• Track: Rebel Rebel
• Artist: David Bowie
• Album: Diamond Dogs
• Year: 1974

Lyrics:

You’ve got your mother in a whirl
She’s not sure if you’re a boy or a girl
Hey babe, your hair’s alright
Hey babe, let’s go out tonight
You like me, and I like it all
We like dancing and we look divine
You love bands when they’re playing hard
You want more and you want it fast
They put you down, they say I’m wrong
You tacky thing, you put them on
[CHORUS]
Rebel Rebel, you’ve torn your dress
Rebel Rebel, your face is a mess
Rebel Rebel, how could they know?
Hot tramp, I love you so!
Don’t ya?
[CHORUS]
You’ve torn your dress, your face is a mess
You can’t get enough, but enough ain’t the test
You’ve got your transmission and your live wire

You got your cue line and a handful of ‘ludes

You got your cue line and a handful of ‘ludes
You wanna be there when they count up the dudes
And I love your dress
You’re a juvenile success
Because your face is a mess
So how could they know?
I said, how could they know?
So what you wanna know Calamity’s child,
Where’d you wanna go?
What can I do for you? Looks like you’ve been there too
‘Cause you’ve torn your dress
And your face is a mess
Ooo, your face is a mess
Ooo, ooo, so how could they know?
Eh, eh, how could they know?

I’ve been thinking all day about the Bowie song I wanted to feature today on Dances with Bass Radio, and while this one is an obvious pick, it’s also the one that I think most represents Mr. Bowie. The iconic—and I mean ICONIC—opening guitar riff is composed of ten perfect notes that will echo through eternity. This rock classic wasn’t only about a crunchy guitar riff; this track was about rebelling against a society that didn’t (and still struggles to) understand LGBT people. I think Mr. Bowie was especially courageous to release this song in the mid-1970s when society was anything but tolerant of anyone who strayed from the mainstream, be it music, thinking, sexuality, or clothing.

The album, Diamond Dogs, is one that my dad owned on 8-track. I remember him telling me about Ziggy Stardust and the Spyders from Mars, and how Bowie completely changed music forever. My love of music comes from my dad, and when I think about him now, there’s almost always a rock-and-roll soundtrack to my memories – with Bowie often as the featured artist.

Rest in peace, Mr. Bowie. Not only did you influence musicians for generations to come, but your open bisexuality and androgynous sense of style helped pave the way for future generations of LGBT people to come.

You also helped this social misfit find his place in a world that doesn’t cater to those who think outside the lines.

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