“Modern Love” is a fascinating exploration of the complexities of contemporary relationships and faith. At its core, the song delves into the skepticism and disillusionment associated with modern love and religious beliefs. Bowie captures the essence of someone who’s conflicted between embracing modernity and its conveniences while being wary of the emotional detachment it brings. The lyrics suggest a yearning for something more authentic and meaningful than what ‘modern love’ offers, revealing Bowie’s nuanced perspective on the changing dynamics of relationships and spirituality in a modern context.
Ever wondered what’s beneath the catchy beats of David Bowie’s “Modern Love”? There’s a world of meaning in those lyrics, waiting to be explored. Join us as we unravel the depths of this iconic song.
“Modern Love” Lyrics Meaning
“Modern Love” starts with a glimpse into the routine life of the narrator: “I know when to go out / And when to stay in / Get things done”. These lines set the stage for a life of structure, yet hint at an underlying discontent. Bowie contrasts everyday life’s mundane aspects with modern love’s unpredictable nature.
The chorus “Modern love walks beside me / Modern love walks on by” suggests a transient, almost fickle nature of love in contemporary society. Bowie plays with the idea that modern love is ever-present yet elusive, something that’s close enough to feel but too intangible to hold on to.
In the lines, “Church on time terrifies me / Church on time makes me party / Church on time puts my trust in God and man,” there’s a fascinating duality. It’s as if Bowie is grappling with the conventional expectations of faith and how they intersect with his personal experiences. He acknowledges the role of religion and societal norms in shaping our understanding of love and trust, yet he’s clearly unsettled by it.
The refrain, “God and man no confessions / God and man no religion / God and man don’t believe in modern love,” is particularly poignant. Here, Bowie questions the authenticity of both religious belief and human relationships in the modern age. He seems to lament the loss of genuineness in both realms, pointing to a deeper yearning for truth and connection.
The repetition of “Modern love” signifies the inescapable nature of these themes in Bowie’s life and in our collective consciousness. It’s as if he’s acknowledging that, despite its flaws, modern love and all it entails is a fundamental part of our existence.
The Story Behind “Modern Love”
By the early 1980s, Bowie had undergone numerous stylistic changes, both musically and personally. This song, part of his 1983 album “Let’s Dance,” represented a shift towards a more commercial sound, but the depth of his songwriting remained. Bowie, at this time, was grappling with his own beliefs and experiences. The early 80s were a period of introspection for him, reflected in the themes of “Modern Love.” He was questioning not just the nature of romantic relationships in the modern world but also the role of faith and spirituality in his life.
The lyric “I catch a paper boy / But things don’t really change” suggests a frustration with the monotony of everyday life and the superficial changes in the world. Bowie was observing a society in transition, one moving towards a more technologically advanced era, yet he felt a sense of loss for the authenticity and depth of human connections.
“Modern Love” is not just a commentary on romance but a reflection of Bowie’s own struggles with faith and meaning. The song’s ambivalence towards both religious institution and romantic relationships mirrors Bowie’s personal journey through fame, spirituality, and human connection. It was his way of expressing the complexity of navigating love and faith in a rapidly evolving world, yet seemingly leaving behind the essence of true emotional and spiritual connection.