers of “Sorrow” exist. Notably, The McCoys released a version of the song in 1966, while Iggy Pop recorded a version for his studio album “Preliminaries” in 2009.
6. Did David Bowie write any original material inspired by “Sorrow”?
David Bowie did not write any original material inspired by “Sorrow.” However, the themes of sadness and loss that the song explores are present in many of his own compositions.
7. What effect did “Sorrow” have on David Bowie’s career?
“Sorrow” was not necessarily a defining moment in Bowie’s career, but it did serve to cement his reputation as a versatile and original musician.
8. What did critics think of Bowie’s version of “Sorrow?”
Critics were generally positive about Bowie’s version of “Sorrow.” Rolling Stone magazine praised the song as “a classic example of his ability to give a pop song depth and substance.”
9. Who is the long blonde-haired woman in the song?
There is no specific person being referenced in the song. The woman in the song is a symbol of lost love and the pain that comes with it.
10. Is “Sorrow” considered a classic song?
Yes, “Sorrow” is considered a classic song by many music critics and fans alike.
11. Was there a music video made for Bowie’s version of “Sorrow”?
Yes, a music video was made for Bowie’s version of “Sorrow.” The video features Bowie performing the song on a stage with a backing band.
12. Is “Sorrow” a happy or sad song?
“Sorrow” is definitely a sad song. It explores the themes of loss, heartbreak, and loneliness, and the music reflects those feelings with its mournful melody and subdued vocals.
