About the song
“Oh! You Pretty Things” by David Bowie is one of the standout tracks from his early 1970s period, showcasing his ability to blend socially conscious lyrics with captivating melodies. Released in 1971 as part of his Hunky Dory album, this song marked a pivotal moment in David Bowie’s career as he began to experiment with more avant-garde themes and musical styles. While not one of his most commercially successful songs, “Oh! You Pretty Things” has become a cult favorite, often praised for its insightful lyrics and unique composition.
The song was written by David Bowie and features a mix of rock, piano-driven pop, and early glam influences, which would go on to shape much of his later work. “Oh! You Pretty Things” is notable for its upbeat, almost jaunty piano arrangement, which contrasts with the somewhat cryptic and thought-provoking lyrics. The song touches on themes of change, youth, and the influence of the next generation, while also reflecting Bowie’s fascination with social and cultural upheaval. The phrase “pretty things” can be interpreted as a metaphor for a superficial, materialistic view of youth culture, a topic that was particularly relevant during the era of rapid societal change in the early 1970s.
The lyrics also seem to point to the idea of generational transformation, with Bowie hinting at a coming shift in values and power dynamics, perhaps even alluding to his own rising influence within the music world. The line “Oh, you pretty things, don’t you know you’re driving your mamas and papas insane?” suggests the discomfort that older generations felt toward the changing cultural norms, especially in the wake of the 1960s counterculture movement. This was an era marked by political unrest, shifting social norms, and the emerging voices of youth, and Bowie effectively captured that zeitgeist with this track.
“Oh! You Pretty Things” also features a striking arrangement, with Bowie’s powerful vocals and prominent piano lines, helped by Mick Ronson’s guitar work. The overall sound is both playful and profound, striking a balance between pop accessibility and the more experimental inclinations that would become a hallmark of Bowie’s later work. In this way, the song embodies the spirit of “Hunky Dory” as an album—an album that experimented with diverse sounds, from folk to glam rock, while addressing personal and societal themes.
In terms of cultural impact, while “Oh! You Pretty Things” was not a chart-topping hit, it became an iconic song in David Bowie’s catalog. It also influenced future generations of musicians, particularly those involved in glam rock and art rock, where themes of alienation, rebellion, and the deconstruction of social norms were explored. The song would resonate deeply with fans who were drawn to Bowie’s ability to articulate the emotional complexity and societal shifts of his time. Additionally, Bowie’s vocal delivery in this song is a prelude to the more dramatic, theatrical personas he would later adopt in his career, most notably as Ziggy Stardust.
In summary, “Oh! You Pretty Things” is a significant track in David Bowie’s early career, offering a glimpse into his growing exploration of social themes, the concept of identity, and the evolving landscape of popular culture. Though it wasn’t a massive commercial hit, the song’s influence is undeniable, and it remains an enduring piece of Bowie’s creative output. With its mix of catchy melodies, introspective lyrics, and forward-thinking musical arrangements, “Oh! You Pretty Things” is a perfect example of David Bowie’s ability to capture the spirit of the times while pushing the boundaries of what pop music could convey.
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Lyrics
Wake up, you sleepy headPut on some clothes, shake up your bedPut another log on the fire for meI’ve made some breakfast and coffeeLook out my window, what do I see?Crack in the sky and a hand reaching down to meAll the nightmares came todayAnd it looks as though they’re here to stayWhat are we coming to?No room for me, no fun for youI think about a world to comeWhere the books were found by the Golden onesWritten in pain, written in aweBy a puzzled man who questioned what we were here forAll the strangers came todayAnd it looks as though they’re here to stayOh, you pretty things (oh, you pretty things)Don’t you know you’re driving your Mamas and Papas insane?Oh, you pretty things (oh, you pretty things)Don’t you know you’re driving your Mamas and Papas insane?Let me make it plainGotta make way for the homo superiorLook out at your childrenSee their faces in golden raysDon’t kid yourself, they belong to youThey’re the start of the coming raceThe Earth is a bitch, we’ve finished our newsHomo Sapiens have outgrown their useAll the strangers came todayAnd it looks as though they’re here to stayOh, you pretty things (oh, you pretty things)Don’t you know you’re driving your Mamas and Papas insane?Oh, you pretty things (oh, you pretty things)Don’t you know you’re driving your Mamas and Papas insane?Let me make it plainGotta make way for the homo superior